Conservation movement

The conservation movement, also known as nature conservation, 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 started with the work of John Evelyn called Sylva, which he shared in 1662 with the Royal Society. When it was published as a book two years later, it had a big effect on forestry. England did not have enough timber, and Evelyn said it was important to manage forests so they could keep growing.

The Bishnoi people of Khejarli were also early conservationists. In 1730, Amrita Devi and others hugged trees to stop them from being cut down for a new palace. Even though some people were hurt, their actions helped protect the trees.

In the 1700s, especially in Prussia and France, new scientific ways to take care of forests were developed. These methods were first used in British India in the early 1800s to manage forests and protect important trees like teak for the Royal Navy.

Origins of the modern conservation movement

The modern conservation movement grew in the mid-1800s, using science to help take care of India’s forests. Important ideas included understanding how human impact on the environment affects the world, the responsibility to protect it for the future, and using science to guide this work. Leaders like Sir James Ranald Martin and Edward Percy Stebbing worked hard for forest conservation, which led to the first state-managed forests in the world.

In 1855, Lord Dalhousie began a big forest conservation program in India, which influenced other places and the United States. A German forester named Dietrich Brandis helped create 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 encouraged people to live closer to nature. Leaders like Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot helped advance conservation, finding ways to use and protect natural resources wisely.

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

Roosevelt’s work continued under later leaders, who added more protections and supported conservation through laws and programs.

Since 1970

In the 1970s, people became more concerned about the environment again, which led to new protections and organizations. Ideas like “convivial conservation” suggest involving local communities more in taking care of 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 sometimes focused only on activities for wealthy individuals, and did not always include everyone. Over time, these practices have been examined and there have been efforts to make conservation more open to all people.

Conservation in Costa Rica

World Wide Fund for Nature

Main article: World Wide Fund for Nature

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) started in 1961 to protect nature and reduce the ways humans harm the environment. It works in over 100 countries, supporting thousands of projects. WWF focuses on areas like climate, forests, and oceans, trying to help humans and nature live together balanced.

"Conservation Far" approach

In the past, groups like WWF sometimes focused on protecting lands without fully including local people. This “conservation far” approach let outsiders visit while limiting what local communities could do.

"Conservation near" approach

In some places like Japan, old ways of caring for nature were brought back after being forgotten. This “conservation near” approach involves local people directly in protecting their environment, respecting their customs and values. It focuses on hands-on care and community responsibility for keeping things sustainable for the long term.

Evidence-based conservation

Evidence-based conservation uses good science to help protect nature. Scientists study plants, animals, and their homes to find the best ways to keep them safe. This makes sure that conservation work is smart and helps wildlife thrive.

Areas of concern

Deforestation and overpopulation are problems around the world. They hurt homes for animals and have led to groups forming to help protect nature. These groups include local hunters who have seen animal 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 resources that do not grow back.

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