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An Eco-Security System for All People
International Forum on Species
Forum Initiative
On October 29, 2023, during the "2023 NESS International Science Congress and Workshop on An Eco-Security System for All People (ESSAP)", the An Eco-Security System for All People·International Forum on Species was hosted by IUCN SSC China Species Specialist Group and co-organized by Shenzhen University and Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. 19 experts from 14 countries delivered speeches on a variety of species, including fungi, freshwater species, horseshoe crabs, fishes, teak, amphibians, small mammals, ungulates, water lilies, endangered plants and animals. Majority of these speakers are members of IUCN SSC. These presentations introduced close correlation between species and Eco-Security system, human activities and climate change, discussed how can species research and conservation provide scientific support for ESSAP, and describe the close relationship between species conservation and National Eco-Security System (NESS).
Experts and scholars attended the ESSAP·International Forum on Specie highly support Haikou Initiative. Through intensive communication and discussion, we believe that various global ecological crisis has posed severe threats to the Eco-Security conditions necessary for the long-term survival of humanity (people in various countries), species experts must unite as soon as possible, actively participate in the related research called by the Haikou initiative. Only extensive social participation can properly address the problem of human long-term survival and then, the problem of species survival be expected to receive wide social support. Based on this consensus, the ESSAP·International Forum on Species proposes to the international scientific community and colleagues from all over the world the following initiative call:
I. We call on species experts and species research institutions in various countries to pay close attention to the Eco-Security bottom-line necessary for the long-term survival of the children of ourselves and people of our own countries, and actively support and participate in NESS relevant scientific research and collaborative actions in their countries.
II. We call on international species experts and species research institutions to pay attention to the Eco-Security targets needed for the sustainable survival of all children and humanity in the world, form wide consensus and actively support and participate in relevant scientific research collaborations and joint actions around the theme of ESSAP. Carry out active research and publicity on the role of species in providing “Eco-Security” for humanity and provide scientific support for jointly building ESSAP!
Appendix: Speeches during the ESSAP·International Forum on Species
Video for each of the following speeches are available at the site: https://www.ness.link/h-nd-20.html#ee
19 experts from 14 countries delivered speeches on a variety of species groups, including fungi, freshwater species, horseshoe crabs, fishes, teak, amphibians, small mammals, ungulates, water lilies, endangered plants and animals. These presentations introduced the close correlation between species and Eco-Security system, human activities and climate change, discussed how can species research and conservation provide scientific support for ESSAP, and describe the close relationship between species conservation and NESS.
At the beginning of the Forum, Yan Xie, Chair of the Forum; Chair, IUCN SSC China Species Specialist Group, indicated that species and their diversity, as well as interactions among species and with the inorganic environment, form the major components of ecosystems and the foundation of ecosystem service functions. Active communication among species experts worldwide is necessary to elucidating and quantifying the relationship between species and the long-term survival of humanity. By restructuring information from this new perspective, robust scientific support can be provided for the development of National Eco-Security System (NESS) in each country and jointly building an Eco-Security System for All People (ESSAP) at global. This approach will deeply integrate species research and conservation into the processes of human survival, merging them into a country's systems of production, economy, society, and management.
Gregory Mueller, Chief Scientist Emeritus, Chicago Botanic Garden; Chair, IUCN SSC Fungal Conservation Committee, emphasized that life would not exist without fungi and fungi are critical to the ecosystem and for human health. Depending on the species, fungi are decomposers of organic material, essential beneficial symbionts of plants and animals, critical players in plant and soil health and carbon sequestration, plant pathogens, or disease agents of animals, including humans. They also are important food resources for people, indispensable industrial agents, and sources of some of our most used pharmaceutical products. He calls for actions to better incorporate Fungi into the ESSAP.
Keith Crandall, Director, Computational Biology Institute, The George Washington University; Chair, IUCN SSC Freshwater Crustacean Specialist Group, highlighted freshwater ecosystems are among the most highly endangered ecosystems in the world and provide essential ecosystem services to human populations. Their effective conservation is critical for our eco-security. Not only are freshwater ecosystems critical for humans (basic drinking water, etc.), but they are also home to a diversity of highly endangered organisms (e.g., freshwater crayfish, mussels, salamanders, fish, etc.).
