What are environmental conservationists really conserving?

Do you support environmental conservation and sustainability? This seems like a simple question. But even among "environmentalists" there can be much disagreement about how and what to conserve. This is because conservation and sustainability mean different things to different people.

While conservation in some form is not a particularly controversial idea to most, the motivations behind our environmental efforts can vary widely. Some people may be motivated by a desire to protect iconic or endangered species, while others may be more concerned with preserving the natural beauty of an area, or with ensuring the long-term sustainability of a natural resource for human consumption. Still others may be motivated by spiritual or cultural values, or by the need to protect the health and well-being of human communities.

In this article, I want to explore how personal values can underpin environmental ethics and share my own thoughts on what conservation means to me. While I don't claim to have all the answers, I hope that by reflecting on my own environmental ethic, I can contribute to a broader conversation about the values and priorities that guide our conservation efforts.

Do you care about conservation?

Firstly, it is necessary to address those who may have no interest in the broader concept of conservation. Some people may not prioritise the environment because they live in urban areas or otherwise lack opportunities to engage with nature. They may have other priorities or concerns that take up most of their time and attention, or they may see environmental issues as less important compared to other issues like economic stability or social justice. Others may see environmentalism as a threat to their way of life or economic interests. Lack of interest in environmental issues can be due to personal, cultural, or societal factors. It is important to understand these diverse perspectives in order to devise effective solutions to environmental problems.

Are your actions aligned with your ethic?

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern living. Defining your environmental ethic is useful for giving your values and principles clarity and checking alignment with your conservation priorities. This in turn can help guide your decision-making and determine which conservation actions are most meaningful and impactful for you. It can also help you communicate your environmental ethic to others, and potentially inspire or influence their actions as well. Similarly, it can also help you to understand and respect the environmental ethics of others, even if they differ from your own. By having a clear and coherent environmental ethic, you can more effectively advocate for conservation and work towards protecting the things you value. If you are reading this, it is likely that you have some interest in environmental conservation.

Why do you care about environmental conservation?

Personal values play a significant role in shaping an individual's environmental ethic. Ethics are a system of principles that guide our actions and decisions, and our understanding of what is right or wrong. Because our ethics depend on our personal values, different people may have different environmental ethics.

For example, a recreational fisherman may value fishing in the best fishing spots, while a pharmaceutical scientist may value the contribution of biodiversity to the development of modern medicines.

As a result, it is not surprising that people may disagree when discussing environmental conservation issues, as they try to reconcile their different values, perspectives, and goals.

Different people may value different aspects of the natural environment including (ordered approximately by personal preference):

• Scientific and educational value: The natural environment can provide a valuable source of scientific knowledge and understanding, and may be valued by people for its educational value and the intellectual stimulation it provides.

• Benefits to well-being: Exposure to nature has been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased physical activity. Some people may value the natural environment for the positive impact it has on their physical and mental well-being.

• Ethical considerations: Some people may value the diversity of life on Earth and the complex ecosystems that support it, for its intrinsic value, regardless of any practical benefits it provides to humans. They may see the protection of the environment as a moral obligation, based on the belief that all living beings have a right to exist and thrive.

• Recreational opportunities: The natural environment can provide a range of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching, which may be valued by people for their physical and mental health benefits.

• Aesthetics and inspiration: The natural environment can be a source of beauty and inspiration for many people, and may be valued for its aesthetic appeal. It can be a source of inspiration and creativity for many people, and may be valued for the role it plays in sparking new ideas and artistic expression.

• Cultural, historical, and spiritual significance: The natural environment can be a source of historical and cultural heritage, and may be valued for its role in preserving the traditions, stories, and customs of a particular place or community. For many indigenous cultures, the natural environment has significant cultural and spiritual value, and may be seen as a source of connection to the land and their ancestors.

