This summary describes the biodiversity concept and what it means to Canada; evolutionary perspectives and general concepts; principal land use conflicts; effects of forestry, agriculture, urbanization, and fishing; exotic and expanding species; genetically modified organisms; effects of common pollutants; biodiversity and atmospheric change; the adequacy of the protected areas network; and a socio-economic evaluation.
One of the cornerstones of life's wonders is the vast array of species filling the planet. From plants to animals to humans, there is no shortage of beings to provide 'spice of life' variety is said to be. Periodically, scientists announce the discovery of a 'new' form of life, so it seems as if Earth is capable of producing new species just to keep us on our toes. At times, the immense breadth of living things can even feel overwhelming, as one pauses to ponder how numerically insignificant humans are when compared to the insect population. Given the biological diversity of the planet, it is incumbent upon humans to safeguard the natural beauty of the environment. To that end, conservation takes on special importance, necessitating the balancing of industrial expansion with preserving the flora and fauna surrounding us. This book is an important tool in understanding and researching the many different life forms spanning the globe. Collected here is a substantial and carefully selected listing of relevant literature on biological diversity and its conservation. Following this bibliography are author, title, and subject indexes to allow for further access to this information. The sheer bulk of the works about biological diversity can be so intimidating that a book such as this one becomes useful in sorting through the resources about the importance of life's variety.
This report looks at ways in which tax incentives may help to promote conservation of biological and landscape diversity in Europe. It outlines how tax incentives relate to other conservation policy options (Part I) before describing existing measures in and beyond Europe that directly benefit landholders (Part II) or create an enabling climate for the conservation sector (Part III). Part IV provides some indicators for the design of tax measures. Part V sets out conclusions and provides draft elements for a future recommendation to Council of Europe Member States on the development of fiscal incentive policies to support measures for biodiversity protection.
This report profiles Canada's success in conserving forest biodiversity. It also assesses our progress in meeting commitments under the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy.
Many community groups are eager to take on projects to restore nature & conserve biodiversity. This directory lists organizations, companies, & foundations across Canada which provide funding for nature-based conservation projects. This guide gives an up to date list of programs that are sources of funding for community groups interested in conserving the environment & biodiversity. It gives a short program description, contact information, deadlines & funding information, & sponsors.
The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) brought together almost every country in the world in an effort to have the global community commit itself to the goal of sustainable development. Among its major achievements was Agenda 21, an ambitious plan of action on 39 environment and development issues. The United Nations subsequently created the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) to monitor progress towards achievement of UNCED's goals. This report of Canada to the CSD summarizes the progress, lessons learned, and challenges in achieving the goals of sustainable development. It concentrates on the chapters and themes in Agenda 21 that will be discussed at the next session of the CSD. It attempts to isolate the major trends and themes in Canadian responses to each of those chapters. It also includes short summaries of recent developments in topics related to the sectoral chapters discussed during the latest session of the CSD.