Manfredo A. Turcios-Casco, Asociación para la Sostenibilidad e Investigación Científica en Honduras (ASICH), Tegucigalpa, asked how can we secure natural resources for future generations? Where is the connection between people’s needs and our biodiversity? He identified the relationship between mammal conservation and securing resources for future generations and explored the threats Honduran Mammal species face and how certain co-managers of protected areas are responding to these threats through specific conservation actions.
Topiltzin Contreras MacBeath from Mexico, Co-Chair - IUCN SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee 2021-2025 illustrated the fundamental role of freshwater species and ecosystems in ESSAP. Freshwater ecosystems determine human health and well-being, natural carbon sinks, global fisheries 214Mt (2020) and sport fishing value of US$116 billion a year (2007). It is estimated that some 2 billion people obtain their main source of animal protein from subsistence fisheries, especially in the less developed countries of the South. However, freshwater is heavily under threatened. The average abundance of 6,617 freshwater populations across the globe, representing 1,398 species, declined by 83%. He strongly proposes the creation of a commission dedicated to developing criteria and indicators to achieve “An Eco-Security System for All People”.
Amael Borzee, Co-Chair, IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group; Professor, Nanjing Forestry University, talked about shifts in rice consumption and climate change impact amphibian biodiversity and mankind in Northeast Asia. As a result, all amphibian species breeding in agricultural wetlands are now declining in population size, and some are threatened with extinction. These silent extinctions of once widespread species are of critical importance to mankind, and eco-security, as amphibian population declines have been linked with an increase in the prevalence of diseases such as malaria in other parts of the world, and ecosystem services traditionally provided by amphibians, such as pathogen control, pest control and carbon sequestration are not fulfilled.
Haichao Zhou, Associate Professor, College of Life and Marine Sciences, Shenzhen University, China, introduced the importance of mangrove as an ecosystem service and its status in the world and in China. The global mangrove area is gradually decreasing, and the urbanization process leads to the occupation of natural mangroves, and faces biological invasion, diseases and other problems. The restoration of Shenzhen shows that mangroves can be gradually restored and biodiversity improved through scientific planning and experiments.
Alok Prasad Das, Assistant Professor, Department of Life Sciences, Rama Devi Women's University, India, suggested marine ecosystem security should focus on the health and stability of the marine ecosystem which is highly essential to ensure that the safety indicators are in an appropriate range. Horseshoe crab population and natural habitat are currently susceptible by increasing human interference. They have evaluated the findings of the baseline threat and required action for the sustainable Indian horseshoe crab conservation. In future we need extensive research to analyze and understand the likely impact of these changes on ocean ecosystem and identify potential solutions for a better global ocean security.
Meta Francis Justine Sindani, Forest Officer, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, South Sudan did a research on the role of teak plantations in carbon sequestration and rural economy in Kirila Forest Reserve, South Sudan. The forest would generate a net profit of US$3494 from one hectare meanwhile the net carbon-based revenues would be US$5998 in 2023 and US$101127 at the rotation age of 50-years. Beyond its economic importance, teak have several ecological, environmental, social and cultural advantages, and can support biodiversity through providing habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, and thus promoting biodiversity conservation.
Xinquan Zhao, Director/Researcher, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, China, conducted long term research on balancing ungulate wildlife and livestock in Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP). Through practice on the coordinated improvement of ecological protection, livestock production and livelihood, and optimal allocation of grassland resources, they build a system of harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature with the sustainable livelihoods of pastoralists. The achievement shows the continuous growth of primary productivity of grassland on the SNP, the stable improvement of ecosystem services, the continuous restoration of wildlife populations, and the integrity of food networks and food chains, providing replicable and reference for global biodiversity conservation and the sustainable livelihoods of pastoralists.
