The Importance of Biodiversity:
a Manx perspective
A publication produced by the Manx Wildlife Trust for the general public
Protect
Manx
Biodiversity
Written for the Manx Wildlife Trust
By Pashala Yates
With the assistance of Dawn Dickens, Biodiversity Education Officer
and the Council of the Manx Wildlife Trust
Protecting Manx Wildlife for the future
Coadey Bea-Feie Vannin son y traa ry-heet
The Importance of Biodiversity: a Manx perspective
Published by the Manx Wildlife Trust
Photo credits on cover page (from top left): Gillian Day, Karen Lloyd, Caroline Perry and Phil Roriston, Malcolm Storey, Gillian Day,
JP Trenque, Bob Coyle, Amy Lewis, Amy Lewis, Richard Bowler, Richard Bowler, Jon Hawkins.
© 2016 Manx Wildlife Trust
To obtain copies of this publication or further information, please contact:
Manx Wildlife Trust
7-8 Market Place, Peel IM5 1AB
Isle of Man
www.manxwt.org.uk
Tel: 0044 (01624) 844432
[email protected]
This publication has been created for the sole purpose of public education and raising awareness. This publication may be
reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or nonprofit purposes without special permission from the
copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any
other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the Manx Wildlife Trust. Applications for such
permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the CEO, Manx Wildlife
Trust, 7-8 Market Place, Peel IM5 1AB, Isle of Man.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Manx Wildlife Trust.
The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Manx
Wildlife Trust or cooperating agencies concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or areas or its authority, or
concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
This publication has been peer-reviewed and the information herein is believed to be reliable, but the publisher does not warrant
its completeness or accuracy.
CITATION
Suggested Citation:
Yates, P. and Dickens, D. (2016), The Importance of Biodiversity: a Manx perspective. A publication written for the Manx Wildlife
Trust.
Abbreviations
CBD
Convention on Biological Diversity
INNS
Invasive Non-native Species
UK BAP United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan
3
Contents
What is Biodiversity?........................................................................................5
Why is Biodiversity Important to You?.....................................................6
Human Health and Safety......................................................................................9
Our Economy..............................................................................................................10
Our Culture..................................................................................................................13
Threats to Biodiversity....................................................................................14
Habitat destruction and fragmentation..........................................................15
Invasive non-native species (INNS)..................................................................16
Pollution.......................................................................................................................17
Climate change..........................................................................................................18
Overexploitation or unsustainable use
of natural resources.................................................................................................18
What is Being Done?..........................................................................................19
International efforts.................................................................................................19
Manx efforts.................................................................................................................20
What is Your Role in Protecting Biodiversity?........................................22
References...............................................................................................................24
4
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources... and the
ecological complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity within species, between
species and of ecosystems.
-The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992
Photo courtesy of Vicky Nall
Biodiversity is a common term scientists use to
refer to biological diversity. Well what is biological
diversity? Let’s break it down. Biological refers
to all living organisms- plants and animals alike
(including us) - from all sources, including from
land sources (terrestrial), marine and other aquatic
ecosystems.
example frogs, various insects, and plants all live
in a pond). Lastly, we can even speak of biological
diversity in terms of the diversity of ecosystems.
For example the diversity of the ecosystems on the
Isle of Man, from upland moorlands to flower-rich
meadows to mudflats and maerl beds.
The biodiversity on the Isle of Man is important
Diversity refers to the variety of these organisms. regionally, nationally and even internationally.
Diversity can occur on a species level (for example, Therefore, it is vital we continue to contribute to
the various species of dogs- a Great Dane and a the global effort to conserve biodiversity.
Chihuahua are both from the same species but
have very different characteristics). Diversity can
also exist in the types of species in a given area (for
5
Why is Biodiversity Important to you?
Eelgrass, like other seagrasses, is one of
the most diverse and productive ecosystems in
the world. Seagrasses are often compared to
tropical rainforests, in terms of their economic
and ecological value. Every part of the eelgrass
provides some sort of ecosystem service. The
roots, or rhizomes, grow into the seabed and
help to stabilise the sediment, reducing erosion.
Eelgrass often forms underwater meadows,
which provide habitat for a wide variety of
species. This habitat also forms a “nursery”
or safe place for marine species by providing
food, shelter and protection from predators for
juvenile species of fish and shellfish.
