The object of my blog is to clarify the difference between the perception that ecosystems need to be “managed” and the reality that management and control programs rarely work as planned. They frequently produce results contrary to what was intended, causing more damage than benefits. I’ll look into some of these episodes in future blogs.
The myth of wildlife and environmental management continues unchallenged in many quarters due to a lack of understanding of Nature’s propensity for complexity. Relationships between species, including humans, are more intricate and interwoven than ever thought and their conflicts resist simple solutions.
Ecosystems are made up of many of these relationships and tinkering with one or two forces changes upon the others. The concepts I’ll explore in future blogs address the many issues built into attempts to manage ecosystems – some ideas directly related, others attached in the periphery. Topics include demonization of wildlife by economic interests, lack of human curiosity and sense of amazement, a general fear of the outdoors and of being alone and out of touch, and experiencing Nature indirectly instead of actual contact.
Other concepts that come up in serious discussions of ecosystems and economic pressures include the “tragedy of the commons,” “the land ethic,” the “Third Frontier” of conservation, and the Uncertainty Principle.
In any argument I put forward I will welcome comments, in support or otherwise. Click on "comments" below and let me know what you think.
Thanks for listening.
