Preventing Biodiversity Reduction in the Coastal Zone - Essay Example

? Preventing Biodiversity Reduction in the Coastal Zone Preventing Biodiversity Reduction in the Coastal Zone Introduction Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the richness of living things in a particular ecosystem (Ecological Society 1997). It also refers to the broad variation of the “microorganisms, plants, fungi, and animals” as well as the “richness of species of living organisms” (Ecological Society 1997, p.1). The varied organisms and species interact and are interrelated with each other. Biodiversity have three levels - genetic diversity (i.e. diversity of genes within a species and between species), species diversity (refers to the differences in populations within a species, between populations, and between the various species), and ecosystem diversity (refers to the various habitats, biological communities and ecological systems; also denotes differences within ecosystems) (Ecological Society 1997). An ecosystem remains stable and balanced due to the variety and richness of organisms and species. The relationship of the varied species within an ecosystem has been well documented that destruction or extinction of one species may affect other living things, which may even lead to the extinction of the other species in the ecosystem. Thus, preserving and protecting one species in a particular area is similarly protecting the rest of the species. This is equally true to land-based species and sea and coastal creatures. Biodiversity denotes ecosystem balance and survival of the species within the system. Degradation in Biodiversity Generally, the ecosystem remains balanced in its usual natural course. The imbalance occurs when outside elements interfere with the usual processes. Man has interfered with the natural ecosystem for a long time. One form of invasion is by establishing habitation in the coastal areas (Water ecology 2009). It is reported that an estimated two-thirds of the total population lives near or along the coasts (Water ecology 2009). In fact, wetlands and some coastal areas are being dried by people in order to reclaim land for urban expansion (Water ecology 2009). The wetlands are also converted for farming, mining, gas and oil extraction, and highways for land transportation (Water ecology 2009). Sewage run-off and toxic contaminants (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals) are passed to coastal zones that become concentrated over a period of time (Water ecology 2009). These chemicals threaten aquatic life and biodiversity. Over-fishing of a certain species without proper regulation likewise degrades biodiversity (Water ecology 2009). The coral reefs, that comprise a great number of plants and animals, are important in the coastal ecosystem balance. Ten percent of the coral reefs worldwide are being destroyed by human beings and only half of the countries around the world are capable of protecting them due to the expense that it entails (Water ecology 2009). According to Island Resources Foundation (1996), tourism has a greater indirect contribution to the degradation of coastal waters in terms of oil, fertilizer and pesticide pollution. The foundation’s report cited the US Virgin Islands waters that received oil spills from motorized vessels such as yacht, ferry and cruise ship (Island Resources Foundation 1996). In the Sarasota Bay and the Corpus Christy National Estuary Program assessments, the care practices for golf courses and condominium resorts release nitrate and phosphate to the waters during runoff of storm water (Sarasota, 1993, cited in Island Resources Foundation 1996). It was also reported that the top 20 percent of countries that depend on tourism (e.g. Cayman Islands, Northern Netherlands Antilles, Anguilla, etc.) suffered environmental degradation that include reef, mangrove and related ecosystem damages (e.g. damage caused by anchors, clearing of mangrove, use of dynamite, littering, etc.) (Hoagland, et al. 1995, cited in Island Resources Foundation 1996). An alteration in the coastal zone such as construction of piers and wharves which are considered “minor” have “cumulative effects” that “increase susceptibility to natural hazards” (Island Resources Foundation 1996, p. 11). Tourist areas also have increased solid wastes accumulation that the hosts cannot support and manage efficiently (Island Resources Foundation 1996). There are also fishing methods that destroy life in the coastal zones (USAID Environment 2007), especially the coral reefs. According to the Ecological Society of America, degradation and reduction in biodiversity are caused by loss or destruction of the habitat (due to activities of man and increase in human population), changing the ecosystem, introduction of a species not integral or inherent in the ecosystem, excessive exploitation, pollution and contamination caused by humans, and climate change that modifies the condition in the ecosystem (Ecological Society 1997). Preventing Biodiversity Reduction in Coastal Zone The coastal zone is one ecosystem that comprises a rich collection of diverse life forms. It only comprises 10 percent of the total ocean territory but it contains 90 percent of all sea creatures (Water ecology 2009). It was reported by the European Union that eight areas (from its list of 40 prime habitats) where wild plants and animals thrive are coastal areas (Biodiversity and ICZM n.d.). Moreover, about one-third of the wetlands in the EU lie on coastal areas. Of the estimated 22,000 species of fish, around 50 percent thrives exclusively in the coastal zone (Ray 1996). The coastal zone may or may not include the coastal ocean (Gattuso et al. 2010). But usually, the coastal ocean is included in the coastal zone together with the adjoining land that interacts with the waters (Gattuso et al. 2010). The global ocean, on the other hand, includes the coastal ocean (the portion where the biological, physical and biogeochemical systems are immediately influenced by land) (Gattuso et al. 2010). The coastal zone is divided into different life zones, that include the estuary (an enclosed area where water from the sea mixes with fresh water from inland tributaries), and coastal wetland (covered by saltwater throughout or some part of the year) (Water ecology 2009). Wetlands maintain the quality of coastal water by sifting the “pollutants and nutrients” (Water ecology 2009, para. 10). Bays and lagoons are part of the coastal wetland, as well as swamps (with too much silt and found in tropical coasts) (Water ecology 2009). The biodiversity in wetlands, with around 2,000 species, consists not only of water creatures but also birds and plants (Water ecology 2009). These creatures that live within the ecosystem thrive dependently with one another, that a reduction or extinction of the other species can affect the others. Figure I Extent of Coastal Zone (Source: University of Liverpool, cited in Gattuso et al. 2010) Coastal zones are continually exposed to pressures from humans and natural forces (Biodiversity and ICZM n.d.). Humans have the greater duty to