Conservation movement

The conservation movement, also known as nature conservation, is an environmental, social, and political movement that works to protect natural resources like animal, plant, and other living species and their habitat for future generations. Conservationists aim to leave the environment better than how they found it. They use science to make their efforts more effective, known as evidence-based conservation.

The early conservation movement began because people needed to manage important resources such as fisheries, wildlife management, water, soil, and sustainable forestry. Over time, the movement grew to include protecting biodiversity and preserving wilderness areas. Some believe the conservation movement is part of the larger environmental movement, while others think it has its own unique ideas and practices.

History

See also: Timeline of environmental events

Early history

The conservation movement began with John Evelyn's work Sylva, shared in 1662 with the Royal Society. Published as a book two years later, it strongly influenced forestry. England’s timber was running low, and Evelyn stressed managing forests to prevent depletion and ensure renewal.

The Bishnoi people of Khejarli showed early conservation efforts. In 1730, Amrita Devi and others hugged trees to stop them from being cut for a new palace. Though many, including Amrita, were harmed, their actions led to the protection of the trees.

During the 1700s, especially in Prussia and France, scientific methods for forestry developed. These were first used in British India in the early 1800s to manage forests and protect valuable trees like teak for the Royal Navy.

Origins of the modern conservation movement

The modern conservation movement grew in the mid-1800s, applying scientific principles to India’s forests. Key ideas included recognizing human impact on the environment, the duty to protect it for future generations, and using science to guide this duty. Leaders like Sir James Ranald Martin and Edward Percy Stebbing pushed for forest conservation, leading to the first state-managed forests in the world.

In 1855, Lord Dalhousie started a major forest conservation program in India, influencing other colonies and the United States. German forester Dietrich Brandis helped develop new forest laws and training in India.

Conservation in the United States

Main article: Conservation in the United States

American conservation was inspired by writers like Henry David Thoreau, who promoted living close to nature. Leaders like Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot advanced conservation, balancing use and protection of natural resources.

Roosevelt protected large areas of land, created national parks and forests, and promoted wise use of resources. He worked with experts to manage forests and wildlife, setting aside millions of acres for protection.

Roosevelt’s efforts continued under later leaders, who expanded protections and supported conservation through laws and programs.

Since 1970

Environmental issues gained attention again in the 1970s, leading to new protections and organizations. Ideas like “convivial conservation” suggest involving local communities more closely in protecting nature, focusing on everyday relationships with the environment.

The five elements of convivial conservation

Source:

1. The promotion of nature for, to and by humans
2. The movement away from the concept of conservation as saving only nonhuman nature
3. Emphasis on the long-term democratic engagement with nature rather than elite access and tourism,
4. The movement away from the spectacle of nature and instead focusing on the mundane 'everyday nature'
5. The democratic management of nature, with nature as commons and in context

Racism and the Conservation Movement

Early conservation efforts often focused on activities for wealthy individuals, sometimes excluding others. This included setting aside land for certain groups and limiting access for others. Over time, these practices have been examined and efforts made to include more people in conservation.

Conservation in Costa Rica

World Wide Fund for Nature

Main article: World Wide Fund for Nature

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) began in 1961 to protect nature and reduce human impact on the environment. It works in over 100 countries, supporting thousands of projects. WWF focuses on areas like climate, forests, and oceans, aiming to help humans and nature live in balance.

"Conservation Far" approach

Historically, groups like WWF sometimes focused on protecting lands without fully involving local people. This “conservation far” approach allowed outsiders access while limiting local communities’ involvement.

"Conservation near" approach

In places like Japan, traditional ways of caring for nature were revived after being lost. This “conservation near” approach involves local people directly in protecting their environment, respecting their customs and values. It emphasizes hands-on care and community responsibility for long-term sustainability.

Evidence-based conservation

Evidence-based conservation means using good science to help protect nature. Scientists study plants, animals, and their homes to find the best ways to keep them safe for the future. This helps make sure that conservation work is smart and effective, giving the best chance for wildlife to thrive.

Areas of concern

Deforestation and overpopulation are problems around the world. They harm wildlife homes and have led to groups forming to help protect nature. These groups include local hunters who have seen wildlife numbers drop and want to help.

The boreal forest and Arctic areas have been protected for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, such as the Evenk, Yakut, Sami, Inuit, and Cree. Their hunting and fur trades helped keep these places safe. Today, threats come from oil and other non-renewable resources.

In Bolivia, the Izoceño-Guaraní people helped create the Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park to protect wildlife and their traditions. In Botswana, local hunters worked with others to create Moremi National Park to save animals and their homes.