Conflict occurs because Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) contain globally important biodiversity and valuable land or natural resources. Exploitation can bring economic and social benefits, while conservation protects species, habitats and ecosystem services from degradation.
This is HL-only content in subtopic 3.2 Human impact on biodiversity, specifically understanding 3.2.10.
The Mechanism
A Key Biodiversity Area is a site identified as internationally important for biodiversity's persistence. The same site may also be suitable for mining, logging, farming, fishing, tourism or infrastructure.
Exploitation can provide jobs, government revenue, raw materials and infrastructure. Conserving land creates an opportunity cost when income from development is forgone.
Conservation maintains threatened species, genetic diversity, water regulation and carbon storage. These benefits are often long-term and widely distributed, whereas exploitation profits may be immediate and concentrated among governments or companies.
| Stakeholder or factor | Priority and source of conflict |
|---|---|
| Government and businesses | Economic growth, exports, employment and resource security |
| Conservation organizations | Protection of globally significant species and habitats |
| Local and Indigenous communities | Livelihoods, land rights, cultural values and resource access |
| Future generations | Continued ecosystem services and natural capital |
Ghana's Atewa Range Forest Reserve, a KBA, illustrates this tension. Proposed bauxite mining could generate revenue and support industrial development, but strip mining would remove forest habitat and threaten a watershed supplying water to millions.
A common misconception is that conservation always benefits every local person. Strict protection can restrict traditional resource use or displace communities, creating an environmental justice issue. Sustainable management therefore requires stakeholder participation and fair distribution of costs and benefits.
Exam Technique
For an HL explain question, show the chain: resource demand drives exploitation; exploitation threatens biodiversity; stakeholders disagree because their economic, social and environmental priorities differ. For discuss or evaluate, present both sides, use Atewa as a named example, consider environmental justice and finish with a supported conclusion.