Photo courtesy of Paul Naylor
1. Nature and the ecosystems and 2. Healthy ecosystems provide ‘ecosystem
biological diversity that make it up have services’ which our society depends upon
value just by simply existing.
for our own survival. An ecosystem service
is any positive benefit that wildlife or
The plants and animals that exist today are only ecosystems provide to people.
able to do so after billions of years of adaptation
to be able to survive in their current environments, An ecosystem is the sum of all organisms living and
which is nothing short of amazing! All of these their interactions with each other and with their
species deserve respect or at least consideration particular environment. Having biological diversity
when we encounter them.
is fundamental to the healthy functioning of an
ecosystem (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
Maybe you do not consider yourself a ‘nature lover’ 2005(a), p.81).
so why should you be concerned with biodiversity?
Consider this:
6
You may remember the simple food web or ‘food
chain’ diagram from your primary school science
class. Although these basic food webs are believed
to be oversimplified versions of the real complex
relationships, they are very useful to illustrate the
interdependencies between living organisms in an
ecosystem.
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Within each of
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They are also useful to illustrate how a functioning
ecosystem depends on a range of organisms,
or biological diversity. These organisms support
each other and in turn support and help shape
the natural environment which they inhabit. This
mutual support allows for a healthy functioning
ecosystem, which directly and indirectly supports
human societies. Figure 1. A food web organised as a pyramid, using
examples of wildlife found on the Isle of Man.
Top predators,
also known as quaternary
consumers, generally eat higher level
consumers and typically have few, or no
predators that eat them. Depending on the
ecosystem, higher level consumers may
also be the top predators of their
ecosystem.
Higher level
consumers, also
known as tertiary
consumers are meat eaters
(carnivores). Therefore, they
depend on a healthy population
of the mid level and lower
level consumers to
survive.
Mid level consumers, also known as
secondary consumers eat lower level
consumers AND primary producers.
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Lower leve
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TOP PREDATORS
LOWER LEVEL
DECOMPOSERS
Decomposers eat dead material, for
example of a fallen tree, or dead hawk,
and turn it into nutrients for primary
producers.
Decomposers are usually bacteria, fungi,
and worms on land and underwater.
7
MID LEVEL
HIGHER LEVEL CONSUMERS
PRIMARY PRODUCERS
Organisms that
create their own food are called
primary producers
For example, plants and trees on land
and phytoplankton in the sea
Phytoplankton image courtesy
of Tracey Saxby, Integration
and Application Network,
University of Maryland Center
for Environmental Science (ian.
umces.edu/imagelibrary/).
Peregrine
Falcon
image
courtesy of RSPB.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Figure 2. A diagram showing the direct link between ecosystem services and the benefits they provide us humans.
Courtesy of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, p 20.
Although the links between human health and
ecosystem health may not be obvious at first;
the more you look the more you will find that
the functioning of our society ultimately depends
on healthy and diverse ecosystems. A healthy
ecosystem can provide numerous ‘ecosystem
services’ for our society- services that support and
improve our health, economy, and culture.
Ecosystem services are the sum of all indirect and
direct benefits that people receive from ecosystems.
It is important to note that the true value of our
ecosystems is not easily put into monetary terms.
Not all the ‘services’ that ecosystems provide
are quantifiable or even properly understood by
scientists due to the complexity of the networks
that make up ecosystems. However, it is still a useful
concept to explain how our society is fundamentally
dependent upon the natural environment.
8
It is important also to mention that the natural
environment around us does not simply exist to
meet human needs. Over the past century, some
people have benefitted from over-exploiting these
ecosystem services without considering or caring
for the consequences to the natural environment.
In order for human societies to continue to benefit
from these services, a balance is needed between
environmental conservation, the economy, and
society.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Human Health and Safety
Ecosystems provide many of the basic services that
make life possible for people. Plants clean the air,
produce the oxygen we need to breathe, and filter
water; bacteria decompose wastes; bees pollinate
flowers and the roots of trees stabilize soil to
prevent erosion.
diversity and a potential loss of a new vaccine or
drug.
Biodiversity also makes an ecosystem more
resilient. An ecosystem is resilient if it is able to
withstand stress and repair itself after disturbances.
