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The global response to HIPPOC has been the promotion of sustainable development, defined by the OBS as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
But what does that mean, in a practical sense? One way is to link biodiversity to sustainable development through the concept of “sustainable use: the use of components of biodiversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to their long-term decline, thereby maintaining the potential for future generations to meet their needs and aspirations” (OBS, 2005). We don't want to lose species because it will eventually degrade our natural capital, and any reduction in ecological services is a sure sign that biodiversity is eroding.
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| Blue-Ringed Dancer (Argia sedula) |
The loss of a single species is not “the end of the world as we know it,” but cumulatively it may be. Losing species destabilizes ecosystems and weakens their ability to deal with natural disasters such as floods, droughts and fire and with human-caused stresses such as pollution and climate change. The precautionary principle states, when in doubt do no harm. In this case, stopping all species loss where possible is probably the best rule of thumb.
Photography
Colin Jones
