Big picture: Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high species richness and endemism that are under significant threat. They are a priority for global conservation.
- Biodiversity hotspot
- A region that contains at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species (0.5% of global total) and has lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
- Key Biodiversity Area (KBA)
- A site that contributes significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity, identified using standardised criteria.
- Endemic species
- A species that is found naturally in only one specific geographic area and nowhere else in the world.
Key facts about biodiversity hotspots
- 36 recognised biodiversity hotspots worldwide
- Cover only 2.5% of Earth's land surface
- Home to more than 50% of the world's plant species as endemics
- Home to approximately 43% of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as endemics
- Examples: Tropical Andes, Mediterranean Basin, Sundaland, Madagascar
Land-use conflicts
- Agricultural expansion into hotspot areas
- Urban development and infrastructure projects
- Tourism development degrading sensitive habitats
- Competing claims between conservation and development
Resource extraction conflicts
- Mining and drilling in biodiversity-rich areas
- Logging of tropical forests
- Overfishing in marine KBAs
- Water diversion affecting freshwater ecosystems
Socio-economic pressures
- Poverty driving unsustainable resource use
- Population growth increasing demand on land
- Lack of alternative livelihoods for local communities
- Inequality between those who benefit from conservation and those who bear costs
IB exam tip: Use specific case studies when discussing conflicts — e.g., palm oil plantations in Sundaland, mining in the Cerrado, or logging in the Congo Basin.
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Key concept: Indigenous communities play a vital role in biodiversity conservation. Indigenous-managed lands have been shown to contain higher biodiversity levels than many government-protected areas.
Value of indigenous land management
- Deep ecological knowledge passed down through generations
- Sustainable harvesting practices that maintain ecosystem balance
- Fire management techniques that promote biodiversity
- Spiritual and cultural connections that motivate conservation
- Low-impact land use compared to industrial alternatives
Challenges faced by indigenous land managers
- Land dispossession and forced displacement
- Encroachment by extractive industries
- Climate change altering traditional ecosystems
- Limited access to political decision-making processes
- Lack of legal recognition of land rights
Environmental justice principles in conservation
- Addressing historical injustices — land taken from indigenous peoples for parks
- Promoting equitable participation in conservation planning
- Preventing green colonialism — ensuring conservation does not displace communities
- Upholding the right to nature — all people deserve access to healthy ecosystems
- Benefit-sharing from conservation activities (e.g., ecotourism revenue)
IB exam tip: Be ready to evaluate conservation approaches from an environmental justice perspective — who benefits, who bears costs, and whose voices are heard in decision-making.