Edexcel A Level (IAL) Biology -5.26 Examples of Sustainable Conservation- Study Notes- New Syllabus

Reforestation & Sustainable Resources

🌱 Introduction

Humans need land, fuel and materials, but these activities can damage ecosystems. Reforestation and using sustainable resources like biofuels are smart ways to meet human needs while still protecting the environment.

🌳 Reforestation

What it is – Growing trees again in areas where forests were cut down.

Why it helps:

• Restores habitats for plants and animals
• Increases biodiversity
• Trees absorb CO₂, helping slow climate change
• Prevents soil erosion and flooding
• Gives long-term resources (timber, fruits) without destroying the ecosystem

How it balances human needs

• Humans still get wood, land protection and climate benefits
• Nature gets its habitats back
• Forests become a renewable resource when managed properly

🔋 Sustainable Resources: Biofuels

What biofuels are – Fuels made from biological materials like sugarcane, maize, vegetable oils, or algae.

Why they help

• They are renewable
• Release much less CO₂ than fossil fuels
• Plants absorb CO₂ while growing, reducing overall emissions
• Can be grown repeatedly, unlike coal or petrol

How they balance human needs

• Humans get energy for transport and industry
• Fossil fuel use decreases, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Less damage to habitats from mining and oil extraction

🤝 Managing the Conflict Between Human Needs & Conservation

Both reforestation and sustainable resources help solve the clash between:

• Human needs (fuel, materials, energy, land)
• Conservation (protecting biodiversity and ecosystems)

They achieve this by:

• Replacing what we take from nature
• Reducing environmental damage
• Using resources in a circular, renewable way
• Maintaining ecosystems while still supporting economic and social needs

📊 Summary Table