Examples of stressors, or impacts on environments
In addition to the regulating services (processes that have a direct effect on human security are
that help control natural phenomena) mentioned fires and floods.
above, ecosystems also provide a number of
provisioning services (anything that can be Ecosystems such as mudflats, maerl beds and
extracted from nature).
seagrasses help buffer the coast against storms
and flooding (among other benefits). Floods affect
About 7,000 species of plants and several hundred more people (140 million per year on average)
species of animals have been used for human food than all other natural or technological disasters put
consumption at one time or another (Millennium together (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005,
Ecosystem Assessment 2005(b), p. 31). Biodiversity p. 30). Therefore, by protecting the coast from
in this sense provides a balanced and varied diet, an these hazards, these ecosystems provide more
important component of our health. For example, security to human coastal populations. Habitats,
ecosystems, such as natural springs provide fresh such as peatlands, forests, seagrass beds and kelp
drinking and bathing water. In places where forests also store significant amounts of carbon (the
freshwater is limited, even seawater can be used predominant gas causing increased atmospheric
through filtration facilities using reverse-osmosis temperatures), which can help to mitigate some
to provide fresh water.
of the effects of climate change (discussed below).
However, in order for these ecosystems to be able
Most of the medicines and vaccines that protect to help protect us, we must protect them.
us from disease and lengthen our life span exist
because of invaluable information taken from
research on plant and animal biology and genetics.
Every species that goes extinct is a loss in genetic
Photo taken at Cooildarry nature reserve
9
The Importance of Biodiversity
Our Economy
Figure 3. A pie chart depicting the partial economic value (million GBP/ year) of terrestrial and freshwater
habitats in the Isle of Man. Chart courtesy of Brander and McEvoy 2012.
Up to this point, we have established that our
ecosystems, through their biodiversity, contribute
to our health, our most fundamental necessities,
and at times our safety. We also briefly discussed
that in order for our ecosystems to provide these
‘services’, they must be healthy.
natural gas and oil, all provide us and businesses
with electricity to keep the lights on, connect to
the internet to share ideas, fuel for cars, and more.
Plants can be used to make clothing (e.g. cotton)
and other materials (e.g. paper) to be sold in stores
and meet the needs of businesses.
What you may not have realised, is that our
economy is also dependent upon healthy
functioning ecosystems. A 2012 study estimates
the economic value of the main habitats (not even
including all habitats and their services) on the Isle
of Man to be at minimum £42 million pounds per
year (Brander and McEvoy 2012).
Perhaps the most obvious industry that relies on
biodiversity is the agricultural industry. Farmers rely
directly on biological resources, including crops,
trees on farms and domesticated animals for food
production. Farmers also indirectly rely on other
organisms that we do not eat, but help support the
environment where the crops grow and animals are
raised. For example, various organisms, known as
decomposers, help to recycle nutrients, pollinate
crops, reduce erosion of soils, etc. (see Figure 1).
What is the most basic necessity for a business?
Electricity. Natural resources, such as wood,
Photograph of a Manx Loaghtan Sheep,
courtesy of Pauline Spicer
10
The Importance of Biodiversity
Figure 4. Estimates of the economic value (in thousands of GBP) of caught fisheries in the Isle of
Man. Courtesy of ‘Future Fisheries’, DEFA, p.03.
A significant amount of our local and worldwide
economy is dependent upon wild-caught fisheries.
Sea fishing is worth £13 million (See Figure 4) to the
Manx economy and employs 300 people, with 60+
vessels fishing from the Island and more landing
their catch here on the Isle of Man. Seagrasses serve
as important nursing and spawning grounds for a
number of marine species that are an important as
a food source and for the economy. According to
the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, overfishing
and other destructive fishing practices, have led
to a reduction in the availability of wild-caught
animal protein (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
2005(b), p. 31). The loss of available catch can
translate into not only a loss in food source, but
also a possible loss in jobs for fishermen and other
industry-related careers.
Photo courtesy of JP Trenque
11
Nature-based tourism, also known as ecotourism
is directly dependent upon healthy and functioning
ecosystems. Considering the vast number of unique
and natural spaces, such as the beautiful Glens,
hills and beaches around the Island, eco-tourism
is an important pull factor that brings people to
the island. The money generated from eco-tourism
is an important stimulus not only to companies,
but also to local shops, hotels, taxis that provide
services for tourists.
