Notes from a rare planet: Biodiversity has real economic value

“Preserving or better managing natural environments could have large economic benefits in developing countries as well as provide.”
“Forests, fisheries, coral reefs, bee colonies and other natural assets carry large and unappreciated economic benefits as well as contributing to the diversity of the planet’s plant and animal life, according to a new study from the United Nations Environment Program.”

“With just 3,200 tigers thought to remain in the wild, time is growing short to save the species. Poaching and habitat destruction continue to imperil the tiger, which has undergone an estimated 40 percent drop in its wild population over the last decade and is now perched on the brink of extinction throughout much of its range.”
“Were poaching reined in, enough habitat exists for tigers to increase their numbers nearly 10-fold, some experts suggest.”

“By the year 2100 drought in some regions could be unprecedented in modern times.”
“If the projections in this study come even close to being realized, the consequences for society worldwide will be enormous.”

Here are some ‘Size Matters!’ images from riding around on Abaco Island, The Bahamas.

Rare Dispatches | Rare