Abraham Birara Desalegn from Ethiopia, PhD fellow, Rodent ecology & taxonomy, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoroo, Tanzania, introduced species richness and relative abundance of small mammals in the Guassa-Menz Community Conservation Area, Ethiopia. All the small mammals recorded in this study the rodent species, were endemic to Ethiopia. The presence of such a number of endemic small mammals in the protected area, marks the worth of the protected area for small mammal diversity and, at the same time, an essential step towards the formal protection of this Afroalpine block.
Cristian Bonacic, Professor, Department of Ecosystems and Environment, School of Agriculture and Forestry, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile drew attention on rethinking conservation strategies in the face of climate change challenges for vertebrates in terrestrial ecosystems. The accelerating pace of climate change is transforming ecosystems at a rate that often exceeds the natural adaptation capacity of vertebrates and disrupts their ability to migrate to more suitable habitats. He advocates for the consideration of large-scale ex-situ multiple species conservation programs to preserve evolutionary distinct species. Such measures aim to safeguard keystone species outside their natural ecosystems to address the ongoing global ecological upheaval.
John MacKinnon from UK, Advisory Committee Member, International Alliance of Protected Areas, introduced the Ecosystem Health Index (EHI) scoresheet evaluates the health of habitats and key species against the socio-economic background of external pressures and threats. It is proposed to add the EHI scoresheet onto the management effectiveness tracking tool (METT) to get a better indication of what is needed for protected area management.
KWAN KIT YUE from Malaysia, Professor, Vice Dean of College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, China, introduced how the survival of Asian horseshoe crabs supports ecological security and sustainable development in China. The reagent prepared by blue blood of horseshoe crabs can be widely used in pharmaceutical, clinical and scientific research fields, and horseshoe crab population can be indicator for the function and health of the coastal ecosystem. He tried to answer questions such as "how many horseshoe crab resources are needed to meet human needs", and further clarify the relationship between the conservation of horseshoe crabs and the sustainable development of human society.
Maximin K. Djondo from Benin. Water Science & Engineering Department, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands introduced role of indigenous peoples and local community conserved territories and areas (ICCAS) in conserving endangered plant and animal species in Benin Republic (West Africa). They tried to map Ingenious ways and knowledges of using coastal areas resources (ecosystem services) to keep them sustainable; and to support consequent national policy. Their project is to help local people to discover and enjoy their local environment and heritage to protect and conserve the coastal areas ecosystems and contribute to a change of the local communities’ way of life.
Serigne Modou SARR, Lecturer/Researcher, Director, Institut Supérieur de Formation Agricole et Rurale (ISFAR), Université Alioune Diop de Bambey, Senegal introduced human-wildlife conflicts over access to Nymphea lotus (Water lily) in Djoudj National Bird Park (PNOD) and its periphery, Senegal. He expressed that food security remains a major concern in countries around the world faced with climate disruption, economic crisis and population growth. This concern is becoming complex as wild biological resources that can contribute to food security are leading to conflicts between man and wild fauna. Their project assessed the vital needs of human populations and granivorous birds on the Water lily, make it possible to better understand the risks of conflict in the conservation of granivorous birds in the Djoudj National Bird Park (PNOD) and help resolve the conflict between man and wildlife.
Bo Cai, Engineer, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences raised the questions of what kind of animals are worth protecting? Pretty? cute? or something else? to emphasis the importance of biodiversity. He introduced the biodiversity in China.
Eric Isai Ameca Y Juarez, Prof. Division of Biological Sciences, University of Veracruz, Mexico, conducted research on extreme climatic events, an emergent threat compounding human pressures on biodiversity. He developed a decision support framework guided for identifying protected areas where compound events are most likely to ensue due to significant exposure to climate extremes and human pressure in the recent past, which will increase our ability to implement context-specific risk evaluations, vulnerability assessments, and the design of possible mitigation strategies.
Weidong Li, Chief Director & Associate Research Professor, Nature Ecological Conservation Service Studio, China conduced periodic assessment of the impact of climate change on populations in IIi Pika (Ochotona ilienses). Based on the latest results of the periodic assessment of climate change on Ili pika population, he introduced the current survival status of the species.