protect the species in order to prevent reduction of biodiversity. While man may not have the total control in the reduction of species, especially when the cause is climate change, man can mitigate the effects by doing some changes in practices and by enforcing protective laws. Some sea life forms reproduce only at specific seasons during the year, so they must not be fished or harvested during the spawning period. There are species which are already endangered and are at the critical stage, and therefore must be protected. Figure II Overview of Oceanic Life Zones (Source: Water ecology 2009) USAID Environment (2007) mentioned that protection of the coastal areas are critical elements in the sustainability of the coastal resources, from which people depend for livelihood and food requirements, to maintain biodiversity. Protection, conservation and prevention in the reduction of biodiversity rest primarily with the government, both national and local. The government has to issue laws and rules and regulations that would promote conservation of the ecosystem of the coastal area. The threats to biodiversity reduction should also be identified and determine the process by which they reduce biodiversity. Having identified them, the threats should be mitigated (USAID Environment 2007) if not completely eradicated. The government should police the areas concerned by providing sufficient manpower to patrol them. This should be a continuous and regular effort since people who have less concern for the ecosystem balance and biodiversity would always be around to exploit and abuse the natural resources. The government can also pass laws that would declare some sections in the coastal areas, which are in a critical stage in terms of biodiversity, as a reservation or a protected area. This way, the government may strictly enforce protection of the creatures in the area. Violation of the law may entail a fine or imprisonment depending on the gravity of the offense. The management of protected coastal areas should be strengthened (USAID Environment 2007). It should be noted, however, that many protected areas are also tourist attractions and invite people for visitation (Island Resources Foundation 1996). The government as well as concerned private institutions may work hand in hand to prevent human encroachment upon protected coastal areas. A comprehensive plan though is necessary to fully implement encroachment ban since this policy will surely affect the livelihood and food sources of people. The people should be provided diverse employment opportunities (USAID Environment 2007) to supplement the decline in income that may result from the enforcement of encroachment ban in protected areas. Enforcement of strict measures to better manage and maintain the coastal zone would affect the livelihood of people. Tourism and fisheries must be sustainable (USAID Environment 2007) with regard to biodiversity. The sources of land-based pollution should be reduced (USAID Environment 2007). There should also be a more efficient management of the coastal watershed with the participation of stakeholders from both the government and the private sector (USAID Environment 2007). International trade is part of continued economic growth, but it also has destructive impact upon the coastal zones. Thus, the destructive practices and impacts of international trade should be reduced (USAID Environment 2007). An inventory of all species in a particular biogeographic area is “virtually impossible” (Ray 1996, p. 50) but efforts must be made to monitor the number of species and determine if they are dwindling. Another important approach is changing the mindset of people toward ecosystem and biodiversity. They should be more aware of the importance of biodiversity and the effect of human activities upon its reduction. Thus, both the government and concerned private organizations must continually engage in information dissemination so that people will understand their role in keeping coastal biodiversity in equilibrium. Since ownership and human activities in the coastal zones are varied, a unified management approach must be implemented to properly allocate coastal resources and prevent species reduction and environmental decline (Biodiversity and ICZM n.d.). Conclusion The coastal zone is one ecosystem that contains a rich diversity of life forms. It serves a broad range of purposes, including the protection of the coastal land from floods and erosion during storms in the case of wetlands; sifting out of pollutants (Water ecology 2009); and food source for humans and other living things. In the past, people carelessly exploit the natural resources in coastal zones without any regard to ecological balance. However, there are already groups and concerned individuals who push for the protection of the environment. Scientists, scholars and academicians also present their studies on the future outcome in case an imbalance in the system occurs due to over-exploitation and abuse of the species in coastal areas. Designating certain zones as protected areas by the government is a positive move to prevent reduction of biodiversity. Protected areas, however, are also utilized as tourist attractions. As tourist destinations, they provide additional income to the local community. They also serve as live showcase of biodiversity for students, researchers and environmental tourists to witness first-hand the interaction and relationship of the different creatures. But when people enter these protected sanctuaries, a strict set of guidelines must be implemented so that solid waste and toxic chemicals will not be left in the areas, or that alternation of the environment or ecosystem is made. A strong political will from the government is necessary to prevent reduction of biodiversity. A strong public and private sector partnership is also important for a more vigorous protection of the environment. This matter should be everyone’s concern because ultimately, an imbalance in the ecosystem caused by reduction in biodiversity will affect human beings sooner or later. References Biodiversity and ICZM, n.d. Biodiversity. . [Accessed 27 March 2011]. Ecological Society of America, 1997 Fall. Biodiversity. . [Accessed 27 March 2011]. Gattuso JP, Smith SV & Hogan CM, 2010 November 13. Coastal zone. The Encyclopedia of Earth. . [Accessed 27 March 2011]. Island Resources Foundation, 1996 December. Tourism and Coastal Resources Degradation in the Wider Caribbean. A Study for the United Nations Environment Programme Caribbean Environment Programme Regional Coordinating Unit, Kingston, Jamaica. . [Accessed 28 March 2011]. Ray GC, 1996. ‘Biodiversity implications is biogeography: For conservation,’ Oceanography, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 50-59. . [Accessed 29 March 2011]. USAID Environment, 2007 February 26. Promoting marine and coastal protected areas for sound development and biodiversity conservation. . [Accessed 27 March 2011]. Water ecology FAQ frequently asked questions, 2009. Lenntech. Lenntech Water treatment & purification. . [Accessed 27 March 2011]. Read More