• Ecological services: The natural environment provides a range of services, such as air and water purification, flood control, pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, which may be valued by humans for their practical benefits. The natural environment plays a key role in regulating the Earth's climate, and some people may value it for the role it plays in maintaining a stable climate.

• Natural resources: The natural environment provides a range of resources, such as timber, minerals, and water, which are used by humans and may be valued for their economic and practical value.

The natural environment has always played a significant role in my life, from the time I spent exploring and observing the plants and animals in my backyard as a child, to the intellectual stimulation and personal fulfilment it has provided me through my higher studies in environmental science and zoology. I value the natural world not just for its practical benefits to humanity, but also for the sense of wonder and personal growth it has brought me. My passion for environmental conservation is rooted in both my belief in the intrinsic value of the natural world and the special place it holds in my personal experiences and memories. Growing up on the outskirts of Melbourne, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time outdoors, and I remember many conversations with my grandfather over a cup of tea where we would discuss the importance of the natural world in sustaining human life. These conversations sparked my interest in the practical benefits of the natural environment and biodiversity, and my decision to study environmental issues in more depth.

As I delved deeper into these subjects through documentaries by David Attenborough or the books of Edward O. Wilson, I was struck by the sense of wonder and awe that the natural world inspires, and I became particularly interested in the role of biology and evolution in human behavior and the human condition, which had a profound effect on understanding my thoughts and emotions, and place in the world. This interest eventually led me to pursue a PhD in Zoology, and has contributed to my passion for environmental conservation.

What do you want to conserve?

Having identified what it is you value, we are in a better position to articulate what it is we want to protect. For example, the recreational fisher who values fishing in beautiful riverine environments would want to ensure that the waterways they fish in are protected and maintained in a healthy state, which may include efforts to restore or preserve an abundance of tasty fish and the natural habitats on which they depend. This individual may also prioritise efforts to improve water quality and prevent pollution, as these factors can directly impact the health and abundance of fish populations. On the other hand, if you are someone who values biodiversity’s contribution to the development of modern medicines then you might prioritise conservation efforts that focus on protecting rare and unique species, or that prioritise the protection of certain ecosystems, such as rainforests, which are known for their high levels of biodiversity.

In general, the concept of biodiversity has become widely adopted in environmental conservation for a number of reasons including its role in maintaining the health and functioning of ecosystems, its connection with the concept of wilderness and natural areas, and its scientific basis and the perception of objectivity that it brings. The problem with the concept of biodiversity is that, like environmental conservation, it can mean different things to different people. For some, it may simply be a measure of the number of species in an ecosystem. For others, it may encompass the genetic diversity within a species and the role that each species plays in its ecosystem. This ambiguity can lead to confusion and disagreement when trying to prioritise conservation efforts and make decisions about resource allocation.

Thus, different people may prioritise different measures of biodiversity such as (ordered approximately by personal preference):

• Ecosystem diversity: The variety of different ecosystems present in a particular area, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coral reefs.
• Functional diversity: The variety of different roles and functions that different species play within an ecosystem.
• Landscape diversity: The variety of different habitats present within a particular area, such as different types of forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
• Bio-proportionalism: Populations of all species optimised relative to the internal constraints of their ecosystems, with the goal of ensuring that the populations of all species are as abundant as possible in relation to each other. Read more here.
• Genetic diversity: The variety of genetic differences within and between species.
• Species richness: The number of different species present in a particular area.
• Species evenness: The relative abundance of different species in an area.
• Ecological connectivity: The degree to which different habitats and ecosystems are connected and able to interact with one another.
• Vulnerability: The susceptibility of species or habitats to threats, such as climate change, habitat destruction, or invasive species.
• Rarity: The relative scarcity of certain species or habitats.
• Endemism: Species or habitats that are found only in a particular region or area.
• Keystone species: Species that play a particularly important role in an ecosystem, and whose loss could have significant impacts on the health and functioning of the ecosystem.
• Umbrella species: Species that are used as "flagship" species to help protect a range of other species within the same ecosystem.
• Indicator species: Species that are used as indicators of the health of an ecosystem, and whose presence or absence can provide important information about the state of the ecosystem.
• Iconic species: Some species may be widely recognised, charismatic, or iconic.

