Conservation Perspectives (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Conservation Perspectives

Impact of environmental perspectives and value systems

• Environmental perspectives and value systems influence the choice of conservation strategies

  • Ecocentric perspectives:

    • Focus on the intrinsic value of biodiversity

    • Prioritise low-intervention in situ strategies

    • This refers to conservation strategies that involve minimal human interference and are implemented within the natural habitats or ecosystems where species live

    • Example: setting aside large areas of land as wilderness reserves or national parks, such as the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland (UK)

  • Anthropocentric/technocentric perspectives:

    • Focus on the economic and societal value of biodiversity

    • Encourage scientific interventions, zoos, gene banks and ecotourism

    • Example: conservation breeding programme for European bison at the Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland (UK)

Factors influencing conservation success

• The success of conservation and regeneration measures depends on:

  • Community support:

    • Engaging local communities in conservation efforts

    • Getting volunteers to help complete projects

    • Example: Snowdonia National Park Authority has a successful partnership with local farmers in Wales (UK) to manage and conserve the upland landscapes of Snowdonia National Park (known as Eryri)

  • Adequate funding:

    • Securing financial resources for conservation projects

    • Example: the National Lottery Heritage Fund supports biodiversity conservation projects across the UK

  • Education and awareness:

    • Raising public awareness about conservation issues

    • Example: millions of people watched the BBC's Blue Planet II documentary series, which highlighted the effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems

  • Appropriate legislation:

    • Implementing laws and regulations to protect biodiversity

    • Example: the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK provides legal protection to endangered species and habitats

  • Scientific research:

    • Informing conservation decisions through scientific knowledge.

    • Example: the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) conducts extensive research on bird populations to guide conservation efforts

Environmental justice considerations

• It is also important to consider issues of environmental justice in conservation efforts

• Conservation efforts should try to ensure that different social groups receive a fair share of conservation benefits and burdens

  • For example, the Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the UK are established to protect marine habitats and species while also considering the livelihoods of local communities

  • Stakeholders, including fishermen, conservationists and local residents, are involved in the decision-making process to balance ecological protection with economic and social needs

  • This collaborative approach helps ensure that the benefits of conservation, such as improved fish stocks and healthier ecosystems, are shared among different social groups

  • At the same time, the potential burdens to certain groups, like restrictions on fishing, are fairly managed