Biodiversity, the Environment, Animal Welfare and Human Well-being 81
5.3 Air, Land, Water, Climate Change and One Welfare
Animal biodiversity contributes to stable ecosystem services, and exten-
sive livestock rearing maintains carbon sequestration in semi-arid areas.
Animals should be much better valued and treated as part of an overall
effort to maintain and sustain ecosystem integrity, and thus comprehen-
sive well-being (Zinsstag et al., 2015). Integrating the benefits of animal
welfare and conservation to conservation agriculture helps to support im-
provements on a number of aspects such as less labour-intensive produc-
tion, better management of waste and water availability, and improved soil
quality and water filtration. (A video describing an example of conserva-
tion agriculture integrating livestock in Southern Brazil can be watched at
Responsible animal management can help improve land use. Animals
are an important part of the environment and behavioural studies, for ex-
ample, elucidate the roles of wildlife in biodiversity and ecosystems, and
animals’ contributions to environmental services (Appleby, 2008).
Changes in forests and biomass impact on atmospheric composition,
climate, hydrology, and habitat modification and loss, all of which directly
impact animal welfare and human well-being. Such changes can increase the
risk of landslides, for example, as a result of poor or improved soil retention,
or affect trace gases in the atmosphere that subsequently change the chem-
istry of the troposphere and reduce the atmosphere’s capacity to remove
pollutants (atmospheric cleansing capacity) (MA Board, 2005).
and tourists in 1 year alone, and rescue centres were able to offer high welfare
care for over 1000 animals annually.
Improvements to infrastructure in wildlife centres are ongoing; however, many
of the confiscated animals are already being transported safely, fed a balanced
diet and rehabilitated, enabling some to be released back into the wild. Wild re-
leases boost the animal populations that encourage ecotourism.
The United Nations^1 recognizes the vital role that education plays in preserving
wildlife and the environment by reducing demand for illegal animal products and
encouraging local people to protect their natural resources – in this case, the
unique wildlife of Central America that attracts so many visitors.
Until this education work has the desired effect, wildlife rescue centres can be
supported to provide high welfare care and rehabilitation for confiscated animals.
High animal welfare during this period improves the animals’ chances of survival
and even release, playing a role in maintaining biodiversity through wild
populations.
NOTE: This case study has been adapted from the publication ‘Keeping animals
wild: animal welfare for biodiversity and environmental sustainability’ by Humane
Society International and World Animal Protection (HSI and WSPA, 2009).
Case Study 19. Continued.