I prioritise the protection and maintenance of ecosystems over preserving biodiversity per se because I believe that diverse and functioning ecosystems are important for environmental justice, the preservation of ecological and evolutionary processes, and I acknowledge the interconnectedness of individual species. A narrow focus on preserving biodiversity may lead to the preservation of a minimal or stripped-down version of an ecosystem, rather than a healthy, natural one. For example, species richness does not adequately take into account the complexity and interconnectedness of ecosystems. A key issue with focusing solely on species, particularly endangered species, is that it may be too late to effectively address the underlying issue, potentially leading to negative impacts on the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems. It is important to prioritise the protection and maintenance of ecosystems in order to promote environmental justice, support ecological and evolutionary processes, and recognise the interconnectedness of individual species.

Nonetheless, it may be difficult to effectively measure and monitor the health and resilience of ecosystems, as they can be complex and dynamic systems that are difficult to fully understand and predict. It may also be difficult to operationalise an ethic that takes into account the well-being of all living beings, as different species and ecosystems may have different needs and priorities. There may also be practical challenges in implementing conservation efforts that focus on protecting and maintaining ecosystems, as these efforts may require significant resources and coordination between different stakeholders. The scale, complexity, and required resourcing may present social or political obstacles due to necessary changes in policies and practices that some people may resist or oppose.

How should you protect biodiversity?

If you acknowledge that different people have different goals for conservation, it naturally follows that appropriate actions taken to protect biodiversity will vary based on the individual. For example, the recreational fisher may choose to advocate for catch limits and fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of fish populations, while the pharmaceutical scientist may prioritise funding for research and conservation efforts in specific areas with high levels of biodiversity.

In addition, the personal skills, interests, and passions of an individual will likely guide their decision to take certain actions, as they are more likely to engage in activities that align with their personal strengths and interests. Ultimately, the most effective approach to conservation will depend on the specific goals and priorities of the individual or group, as well as their unique skills and passions. For example, someone with a background in biology and a passion for studying animal behavior may be more inclined to engage in research and conservation efforts related to a specific species, while someone with a background in policy and advocacy may focus on lobbying for legislation or regulations to protect biodiversity. By considering these personal skills, interests, and passions, individuals can more effectively identify and pursue actions that align with their values and goals, and that they are likely to be more committed to and enthusiastic about. This can increase the chances of success for conservation efforts and lead to a greater overall impact.

Some conservation strategies may include (ordered approximately by personal preference):

