Rucete ✏ Campbell Biology In a Nutshell
Unit 8 ECOLOGY — Concept 56.5 Sustainable Development Can Improve Human Lives While Conserving Biodiversity
As global biodiversity declines, conservation biologists promote sustainable development—a strategy that seeks to improve human well-being without compromising nature. This approach integrates ecology with economics, ethics, and culture to ensure a livable future for both people and ecosystems.
1. What Is Sustainable Development?
- Economic development that meets present needs without limiting future generations
- Requires understanding biosphere interconnections
- Encourages decisions based on ecosystem services and long-term environmental costs
2. Ecological and Social Integration
- Sustainability merges:
- Life sciences (e.g., ecology, biology)
- Social sciences and humanities (e.g., economics, ethics, culture)
- Calls for a reassessment of values, especially in countries with large ecological footprints
- Aims to preserve ecosystem function while improving quality of life
3. Case Study: Costa Rica
- Conservation success via collaboration among:
- Government, NGOs, and private citizens
- Private reserves now recognized with official wildlife status and tax incentives
- Social benefits included:
- Infant mortality: dropped from 170 (1930) to 9 (2010) per 1,000 births
- Life expectancy: rose from ~43 to 79 years
- Literacy rate: 96% (vs. 82% regional average)
- Conclusion: Nature and people can thrive together under sustainable policy
4. The Role of Biophilia
- Biophilia: innate human connection to nature
- Visible in history (cave art) and modern behavior
- Fuels respect, stewardship, and conservation
- Biology’s mission: explore, understand, and honor life
In a Nutshell
Sustainable development offers a hopeful path forward—one that prioritizes both people and the planet. It requires interdisciplinary solutions, respect for biodiversity, and long-term thinking. By understanding nature and embracing our evolutionary connection to it, we can shape a future that honors life and supports generations to come.