Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Summary
The question of whether or not human beings are a part of nature rather than
separate from it characterizes much of the theories and practices around conservation,
economic development and what attempts to be sustainable development. It is clear
that economic growth and development has had a severe impact on the natural
world, but it is not always exactly clear what the natural world is or whether it has
a purpose other than just to be whatever it is. For many observers, nature's purpose
is to service human wants and needs, to be, as Eileen Crist (2004: 19), puts it 'settled,
paved, mined, burnt, dammed, drained, overfished, poached, and roundly used'. This
has led to various attempts to manage development sustainably, and to protect and
conserve habitats and species other than those that are immediately our own. In
protecting or conserving nature, human beings have frequently been displaced and
dominant economic arrangements have gone largely unchallenged. However, as
always, there are differences of opinion, conflicts of values and interests, and the
exercise of power that ignores the need for dialogue. As Helen Kopnina writes:
The importance of the dialogue between individuals holding different gradations
of biocentric and anthropocentric values is certainly not limited to conserva-
tionists and anthropologists, but also includes all communities and individuals
that traditionally - and presently - strongly care about the environment - including
humans.
(2012a: 140-1)
Thinking questions
1
In what ways has humanity tended to perceive the earth as so much planetary
real estate?
2
What arguments can be raised in favour of 'fortress conservation'?
3
Does development inevitably mean 'big dams'?
4
What is the value of the IUCN RedList?
5
Are capitalism and conservation compatible?
6
What can be done to enhance urban biodiversity?
Companion website
To learn more about conservation and development, please check out the companion
website for case studies on wildlife protection and ecological restoration.
