Scientists and concerned citizens have put in place programmes to reduce…

The idea

Programmes reduce human harm to ecosystems and biodiversity. Scientists collect data on species numbers, water quality and habitat extent, then advise on limits and restoration. Concerned citizens join surveys, volunteer conservation work, donate, campaign and change their own behaviour. Examples include breeding programmes for endangered species, seed banks, protected reserves, fishing quotas, recycling schemes and replanting projects. These programmes work by protecting habitats, reducing pollution and resource use, and reconnecting fragmented habitats so populations can recover. Their success is judged by monitoring: comparing species counts, water quality or habitat area before and after the programme. A programme may also involve laws, international agreements and education, because biodiversity loss crosses borders.

What earns the marks

• Identifies a programme such as a breeding programme, seed bank, nature reserve, fishing quota, recycling scheme or habitat restoration project.
• States the negative effect it targets, such as habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution or introduced species.
• Explains the mechanism: protecting or restoring habitat, limiting catches or emissions, or reconnecting fragmented habitats.
• Describes how scientists contribute, for example by surveying species, monitoring water quality or advising on sustainable limits.
• Describes how citizens contribute, for example by volunteering, recording wildlife, donating, campaigning or changing consumption.
• Explains how success is evaluated by comparing biodiversity data before and after the programme.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming a programme removes all harm.

  Put it right: State that it reduces or limits negative effects, because some impact usually remains.

• Naming a programme without its mechanism.

  Put it right: Add how it protects habitats or species, otherwise the answer stays descriptive.

• Assuming only scientists act.

  Put it right: Include citizen roles such as surveys, volunteering and campaigning, because the statement names both groups.

Exam tips

• Name the programme, state the negative effect it targets, then explain how it reduces that effect.
• Include one scientist role and one citizen role to cover both parts of the statement.
• Mention monitoring data as evidence that a programme is working.