Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Action Plan for the Environment was launched in 1998, and aimed to carry out
systematic conservation planning for the region, identifying key areas that
required protection, promote sustainable use of the wild plants and improve con-
servation implementation.
The CAPE process was academically driven, with much research based in uni-
versities aimed at correctly identifying key conservation areas. Less progress was
made in engaging stakeholders at the right level, particularly local councils.
However, the initiative has had a snowball effect, with big donors such as the
Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) coming in and focusing more on
involving civil society in the process. The whole process has been successful not
least in publicising the opportunities that exist to take a large-scale approach to
conservation planning that is both scientifically rigorous and possible to imple-
ment in the real world.
Sources
: Cowling and Pressey (2003), CEPF (2005).
Now is an exciting time to work in conservation. The issue of biodiversity loss is
high on the political agenda of most countries, albeit mostly in the context of cli-
mate change rather than urgent short-term threats like over-exploitation and habi-
tat destruction. The conservation community has a more nuanced approach to
conservation action nowadays, recognising that polarised debates concerning the
relative merits of stereotyped fences-and-fines and integrated conservation and
development projects are unproductive. Instead, we are moving into a period in
which the emphasis is on acting at the appropriate temporal and spatial
scale
for
the problem at hand, and on
inclusive
action. This means fully involving all stake-
holders, local people, government, researchers, and all types of expertise, be it tradi-
tional knowledge, biology, anthropology or social science. Rather than relying on
case-by-case analyses, a
body of knowledge
is building up, allowing generali-
sations to be made about what types of intervention work best where.
There are still some gaps in our understanding, and in our ability to put this
understanding into practice. As conservation philosophies come in and out of
fashion, we need to remind ourselves that a range of approaches to conservation is
available. Focusing on one approach to the detriment of others is never a sensible
strategy. For example, over-reliance on the 'use-it-or-lose-it' philosophy of assign-
ing economic value to endangered species risks undervaluing the important role of
cultural and spiritual values
in motivating people to conserve their natural heri-
tage. Focusing on the rights, needs and aspirations of people living with wildlife
has to be the right way forward—but we also need to remember that as conserva-
tionists we are trying to preserve biodiversity for
wider society
, which may involve
restricting individual freedom to exploit wildlife.
