Entomological Research in Wisconsin Wetlands and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Focused Study on Wetland Insect Ecology and Biodiversity

Research conducted by Ann Marsh, a doctoral candidate in entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is providing critical insights into the biodiversity and ecological functions of wetland insects. This work directly addresses several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing the knowledge base required for conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.

• Primary Research Focus: The study centers on the taxonomy and systematics of wetland insects, particularly the under-researched Staphylinidae family.
• Ecological Significance: These insects, typically 2 to 4 millimeters in size, are vital decomposers that break down organic matter, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling within wetland ecosystems.
• Researcher Motivation: The research is driven by a career change following a personal incident, leading to a 26-year transition from retail to dedicated scientific inquiry in entomology.

Advancing SDG 15: Life on Land

The research makes a significant contribution to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss. By systematically documenting insect life, the study provides foundational data for conservation policy and action.

1. Addressing Knowledge Gaps: Prior to 1997, Wisconsin’s insect populations had not been systematically surveyed. This research helps fill that critical gap, noting that the state is home to an estimated 20 to 30 percent of all insect species found in Canada and the United States.
2. Documenting Ecosystem Services: The study highlights the specific functions of key species that support ecosystem health.
   • The burying beetle provides an example of advanced ecological roles, including parental care and the efficient recycling of carcasses, which returns nutrients to the soil and prevents the spread of decay.
   • The Conopidae fly demonstrates complex parasitic relationships that regulate the populations of other species, such as hornets, contributing to ecological balance.
3. Conservation Imperative: By categorizing species based on detailed morphological characteristics, the research provides the taxonomic foundation necessary to identify and protect vulnerable populations, thereby helping to halt biodiversity loss.

Supporting Water-Related Goals: SDG 6 and SDG 14

The health of wetland ecosystems is intrinsically linked to water quality and the preservation of aquatic life, aligning the research with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

• Natural Water Purification: The decomposition of leaf litter and other organic materials by insects prevents the clogging of waterways and the degradation of water quality in marshes and bogs.
• Ecosystem Stability: Healthy insect populations maintain the functional integrity of wetlands, which serve as natural filters for freshwater systems. This research underscores the importance of conserving these “good guys” to maintain the services that support both terrestrial and aquatic life.

Contributions to SDG 4: Quality Education and Scientific Outreach

The project also supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing scientific knowledge at the post-graduate level and disseminating that information to the public.

• Advancement of Scientific Knowledge: The doctoral research contributes new data and understanding to the field of entomology.
• Public Engagement: Findings are shared through public forums, such as the Wisconsin Insect Fest. A scheduled presentation, “Sex, Violence and Deception: The Hidden World of Wetland Insects,” aims to educate the public on the value and complex behaviors of these organisms.

Conclusion: The Importance of Foundational Research for Sustainable Development

Despite challenging field conditions, including severe mosquito populations, this entomological research is essential for building a comprehensive understanding of wetland ecosystems. The study demonstrates that documenting and understanding the role of often-overlooked species is fundamental to achieving global sustainability targets. By revealing the critical functions of these insects, the research reinforces their value and the urgent need for their conservation to support biodiversity, clean water, and an educated public, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article’s central theme is the study of wetland insects and their crucial role in the ecosystem. This directly relates to protecting and understanding terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. Ann Marsh’s work focuses on insects in “Wisconsin’s wetlands,” which are vital habitats.
• The research into taxonomy and systematics (“categorizes insects,” “divides them into species”) is fundamental to assessing and conserving biodiversity, a key component of SDG 15.
• The article emphasizes the ecosystem services provided by these insects, stating they “help break down organic matter” and without them, “the marshes and bogs would be covered in leaf litter.” This highlights the goal of halting biodiversity loss to maintain ecosystem health and services.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• The article profiles Ann Marsh, a “University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student” who is “pursuing a doctorate in entomology.” This exemplifies the pursuit of higher education and specialized scientific skills.
• Marsh’s public outreach, such as “giving a talk at the Wisconsin Insect Fest,” is an effort to educate the public and “help people better understand the value wetland insects bring to the ecosystem.” This aligns with promoting lifelong learning and education for sustainable development.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• The research is explicitly set in “wetlands,” “bogs and marshes.” These ecosystems are critical for maintaining water quality and hydrological cycles. By studying the health of these ecosystems, Marsh’s work contributes to the knowledge base needed for their protection, which is a component of SDG 6. The insects’ role in decomposition prevents the accumulation of litter that could negatively impact the water systems within these bogs and marshes.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 15: Life on Land

1. Target 15.1: “By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands…” The article’s focus on studying insects in “Wisconsin’s wetlands” and understanding their role as “composting bugs” directly supports the conservation and understanding of wetland ecosystems and their services.
2. Target 15.5: “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.” The article notes that wetland insects are “under-researched” and that Wisconsin’s insects had not been “systematically surveyed” before 1997. Marsh’s work in taxonomy is a foundational action to identify and understand insect biodiversity, which is a prerequisite for halting its loss.

SDG 4: Quality Education

1. Target 4.4: “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.” Ann Marsh’s story of leaving a retail career to pursue a “doctorate in entomology” and work in “insect labs” is a direct example of an adult acquiring highly specialized scientific skills for a new career path.
2. Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…” Marsh’s public talk at the “Wisconsin Insect Fest” is designed to “help people better understand the value wetland insects bring to the ecosystem,” which is a form of education for sustainable development by promoting an appreciation for biodiversity.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

1. Target 6.6: “By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.” The research contributes directly to the knowledge base required to protect wetland ecosystems. Understanding the role of insects in maintaining the health of “marshes and bogs” is essential for any effort to protect or restore these vital water-related ecosystems.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Implied Indicator: Number of species cataloged and surveyed. The article states that “prior to 1997, Wisconsin’s insects had never been systematically surveyed” and that Marsh’s work involves categorizing insects into species. Progress can be measured by the number of insect species identified and documented in Wisconsin’s wetlands.
• Implied Indicator: Assessment of ecosystem health. The article implies that a healthy ecosystem has efficient decomposition, noting that without these insects, “marshes and bogs would be covered in leaf litter.” The rate of organic matter decomposition or the amount of accumulated leaf litter could serve as an indicator of the health of the decomposer insect population and the wetland ecosystem.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Implied Indicator: Number of students in advanced environmental science programs. Ann Marsh being a “University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student” pursuing a doctorate in entomology implies that the number of individuals pursuing higher education in fields related to biodiversity and ecosystem management can be a measure of progress.
• Implied Indicator: Participation in public environmental education. The mention of the “Wisconsin Insect Fest” and Marsh’s talk implies that the number of public outreach events and the number of attendees can be used as an indicator for measuring public engagement and education on sustainability topics.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Implied Indicator: Knowledge base for ecosystem protection. The article highlights that wetland insects are “under-researched.” The volume and scope of scientific research (e.g., number of studies, dissertations) on wetland biodiversity, like Marsh’s, can serve as an indicator of the growing knowledge base needed to inform the protection of water-related ecosystems.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wpr.org