Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Human Impacts on Biodiversity in our Ecosystems

In our world today, we acknowledge human beings as one of the most dominant creatures. This is because of our ability to greatly impact the things around us and the world in which we currently live. Our world today undergoes a vast amount of changes, however majority of these changes are caused by human impacts. Humans have the capability to positively, and negatively impact our ecosystems.
Today we try to focus on the positive human efforts which have contributed to our developing world. There are currently numerous amounts of environmental organizations in our society and world. Their efforts work in trying to preserve human life and sustain biodiversity within our ecosystems. Biodiversity is essential – for the survival of humans and other species. A Look at two well-known environmental organizations are: The National Wildlife Federation, and The Nature Conservancy. 
 

One of the many organizations which work with environmental issues is the National Wildlife Federation. This organization works in protecting wildlife and habitat within ecosystems. "As the nation's largest conservation organization, NWF and its 4 million supporters are committed to sustaining the nature of America for the benefit of people and wildlife."  (1) NWF focuses on a few very important issues which they are committed to resolve and restore. This includes the protection of wildlife and habitats, restoring health to ecosystems, and inspiring citizens to care and protect the natural heritage. In addition, this organization works in defending endangered species, preventing invasive species, and protecting water resources. NWF puts forth a great effort towards the ecosystems and environments. Through their goals and successful accomplishments, they continue to make a difference in our world today by sustaining the natural wildlife and biodiversity surrounding us. By doing so, we are able to look forward to a brighter future, and healthier more preserved environment.




 
"The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people." (4) This worldwide acknowledged organization works in preserving nature and life. The Nature Conservancy was instituted in 1951, and since then has been committed to saving lands and waters. This organization has accepted success through its many achievements. "We've protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide — and we operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally." (4) They state that it is "who they are" and "how they work" in what makes them successful. All of The Nature Conservancy's efforts are attained through science-based approaches, along with the help of their wide scientist staff. Also, with the partnership of numerous businesses, communities, and governments, the non-profit organization is able to sustain the biodiversity and ecosystems within their reach. However, their goals are not limited; The Nature Conservancy puts forth a full effort in working with the environment and making it the best place possible for humans and other living creatures. Their impacts are acknowledged, and will continue to be supported by many members. 




References: 

1. National Wildlife Federation. "Our Work Protecting Wildlife and Habitat - National Wildlife Federation." Home - National Wildlife Federation. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/What-We-Do.aspx>.


2. "National Wildlife Federation." SourceWatch. Source Watch. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Wildlife_Federation>.


3. Jason D. Van Elst. "National Wildlife Federation (Informational Paper)." Learning to Give. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://learningtogive.org/papers/paper156.html>.


4. "About The Nature Conservancy - Protecting Nature, Preserving Life." The Nature Conservancy - Protecting Nature, Preserving Life. The Nature Conservancy. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.nature.org/aboutus/?src=t5>.


5. "The Nature Conservancy -- Company History." Find Funding with Banks, Investors, and Other Funding Sources | FundingUniverse. International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 28. St. James Press, 1999. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/The-Nature-Conservancy-Company-History.html>.


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