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All of the above factors, along with the expansion of infrastructure
(see chart) and changing climate, influence biodiversity in the region.
The loss of forest area leads to decreases in natural capital and in landbased
biodiversity in all but a Sustainability First scenario (see chart).
In Policy First conditions, improved monitoring and management
of critical ecosystems in the protected areas help to conserve biodiversity.
However, the continued demands and somewhat higher economic growth than
in a Markets First situation work against these changes.
Better knowledge of - and keener concern for - ecological systems foster
more effective stewardship of both marine and terrestrial biodiversity
in Sustainability First. Innovative approaches help many previously
threatened species to recover. From both the scientific and aesthetic
perspectives, biodiversity has been given a high value, widening the number
of species available for pharmaceutical and food purposes. New areas have
also been incorporated into the national protected areas systems for the
protection of biodiversity, as well as to provide environmental services
and recreation. In both Markets First and Security First scenarios
there is likely to be extreme degradation and even destruction or disappearance
of unique ecosystems and some endangered species.
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