• Protection of critical habitat: One way to protect biodiversity and ecosystems is to designate and protect areas that are important for the survival and reproduction of species. This could include setting aside protected areas, such as national parks or wildlife reserves, or implementing land use policies that prioritize the conservation of habitat.
• Restoration and rehabilitation: In areas where habitat has been damaged or degraded, efforts to restore and rehabilitate the environment can help to support the recovery of species and ecosystems. This could involve activities such as reforestation, wetland restoration, or the removal of invasive species.
• Education and awareness: Increasing public understanding and awareness of environmental issues can help to build support for conservation efforts and promote more sustainable behaviors. This could involve education programs, outreach campaigns, or other efforts to engage and educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and the natural environment.
• Community involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts can help to build support for and ownership of these efforts. This could involve involving community members in the planning and implementation of conservation projects, providing education and training opportunities, or involving communities in decision-making processes related to the environment.
• Regulation and legislation: Governments can play a role in protecting the environment by implementing laws and regulations that promote sustainable practices and limit activities that have negative environmental impacts. This could include regulations on pollution, resource extraction, or land use.
• Innovation and technology: New technologies and approaches can help to reduce the environmental impacts of human activities and support more sustainable practices. This could include the development of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, advances in sustainable agriculture and forestry, or the use of technology to monitor and protect the environment. On the other hand, technology can increase the impact of conservation efforts through improved cost-efficiency, such as automated weeding, remote sensing of natural capital, or environmental DNA technologies for species monitoring.
• Invasive species management: The process of addressing the negative impacts of non-native species on ecosystems and native species. This can involve a variety of approaches, including preventing the introduction of new invasive species, controlling or eradicating existing populations, and restoring damaged ecosystems.
• Sustainable resource use: Another solution is to adopt practices that allow for the responsible use of natural resources. This could involve using resources in a way that does not degrade the environment or disrupt ecosystems, or finding ways to use resources more efficiently to reduce the overall impact on the environment.
• Reduce human footprint: A smaller human footprint on the environment can help to protect biodiversity and natural resources. This can involve making conscious choices about consumption such as choosing sustainable and ethical products, reducing waste, and minimising energy and resource use.
• Incentives and rewards: Incentives and rewards can help to encourage individuals and organisations to adopt practices that are more environmentally friendly. This could include financial incentives, such as tax credits or subsidies, or recognition and rewards for those who take action to protect the environment.
• Market-based approaches: Market-based approaches, such as pricing mechanisms or market-based incentives, can help to internalise the environmental costs of certain activities and encourage more sustainable practices. For example, a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon emissions.
• Partnerships and collaboration: Collaboration and partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society organisations can help to bring together diverse perspectives and resources to address environmental issues. This could involve joint efforts to protect critical habitat, develop sustainable resource use practices, or engage the public in conservation efforts.
• International cooperation: Environmental issues often have global implications, and international cooperation can be crucial in addressing them. This could involve international agreements and treaties, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or other forms of cooperation between nations to address common environmental challenges.
• Corporate social responsibility: Businesses can play a role in protecting the environment by adopting sustainable practices and considering the environmental impacts of their operations. This could involve setting and reporting on environmental targets and goals, adopting sustainable sourcing and production practices, or engaging in partnerships and initiatives to support conservation efforts.
• Citizen science: Citizen science programs can engage the public in scientific research and data collection related to the environment. This can help to increase understanding of environmental issues and can also provide valuable data for scientific research and decision-making.
• Sustainable tourism: Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment, but responsible tourism practices can help to minimise these negative impacts and support conservation efforts. This could involve adopting sustainable tourism practices, supporting local communities, or promoting the conservation of natural areas.
• Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and green walls, can help to reduce the environmental impacts of development and urbanisation. By incorporating natural elements into the built environment, green infrastructure can help to improve air and water quality, reduce the heat island effect, and support the conservation of biodiversity.
• Sustainable transportation: Transportation is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but there are ways to reduce these impacts. This could include promoting the use of public transportation, walking, and cycling, as well as the adoption of cleaner and more efficient transportation technologies.

Valuing functioning and diverse ecosystems for the benefits they provide me personally, as well as their intrinsic value has led me to prioritise more holistic strategies for conservation, such as the protection of critical habitats. For example, in my personal life I have purchased land containing endangered ecological vegetation classes, which allows me to live in an environment I find personally fulfilling while protecting functioning ecosystems. I also support strategies that foster positive feelings towards the natural world by others, including research, education, outreach, and community participation. It is my belief that people's relationship with the natural world is a key factor in determining their support for conservation programs (as opposed to an anthropocentric economic rationalisation of the cost-benefits of nature conservation). My skills, knowledge, and interest in scientific research and development has led to an additional skill and interest-based prioritisation of technological solutions, particularly digital innovations in computation, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

My place in the world is closely connected to my appreciation and admiration for the natural world, and my desire to understand and learn about it through scientific study. I view my existence as intertwined with the natural world and seek to better understand my own thoughts and emotions through this connection. However, in addition to acknowledging the personal fulfilment and enrichment it brings, I see the importance of protecting, conserving, and restoring the natural world for both future generations and for its own sake.