Basking sharks and Risso’s dolphins, are a few of the
marine species that attract tourists to the Island. The
vast number of natural spaces filled with wildflowers,
such as our Cooildarry nature reserve, also make the
island an attractive place to visit.
Photo courtesy of Tom Marshall
Photo courtesy of Eleanor Stone
The Importance of Biodiversity
Bioprospecting, although less commonly known,
is another activity, which supports our economy
and fundamentally depends upon biodiversity.
Bioprospecting is the exploration of biodiversity for
new biological resources of social and economic
value (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005,
p.273). Bioprospecting supports a number of
industries through the use of biodiversity, either
by providing products directly from nature or using
discoveries from nature as inspiration for products/
technology.
Category
Pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics (e.g.
hair products, deodorants, skin care, fragrances,
etc.), are just a few of the industries that depend on
bioprospecting. Below is a table providing a number
of examples of how biological organisms support
our economic industries. There is much controversy
surrounding bioprospecting because of the lack of
clear rules and guidelines on ownership, access,
benefit sharing and environmental responsibility
(see UNEP, ‘Bioprospecting in the Global Commons:
Legal Issues Brief’). However, if properly regulated,
to ensure both conservation and social goals are
met, then it can achieve multiple goals.
Wildlife
Habitat
Products
Antibiotics
ants, molluscs, plants, bacteria
terrestrial (e.g. temperate and
tropical forests), marine
Fire detection devices
fire beetles
temperate forest
Robotic and aeronautic design
fish, millipedes, bees, dragonflies, all ecosystems
worms
High-strength fibres
spiders, moths
terrestrial
Industries
Biological control, crop protection many different groups
(new developments)
various
Ecological restoration
mostly plants but invertebrates/
microbes being tested
various
Ecotourism
all groups
Pharmaceuticals
many different groups
wide variety of tourism
destinations
various
Table 1. A table providing examples of products and industries that were inspired by or used directly biodiversity.
Adapted from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, p. 275.
12
The Importance of Biodiversity
Our Culture
‘Biodiversity is an important part of the Manx
sense of place. People have lived with, relied
upon and celebrated the Island’s natural
resources for centuries. The wildness of
Mann is an integral part of our folklore and
history, a rich heritage from which we have
benefited.’ (Biodiversity Strategy 2015, p. 15).
The biodiversity that supports the Manx
environment provides a number of
important ‘cultural’ services to the island.
A cultural service is a nonmaterial benefit
that contributes to the development and cultural
advancement of people. One such service is
aesthetic enjoyment- the simple enjoyment we
feel from seeing and experiencing the natural
environment. For some, this experience may even
extend to a spiritual connection with nature.
Perhaps a more obvious service is recreational
activities. For example, playing on the sandy
beaches, walking through the glens and coastal
footpaths, and even camping, quite literally would
not be possible (or at least not nearly as enjoyable)
without the natural environment.
from all different walks of life. Education is a crucial
element for the advancement of our society, by
investing in our environment we are in a sense also
investing in our future generations.
Therefore, the loss of overall biodiversity and the
loss of certain species that our economy relies
on can have a number of negative impacts. Most
notably, biodiversity loss can have cascading
impacts for the food webs discussed above,
including our own!
Ecosystems are more capable of adapting to
changes in the food web when they are more
biologically diverse. So, you may be wondering,
Last and certainly not least, a very important cultural
what can cause the loss of biodiversity? The threats
service provided by biodiversity is education. There
to biodiversity, globally and here on the Island are
is perhaps no better teacher than experience. The
discussed below.
environment around us provides a rich opportunity
to learn through hands-on experience with people
13
The Importance of Biodiversity
Threats to Biodiversity
Wildlife often try to eat
litter or more often get
entangled in it, as seen by
this grey seal with a fishing
net caught around its neck.
Photo courtesy of Tom Marshall
Threats to biodiversity on the Island are essentially any threat to the healthy
functioning of our environment and all of the organisms that inhabit it.
There are several indirect threats to biodiversity, for example, the demand
for food and energy that result from the lifestyle and consumption practices
of our society.
