Positive Biodiversity–Productivity Relationship Predominant in Global Forests

Research by the Global Forest Biodiversity Initiative shows that a “positive and consistent relationship” can be discerned between tree diversity and ecosystem productivity.

The GFBI states:

“The biodiversity–productivity relationship (BPR) is foundational to our understanding of the global extinction crisis and its impacts on ecosystem functioning. Understanding BPR is critical for the accurate valuation and effective conservation of biodiversity. Using ground-sourced data from 777,126 permanent plots, spanning 44 countries and most terrestrial biomes, we reveal a globally consistent positive concave-down BPR, whereby a continued biodiversity loss would result in an accelerating decline in forest productivity worldwide. The value of biodiversity in maintaining commercial forest productivity alone—US$166–490 billion per year according to our estimation—is by itself over two to six times the total estimated cost that would be necessary for effective global conservation. This highlights the need for a worldwide re-assessment of biodiversity values, forest management strategies, and conservation priorities.”

Source: http://www.gfbinitiative.org/research

Interview with Suzan Craig, owner of Tahi ecological retreat in New Zealand

Suzan Craig talks about her ecological retreat, Tahi, in Northland New Zealand that won New Zealand “Sustainable Business of the Year”.

As a Global Ecosphere Retreats® certified Long Run Destination, Tahi strives for the highest sustainability standards through a balance of community development, cultural stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

GLOBAL ECOSPHERE RETREATS® REPRESENT PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS MAKING DAILY DECISIONS TO BUILD A WORLD THAT LASTS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS OF LAND AND PEOPLE, AND ALL OF THE SPECIES AND DIVERSE INTERESTS THAT INTERCONNECT THEM.

Global Ecosphere Retreats® are enterprises committed to maximising positive and minimising negative impacts around the world. They aim to be global leaders in biodiversity conservation, social entrepreneurship, community development, and cultural stewardship and sustainable tourism. Global Ecosphere Retreats® are (GER) accredited through a rigorous process of testing and assessments across each of the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce) dimensions.

Source:
http://www.travelmole.tv/watch_vdo.php?id=16458
http://zeitzfoundation.org/The-Long-Run-Initiative/LRDs
http://tahinz.com/our-story/#makingadifference