What Is Overexploitation and How Does It Affect Biodiversity?
What Is Overexploitation and How Does It Affect Biodiversity? Defenders of Wildlife
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What is overexploitation?
Thousands of species are at risk of extinction due to overexploitation, such as when actions like hunting, fishing, poaching, or logging exceed the species’ population’s ability to replenish itself. Plants and animals are regularly exploited for building materials, the fur trade, exotic pets, and food. To do better, we must advocate for stronger domestic and international policies with adequate enforcement.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the varieties of life that coexist in an ecosystem. At Defenders of Wildlife, we believe it’s crucial to conserve the close ecological relationship that benefits all life. This is why we are devoted to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.
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Joe Quinn / Alamy Stock Photo
Overexploitation of species
The overhunting or overharvesting of species has exacerbated these once healthy populations into or near extinction. Some examples of overexploitation are:
- Industrialized fishing
- Animals hunted for trade or sport
- Animals sold into the pet trade
- Logging mature natural forests
- Excessive plant harvest (e.g., ginseng, orchids, cacti and succulents)
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article, such as overexploitation of species and resources and the negative effects on biodiversity, are connected to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.
Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
- Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.
The article emphasizes the need to take action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt biodiversity loss, and protect threatened species. It also highlights the importance of integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning and development processes.
Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
- Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
The article mentions the concept of species being at risk of extinction, which can be measured using the Red List Index. It also implies the need to track progress towards national targets for biodiversity conservation, which can be measured using Indicator 15.9.1.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts. | Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: defenders.org
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