There are also direct threats to biodiversity, many of which you have likely
already heard of:
14
Habitat destruction and fragmentation
As human populations increase, so does their need
for spaces to inhabit. In many instances, natural
habitats may be reduced or entirely replaced in
order to make room for houses, shops, schools
etc. This may result in habitat destruction and
fragmentation, which is perhaps the most common
cause of biodiversity loss. Habitat destruction
occurs when a habitat is completely destroyed
(usually for man-made purposes), for example,
when a forest is cleared for agriculture.
For example, here on the Isle of Man we have a
range of habitats which are small in size, this makes
them doubly vulnerable to changes around them.
Habitat fragmentation occurs when a habitat (the
local environment in which an organism is usually
found) is broken apart into several pieces, or
fragments, such as when roads are built through a
field or forest. The population has been increasing
here on the Island since the 1960s, and although
some of the impacts on biodiversity are mitigated
by the Government’s planning system, there are
In some cases, a habitat may not be completely still some bird and plant species that are recorded
destroyed, but through construction works may be as declining.
rendered too small to be viable for wildlife.
Habitat Destruction
Habitat Fragmentation
From the graphic above you can see in the top image, the woodlands are completely replaced by buildings for a
town; this is known as habitat destruction. However, in the image below the woodlands are fragmented, or split
into multiple pieces, by the housing developments, which is known as habitat fragmentation.
15
The Importance of Biodiversity
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)
compete with our native species for food and space
Another threat to the Island’s biodiversity is and in some cases can replace our native species.
invasive non-native species, also known as invasive Invasive species may also carry diseases, or they
alien species. Non-native species are exactly as may modify the habitat (for example plant eating
they sound- species that have arrived on the species may eat up all the vegetation).
Island (usually through human activities) that are
not native to our land and sea. There are many All of these impacts could lead to the complete
pathways for non-native species to migrate to new change of an ecosystem or the removal of some
or all of native species. The result can be a loss
places.
of the biological diversity of a habitat, which can
The connectivity of the Earth’s oceans make them have devastating impacts on the environment, our
a prime pathway for non-native species. Perhaps economy and human and animal health. The Great
the most common pathways are on ships traveling Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB NNSS)
on international voyages. Non-native species can estimates that the impacts of invasive non-native
easily catch a ride in the ballast water or on the hull species cost £1.7 billion per year in Great Britain
of the ship and be transported all over the world. alone.
In some cases, non-native species were introduced
by people releasing their aquatic pets into the sea. Read more about marine INNS in the Isle of Man
on our website: http://www.manxwt.org.uk/manxSome of these species can peacefully co-exist with wildlife/manx-marine/marine-invasive-non-nativeour endemic, or native species. However, several species
non-native species are invasive and therefore
Photo courtesy of Liz Cook
Photo courtesy of Liz Cook
Oyster Theif (Colpomenia peregrina) is an invasive
brown seaweed that forms an air-filled sack. It can be
found growing on rocks, shells and other seaweeds
in intertidal areas of sheltered shores. This species
reproduces rapidly and outcompetes native species
and is a potential nuisance for acquaculture.
16
Wireweed (Sargassum muticum) is an invasive brown
seaweed found growing on hard surfaces in rock pools
and shallow water all around the Isle of Man. It is a fast
growing species that outcompetes local species and
clogs propellers and harbours.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Pollution
Sewage and run-off from construction sites and
Pollution from various sources is another threat to quarries can also remain suspended in water,
the Island’s biodiversity. Sewage, litter, heavy metal which may block sunlight needed for plants and
and run-off from construction sites and quarries microscopic organisms, such as plankton. A recent
can cause serious damage to terrestrial and marine study, shows that seagrass meadows in Ramsey
Bay and Langness have higher levels of nitrogen
life.
than the global average, most probably caused
Animals often become entangled in litter or mistake by human activities in the area (see Jones and
Unsworth 2015).
it for food, both of which can cause death.
Sewage, heavy metal, and other chemical pollution
can run off into rivers and even the sea, which can
poison marine and freshwater organisms. These
toxins may even accumulate in the fat of these
organisms, which we could then eat and become
ill ourselves.
17
Light pollution from cities can also disrupt the
nocturnal cycles of pollinating moths, bats, and
some birds.
