Discuss the conflict between exploitation, sustainable development and conservation in tropical biomes [9 marks]

Indicative Content	Guidance
Topical biomes: Tropical biomes → mostly occur in LEDCs Rapid population growth / industrialisation in LEDCs → contributes to increased exploitation → directly impacts tropical biomes Exploitation is driven by economic development in LEDCs Exploitation: Unsustainable logging practices → lead to deforestation Mining activities → causes habitat destruction / soil degradation Expansion of agriculture Overfishing / destructive fishing practices → damage tropical aquatic ecosystems/biomes Sustainable development: Importance of balancing economic growth with environmental/social considerations Implementation of sustainable logging practices / reforestation / agroforestry Promotion of eco-tourism → potential sustainable alternative to exploitation Community-based conservation initiatives → may also provide economic benefits Conservation: Establishment of protected conservation areas / reserves Biodiversity conservation efforts → focus on endemic / endangered species Incentives for sustainable resource use / habitat preservation Community involvement in conservation projects → increases local support Land use conflicts: Tensions between economic development goals and conservation efforts Conflicts arising from competing interests of various stakeholders → e.g. local communities / industries / conservation organisations Challenges in finding a balance between short-term economic gains and long-term ecological sustainability Policy gaps and enforcement challenges → contributes to conflicts	You will always have to answer two 9 mark questions from Section B in your IB ESS SL Paper 2 exam This is a 'level of response' answer. The examiner will award you a combined mark out of 9 for knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation ‘Discuss’ (for 9 marks) requires: Knowledge of concepts, principles and models Application to the context using relevant and focused examples Analysis showing logical and coherent chains of reasoning of a range of issues Evaluation showing critical thinking linked to the context Depth is more important than breadth It is sensible to discuss two or three main points but to apply, analyse and evaluate them fully For top-level evaluation, informed judgement is required This can be demonstrated in a conclusion that synthesises and weighs up the arguments to form a supported answer to the question
Model Answer
Tropical biomes, often located in LEDCs, experience many different pressures, including exploitation, sustainable development, and conservation. These challenges mainly arise from the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection [An]. The rapid population growth and industrialisation characteristic of many LEDCs contributes to the exploitation of tropical ecosystems [An]. Unsustainable logging practices, often driven by the international demand for timber, lead to deforestation and habitat loss. Mining activities, seeking valuable mineral resources like oil and the rare earth minerals needed for technology such as smartphones, result in extensive habitat destruction and soil degradation [Ap]. Agricultural expansion, including monoculture and slash-and-burn techniques, further increases the pressure on tropical ecosystems. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices in aquatic tropical biomes, such as coral reefs, contributes to the decline of marine biodiversity [Ap]. Sustainable development is a potential solution to some of these challenges. Maintaining economic growth whilst also taking environmental and social concerns into account is crucial [An]. Initiatives such as sustainable logging practices and agroforestry aim to minimise the environmental impact of damaging economic activities [Ap]. Eco-tourism, when managed responsibly, is another alternative option for economic development that aligns with conservation goals [Ap]. Conservation efforts in tropical biomes focus on protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem health. The establishment of protected areas aims to safeguard rare and vulnerable habitats [Ap]. In addition, community involvement in conservation projects ensures that local communities become stewards of their natural resources, fostering a sense of responsibility and ensuring the sustainability of future conservation efforts [An]. However, conflicts persist between these different land uses and differing priorities. Achieving a reasonable balance between short-term financial gains and long-term sustainability remains a significant challenge [E]. Comprehensive, well-enforced regulations, that carefully consider the complex dynamics of tropical biomes, are required to ensure industries are not operating illegally and causing uncontrolled damage [An]. In conclusion, addressing the conflict between exploitation, sustainable development, and conservation in tropical biomes requires a holistic and collaborative approach that considers both the immediate needs of communities and the long-term health and stability of ecosystems [E].
Commentary
This answer is an example - yours may be different The answer discusses all three aspects of the question and finishes with a supported final judgement The impacts of these different factors are evaluated in their respective paragraphs, as well as in the conclusion The response is annotated to show where the skills of knowledge (K), application (Ap), analysis (An) and evaluation (E) have been demonstrated

Threats to Biodiversity (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Topic Questions