IB ESS HL C 5 Intrinsic Value Questions

Definition [1 max]:
intrinsic value of a species refers to its aesthetic/ethical/spiritual/ecological/intangible importance;
The use of detailed examples of species to support the answers should be credited in the Eol, not as a marking point.
A definition is not required and may be found within the rest of the answer.

Strengths:
attaching intrinsic value to species that have no economic value can prevent them being overlooked in decision making;
deep ecologists argue that all species have rights and attributing intrinsic value supports this principle;
...and prevent collapse of ecosystems/loss of biodiversity/aesthetic degradation;
Intrinsic value is likely to promote ecosystem/in situ conservation so preserving whole habitats and many species;
public perception of intrinsic value is often crucial to the success of conservation efforts;
some argue that all species have rights and their intrinsic value needs to be considered;
a wide variety of ecosystems can be conserved as each species has intrinsic value rather than just charismatic species;
educating people with respect to intrinsic value will encourage people to respect even species considered a pest which would help in conservation efforts;

Weaknesses:

Decisions usually have an economic aspect and intrinsic value has no economic value;
intrinsic value is not recognised by some value systems/ anthropocentric / technocentric causing conflicts in decision making;
intrinsic value given to a species may vary amongst social groups according to their aesthetic/ethical/spiritual values / different tribal groups have different totems;
animal rights activists/environmental NGOs may hinder economically important projects (animal husbandry/testing/construction of buildings) on the ground of species' intrinsic value;
applying the ideals associated with intrinsic value may overlook significant human needs (e.g. where human rights may be overlooked / spread of disease/pest organisms);
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Marking guidance:

Award [4 max] if only strengths, or only weaknesses are given.