Lastly, perhaps the most obvious is the chemical
pollution released into the air, for example from
production centres and our cars, which can harm
overall environment.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Climate change
of years in order to adapt to their environmental
Climate Change is a complicated issue, which surroundings, including the particular climate they
scientists are still trying to understand. However, live in. Some organisms will not be able to cope
there seems to be general agreement that climate with these changes in the climate and may need to
migrate to a more suitable climate, or may even die
change can pose a serious threat to biodiversity.
out completely.
So, what is climate change? There is growing Overexploitation or unsustainable use
concern around and consensus that the earth’s As mentioned above, many of our food sources,
climate is changing on a global scale. The effects energy sources, and more depend on a variety of
vary across the globe, and what the effects will be wildlife. This however can lead to overexploitation
here on the Island is still uncertain, however data or unsustainable use of natural resources, which
shows that there is an overall trend of warming occurs when natural resources are used faster than
of the atmosphere. Data from the former Port nature can replace them. When populations of
Erin Marine Laboratory and since continued by animals are not able to re-grow, this can eventually
the government shows a significant increase of lead to extinction. Examples of overexploitation
approximately 0.7° Celsius since the 20th century. include for example: unsustainable fishing; bycatch, a process where fish and even marine
This can have devastating impacts on our mammals at times are caught accidentally and then
environment and wildlife. Global impacts that discarded, often resulting in their death; excessive
are already happening and expected to increase dredging, which can destroy habitats for marine
include sea level rise, global rise in temperatures, life; and unsustainable farming. Overexploitation
warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, increase in of natural resources can also disrupt food webs,
extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and which can disrupt the balanced functioning of
more. All life on our planet has evolved over millions ecosystems.
18
The Importance of Biodiversity
What is Being Done?
“You cannot get through a single day without
having an impact on the world around you.
What you do makes a difference, and you
have to decide what kind of difference you
want to make.” —Jane Goodall
We have established that by our very nature,
humans have an impact on the natural surroundings
that they inhabit. We need our ecosystems in
order to survive and therefore it is important to
take action to protect the biodiversity that makes
up these ecosystems and the services we depend
on. It is important that our use of biodiversity on
the Island is done so in a way that is sustainable,
or lasts for a long period of time without running
out. Although there are many threats facing our
biodiversity, fear not! There are positive actions we
and other organisations are taking to protect Manx
biodiversity, and there are ways you can help too!
International Efforts
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a
document created during the 1992 Earth Summit
in Rio de Janeiro and is currently signed and ratified
by 196 countries. Those who signed the CBD
agreed to be bound by the rules contained within.
The United Kingdom has signed this document and
therefore has obligations to follow the provisions
found within.
19
The CBD has three main aims:
1. The conservation of biological diversity
2. The sustainable use of the components of
biological diversity
3. The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
arising out of the utilization of genetic
resources
More information on the CBD can be found on the
CBD website here: https://www.cbd.int/.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP)
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) was
created in 1992 as a means to fulfil the obligations
to protect biodiversity in the UK after signing the
CBD. The UK was the first to create a plan of this
kind, which includes a description of biological
resources in the UK and detailed plans for their
conservation. More information can be found
on the website of the Joint Nature Conservation
Committee: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/ukbap.
Manx Efforts
Manx Wildlife Trust
The Manx Wildlife Trust is the leading nature
conservation charity in the Isle of Man, caring
for land, sea and fresh water environments. Our
island’s wildlife is very precious to us and one of
the key aims of the Manx Wildlife Trust is to protect
it for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
By 2025, the Government aims to manage the The Trust helps to protect biodiversity through one
negative changes that have been occurring in of our main aims, to acquire and manage nature
our native biodiversity in order to minimise loss; reserves and safe sites for wildlife, conserving
maintain and, where necessary, restore or enhance some of the best habitats and species on the island.
native biodiversity; and actively engage members However, there are also a number of other ways we
of Manx society to increase their understanding, work to conserve biodiversity on the Isle of Man:
appreciation, and efforts in safeguarding
• The continued management and preservation
biodiversity.
of 23 nature reserves
•
Active education outreach for both children
To achieve these aims the Biodiversity Strategy
and adults
has seven strategic objectives and forty-six
corresponding ‘Strategic Actions’ in order to fulfil • Raising awareness of the presence of,
importance of, and human impacts on the
these aims. By April 2016, the government aims
Island’s wildlife and natural environment
to produce the Delivery Plan, which shall include
•
Ecological consultancy
the specific tasks needed to achieve the seven
objectives to reduce biodiversity loss on the Island. • Environmental restoration
• Data collection
The full report can be downloaded from the • Scientific research, and much more!
