Biodiversity
Books
Biodiversity: An introduction (2004). This concise introductory text provides a complete overview of biodiversity – what it is, how it arose, its distribution, why it is important, human impact upon it, and what should be done to maintain it. Available at Hartley library – QH 75 GAS. 4 copies available
World Atlas of Biodiversity (2002) Brian Groombridge. Available at Southampton City Library (NOT university library). Reference only. Google Books preview available here.
Online lecture
Yale lectures on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). This includes a lecture on ‘Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Ecosystems Services’
International Working Groups
Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services (IPBES) – a newly established intergovernmental body for assessing the state of the planet’s biodiversity, its ecosystems and the essential services they provide to society. The first meeting of IPBES took place on 27 Jan 2013. A news article outlining its areas of work and the state of the world’s biodiversity and ecosystem services can be found here. In particular see Notes for editors.
Convention on Biological Diversity. 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties was held in 2010. There is a strategic plan for biodiversity 2011-2020
International Union for Conservation of Nature – helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges
Reports
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) (2001-2005) assessed the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being. The findings provide a state-of-the-art scientific appraisal of the condition and trends in the world’s ecosystems and the services they provide. The MEA defined the term ‘ecosystem services’ as ‘the benefits people obtain from ecosystems’, both natural and managed.
European Academies Science Advisory Council report on ‘Ecosystem services and biodiversity in Europe’ (2009).
UNEP State of the Environment and Policy Retrospective (1972-2002). Chapters on Biodiversity.
Tools
UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre: Carbon, biodiversity & ecosystem services. Contains interactive maps and interactive carbon calculator (estimates of carbon stored in protected areas on a global map).