Integrating pollution control and biodiversity conservation

Effective pollution control will only be achieved when the natural environment is capable of integrating and dealing with existing levels of pollution. In order for the environment to handle these loads work is required to build up ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain.

Ecosystems and ecological processes play an important role in the breakdown and absorption of many pollutants created by humans and their activities. These include wastes such as sewage, garbage and oil spills. Components of ecosystems from bacteria to higher life forms are involved in these breakdown and assimilative processes. Excessive quantities of any pollutant, however, can be detrimental to the integrity of ecosystems and their biota.

Some ecosystems, especially wetlands, have qualities that are particularly well suited to breaking down and absorbing pollutants. Natural and artificial wetlands are being used to filter effluents to remove nutrients, heavy metals and suspended solids, reduce the biochemical oxygen demand and destroy potentially harmful microorganisms.

1. 1. The conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity must be effectively incorporated into national policies on integrated pollution control.

1. Providing integrated pollution control
2. Integrating biodiversity conservation strategies

1. Monitoring soil pollution
2. Monitoring accumulation of pollutants in plants and animals
3. Integrating transboundary air pollution monitoring with environmental monitoring

1. Protecting plants and animals from pollution
2. Monitoring environmental effects of transboundary air pollution
3. Monitoring agricultural pollution
4. Integrating biodiversity concerns into liability mechanisms
5. Creating synergies between biodiversity and other development strategies

1. Promoting cross-sectoral co-operation on biodiversity conservation
2. Monitoring marine pollution
3. Developing national strategies to control transboundary air pollution
4. Developing environmental action plan

1. Planting forests for carbon sequestration

1. Lack of integrated pollution control
2. Lack of integrated management of biodiversity

1. UNEP Global Environmental Outlook 2000