| one publication added to basket [9750] | The importance of British Columbia to global biodiversity
Foster, B. (1993). The importance of British Columbia to global biodiversity, in: Fenger, M.A. et al. (Ed.) Our living legacy: Proceedings of a Symposium on Biological Diversity. pp. 65-81
In: Fenger, M.A. et al. (1993). Our living legacy: Proceedings of a Symposium on Biological Diversity. The Royal British Columbia Museum: Victoria. ISBN 0-7718-9355-8. XIII, 392 pp., more
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| Abstract |
The glacial and tectonic events that have occurred in British Columbia have produced a wide range of environments that now support the highest biological diversity in Canada. However, many of B.C.'s animals, plants, and ecosystems are endangered. There are many reasons for maintaining biodiversity, including keeping options open for future generations, and the economic values in everything from mediane to pest control. Provincial biodiversity can be put in a global perspective, and in this paper I examine the success of different countries in protecting their biodiversity resources. The principles relating to the ecology of islands ("island biogeography") may help us measure how we are doing since protected natural areas are often merely "islands" of naturalness in a sea of development. It is also necessary to examine government policies and practices. Maintaining viable representation of different ecotypes is more important than looking at area alone, something not yet being addressed by the B.C. Parks Plan 90 or the B.C. Ministry of Forests Wilderness Strategy . The adversaries of biodiversity include peoples' attitudes (particularly toward consumption) and population growth. We must acknowledge the impact that human disrespect for the planet has had on biodiversity, and focus attention on the fact that biodiversity is our most valuable resource. |
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