Government’s website here: https://www.gov.im/
categories/the-environment-and-greener-living/
biodiversity-strategy-and-delivery-plan.
The Isle of Man Biodiversity Strategy
In 2012, the CBD was extended to the Isle of Man
through the United Kingdom. To align with its newly
acquired responsibilities towards biodiversity, the
Isle of Man Government has created, in October
2015, the first ever Isle of Man Biodiversity Strategy.
Restoring habitats, such
as the bog recreation carried out at
Close Sartfield nature reserve, which has
allowed for early marsh orchids to grow
again.
Engaging the community
Volunteers completed approximately
2500 hours of practical work on the nature
reserves in 2015.
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The ivy-leaved bellflower
was recorded at Close Sartfield
in 2008; this is one of the only two sites
where this flower has been seen on the
Island.
Providing Education
In 2015 alone , 9510 people have been
reached, 187 events have been held
385 hours of contact time with groups of
all ages
Monitoring wildlife populations
For example the annual seal pup surveys and
small shark tagging programmes.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Other Isle of Man Achievements thus far
According to the Biodiversity Strategy, examples of measures that have already been introduced include:
1990
19912000
1993
20022014
2008
2000
2011
2011
2012
Passing of the Wildlife Act 1990
introducing
statutory
nature
conservation functions.
Mapping land habitats and land use.
Passing the Water Pollution Act 1993.
Designing and implementing a pilot Agri-environment
Scheme for farmers (2002-2014).
Mapping of seabed habitats (2008).
Initiating a network of protected areas (21 sites since 2000, covering
4.5% of our land) including the Ayres National Nature Reserve, and
where appropriate negotiating management agreements.
Establishing Marine Protected Areas covering more than 3% of our
territorial sea, including the first Marine Nature Reserve at Ramsey Bay,
now an internationally recognised marine reserve under OSPAR.
Establishing significant fisheries conservation areas, bringing in further sustainable
management rules, thus enabling the Marine Stewardship Council accreditation
of the Manx Queen scallop fishery.
Creating a single biological records database for the Isle of Man.
There are numerous organisations involved in these efforts and the continuance
of these efforts is essential for protecting biodiversity on the Isle of Man.
However, there are also a number of ways you can get involved to help protect
biodiversity and spread the word.
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The Importance of Biodiversity
What is Your Role
in Protecting Biodiversity?
“The environment is where we all meet;
where all have a mutual interest;
it is the one thing all of us share.”
—Lady Bird Johnson
Most people are not actively trying to harm biodiversity, but it is often difficult to see the connections
between what we do and the corresponding effects on the environment. You can measure your
environmental impact, or environmental ‘footprint’ on the planet using handy calculators such as this
one, created by the WWF. There are ways you can help reduce your impact and proactive measures you
can take to help protect biodiversity on the Isle of Man.
Habitat and wildlife
4. Get involved with Manx Wildlife Trusts’ weekly
muckers (or other organisations) who work
together to restore and maintain our nature
reserves, which serve as a safe habitat for
wildlife.
1. Help identify invasive species around the Island.
Any sightings reported to our Marine Officer at
[email protected] are greatly appreciated.
Invasive Non-Native Species Identifications
5. Save our forests by buying wood and wood
Guides, with pictures and information about
products that come from sustainable sources
each species, can be collected from our offices,
and reduce your use of paper, even switch to
free of charge for your personal use.
using recycled paper- Using 100% recycled
paper saves 24 trees per tonne of paper.
2. Grow plants native to the Isle of Man in your
garden. Contact our Reserves Officer, for Yellow
Iris plants for sale at [email protected].
3. Reduce your use of fertilizers and pesticides,
especially slug pellets, when treating your
garden. These chemicals often runoff into rivers
and streams and can harm wildlife living there.
