Sustainable Development Goals and Biodiversity in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Shown is a prothonotary warbler, which uses the valley’s wet forested habitats. Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Jim Schmidt
Introduction
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is a place of awe and wonder, where nature’s details captivate visitors. The park boasts a high level of biodiversity, encompassing a variety of plant and animal species, their habitats, and the interconnectedness of these elements. This report highlights the significance of biodiversity in CVNP and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Biodiversity in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
CVNP is home to a diverse range of species, with 1,167 plants, 42 mammals, 20 reptiles, 22 amphibians, 65 fish, and 241 bird species recorded in the park. The park’s location, topography, and water contribute to its rich biodiversity. Situated between the Appalachian Mountains and Great Plains, CVNP attracts species from both regions, although eastern species are more prevalent. The park’s position along migratory flyways further enhances its biodiversity, serving as a crucial north-south corridor for migratory birds and insects.
The park’s varied terrain and water sources also play a significant role in supporting biodiversity. Different habitats such as uplands, dry valley slopes, moist ravines, valley floors, and rivers provide unique environments for diverse plant and animal life. Wetlands, in particular, harbor the greatest diversity within the valley. Additionally, cool and moist areas like the Virginia Kendall Ledges serve as refuges for relic populations from colder and wetter time periods. Slumps, where portions of the valley wall have slipped, create distinct species compositions with unusual diversity.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity serves as a primary indicator of the natural environment’s health and allows for monitoring changes over time. However, the park’s human history has fragmented natural habitats into smaller patches at varying stages of maturity, posing challenges for species that require larger and more mature habitats. Monitoring the presence of sensitive aquatic species, such as two-lined salamanders and darter fish, provides insights into the improved health of the Cuyahoga River ecosystem.
CVNP also faces threats from invasive non-native species that outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the ecosystem. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, impacting the survival and behavior of plants and animals. Restoration projects, including the removal of non-native species, are underway to improve the park’s ecosystem. Biodiversity serves as a valuable metric to gauge the success of these conservation efforts.
Engaging with Biodiversity in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The National Park Service offers various activities to experience and learn about biodiversity in CVNP. Monthly Saturday Adventures provide family-friendly opportunities to explore the park. On May 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., visitors can join a stream exploration session to understand how biodiversity helps assess stream health. Registration is required, and more information can be found on the nps.gov/cuva calendar page.
The National Park Service also encourages visitors to contribute to the understanding of CVNP’s biodiversity through online citizen science tools. The iNaturalist
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
SDG 15: Life on Land |
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SDG 13: Climate Action |
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Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 13: Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific target under SDG 15: Life on Land that can be identified is Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. The article discusses the high level of biodiversity in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the need to protect and monitor it.
Under SDG 13: Climate Action, the specific target that can be identified is Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. The article mentions the impact of climate change on natural processes and the need for restoration projects to improve the ecosystem.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not mention any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, indicators such as the number of invasive non-native species removed, the health of headwater streams and steams with cold water and riffles, and the overall biodiversity in the park could be potential indicators to measure progress towards Target 15.5 under SDG 15: Life on Land.
Similarly, indicators such as the success of restoration projects, the reduction in non-native species populations, and the improvement in natural processes could be potential indicators to measure progress towards Target 13.3 under SDG 13: Climate Action.
Overall, more specific indicators would need to be developed to accurately measure progress towards these targets based on the information provided in the article.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
SDG 15: Life on Land |
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SDG 13: Climate Action |
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Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: akron.com
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