22
Support Manx Wildlife Trust
Join Us
Food and the choices we make
6. Visit a local Farmer’s market. Farmers usually
grow local varieties of fruits and vegetables
that you often will not find in the supermarket.
7. Reduce waste, recycle rubbish, and use
environmentally friendly cleaning products to
protect wildlife and their habitats.
8. Conserve energy in your home by buying
energy efficient light bulbs and by turning off
the lights, wall plugs, and heaters when you
leave a room.
9. Reduce single-person car use; carpool, use
public transport, bicycle, or walk if you can.
Increase your own knowledge and spread
• There are four civic amenity sites on the awareness
Island, where you can take various types of
waste to be recycled.
10.Follow news sites and environmental
organisations to learn more about wildlife and
• There are over 60 locations on the Island
the environment.
where you can recycle glass bottles/jars,
cans, paper, clothing & batteries.
11.Give a presentation at your school, office, or
• In Braddan and Douglas recyclables, such
club about biological diversity.
as paper, glass bottles and jars, food, drinks
cans, aluminium foil and plastic bottles are
collected from your kerbside fortnightly.
• For more information see: https://www.
gov.im/categories/the-environmentand-greener-living/recycling/recyclinglocations/
Perhaps the most important way you can help,
is by getting outside and
enjoying the Island’s natural spaces!
Remember, we’re all in this together!
Support Manx Wildlife Trust
Join Us
Photo taken at Close Sartfield nature reserve
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The Importance of Biodiversity
References
Brander, L. and McEvoy, P. (2012). ‘The economic value of ecosystem services from the terrestrial habitats
of the Isle of Man’. Unpublished report to Isle of Man Government.
Charter, L and Brown, B (2015-2025), Managing our Natural Wealth, The Isle of Man’s First Biodiversity
Strategy, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, GD No. 2015/0049.
Chivian, E and Bernstein, A (n.d.) How our Health Ultimately Depends on Biodiversity, Center for Health
and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School.
David Ainsworth, et al. (2013) The Youth Guide to Biodiversity (1st edn.), Youth and United Nations
Global Alliance Learning and Action Series.
European Commission, ‘What is Biodiversity?’ access available at <http://ec.europa.eu/environment/
nature/biodiversity/intro/index_en.htm>.
‘Future Fisheries: A five year strategy for the sustainable development of the Isle of Man’s sea fisheries
and marine environment’ (2016-2021), Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, Isle of Man
Government, access available <https://www.gov.im/news/2015/nov/13/blueprint-for-growth-of-13million-industry/>.
Jones, BL and Unsworth, RKF (2015), ‘The perilous state of seagrass meadows in the British Isles’ Royal
Society Open Science, vol. 3, <http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.150596 >.
Karin Timmermans, (2001) ‘Trips, CBD and Traditional Medicines: Concepts and Questions’. Report of
an ASEAN Workshop on the TRIPS Agreement and Traditional Medicine, Jakarta, February 2001, access
available at <http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh2996e/6.3.html>.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005(a) ‘Chapter 4: Biodiversity’. World Resources Institute,
Washington, DC.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) (b) Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Biodiversity Synthesis.
World Resources Institute, Washington, DC.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) (c) ‘Chapter 10: New Products and Industry from Biodiversity’.
World Resources Institute, Washington, DC.
National Wildlife Federation, ‘What is Biodiversity?’ access available at <http://nwf.org/Wildlife/WildlifeConservation/Biodiversity.aspx>.
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National Wildlife Federation, ‘Ecosystem Services’ access available at <http://nwf.org/Wildlife/WildlifeConservation/Ecosystem-Services.aspx>.
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2006) Global Biodiversity Outlook 2. Montreal.
UNEP (2006), Challenges to International Waters – Regional Assessments in a Global Perspective.
United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
UNEP (n.d.), ‘Bioprospecting in the Global Commons: Legal Issues Brief’, access available at <http://
www.unep.org/delc/Portals/119/Biosprecting-Issuepaper.pdf >.
http://climate.nasa.gov/
http://www.globalissues.org/article/172/climate-change-affects-biodiversity
http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/biodiversity/biodiversity.html
https://www.cbd.int/agro/whatis.shtml
For more information on biodiversity and the work of the Manx Wildlife Trust in general,
please visit our website at <http://www.manxwt.org.uk/>.
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The Importance of Biodiversity