Environmental Studies: Ethics, Ideas and Nature: Conservation

Madden and McQuinn explore what role conflict transformation plays in wildlife conservation. The conservation field is moving closer to a collaborative governance model but what often gets overlooked is the deep analysis needed to fully understand the implications when the project is implemented. There is also a lack of long-term planning and organizations are so quick to make short-term solutions that make them look good. A lot of the time conservation is just physical solutions like a fence or relocation but that doesn’t solve the issue because the issue is mostly a social issue and that is what conservationists work to resolve. When conservation happens, it falters mostly because there is a lack of accountability for history, diversity, and social conflict. An example of this is in Africa they tried to put up a fence to keep the elephants in, but the community was ignored, and the solutions failed and weren’t maintained. To stop this from happening conservationists use conflict transformation which is using conflict to make a change. Conflict transformation focuses on using social, psychological, and systemic issues to make a long-term solution, it focuses on the relationships and strips them down to what the main cause is and works from there.
This reading goes into the inter-working of how conservationists work with conflict that has arisen. It talks about when they do and how they have a system of finding the root of the problem and that if it is not done correctly, the whole conservation efforts will fall apart because there is no common goal. It’s different from our readings in class, those talk more about the actual implications of conservation and what’s being done not how they do it or what it takes to get to that point. - Annotation by Anonymous, Spring 2023

The journal dives into the historical treatment of indigenous people in relation to the instatement of national parks. It also explains the more nuanced reasons the national parks in the United States were pushed, it seems more for economic growth than for the preservation of land. With the first national park opening, the tone was set for the rest of the world to conduct the treatment of preserved land, indigenous people, and tourism the same as in Yellowstone. Australia and Russia followed suit with similar behaviors. The economic pressure guided the United States government to devalue the indigenous resource management practices and instead view native people as an obstacle for tourists. This source adds a piece of historical context to the United States governments early push to preserve the natural beauty of the land, but not the indigenous people who live in it. It gives context to many of the other sources in the page pertaining to indigenous people and their position in conservation, knowing the history of how each party came to be. This source also shows a major moment in history when the term Wilderness was redefined as something to be enjoyed, toured, and protected, but only for some. The national park movement made Wilderness more accessible and palatable for many white Americans while the wilderness indigenous people knew, were losing access to their land. I would recommend this source because it explicitly states the social injustice indigenous people endured in the name of conservation as well as explains the governments early treatment and opinions on native Americans, which can be a helpful tool when comparing to today. - Annotation by Anonymous, Spring 2024

This journal report by S.M. Durant argues that desert environments as a whole are being unjustly neglected by the conservation field in favor of other biomes such as forests. The journal explains the common reasoning behind why desert regions are receiving such low conservation support, and breaks down how this reasoning is faulty. Many statistics are provided, which clearly highlight the massive disparity in support between desert regions and forest regions. Durant elaborately details the biodiversity at risk within desert regions, and the many aspects of deserts that may prove valuable to humans. The journal then uses the Sahara desert as an example of the devastating impacts that deserts are experiencing as a result of their low attention in the conservation field. The evidence used from the Sahara reveals just how much biodiversity has been lost in the Sahara, and serves as an effective cry for help from conservationists everywhere.
This source illustrates a concrete example of how entire ecosystems can collapse, and yet many people will either ignore it or fail to realize it. This point would add to our week 6 discussions of wilderness and conservation, namely the Aldo Leopold reading. The reading mentions the silphium flower as an example of a plant species that is being killed off by humans, without anyone realizing it, because nobody pays them any attention. This source also deals with the issue of environmental damage going mostly unnoticed. In the case of this source, desert biomes are facing severe ecological risk, and yet hardly anyone seems to know about it. This would open a discussion about just how much environmental damage goes unnoticed, whether its plants along the road, or the wildlife in a barren desert not seen by many humans. I would recommend this source because it ties so closely to the main ideas of week 6. Additionally, by including this source in the LibGuide, it would spread at least some awareness that deserts are in danger, and perhaps it could help change the common perception that deserts are just sandy wastelands that don’t have much life. - Annotation by Anonymous, Fall 2024

Cristina Mormorunni has made it her mission to protect the natural world ever since she saw the negative effects of humankind's treatment of it firsthand during a field trip to the
wetlands in fifth grade. She is now the Regional Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Rocky Mountain Program, and in this article she outlines how Native American perspectives, sciences, and practices in relation to conservation are vastly and unjustly quieted by history. She retains hope, however, that our modern climate crises can be diminished by implementing more practices that rely on Native American schools of thought. The foundation of this approach to conservation is having a peer-to-peer relationship with nature. Other authors analyzed throughout this course emphasize a special relationship between America and its wilderness, such as Roderick Nash, emphasizing how America was shaped by nature that it almost destroyed. Mormorunni enriches this idea further by emphasizing that animals are kin, and the foremost experts on restoration of landscapes and wildlife are those who have lived in harmony with that ecosystem for thousands of years. - Annotation by Jackson Rogers, Spring 2023

In Latin American Environmental History, Christopher Boyer explains the history of Latin American environmentalism, anti-environmentalism, colonialism, and development, spanning from 12,000 BC to the present day. More specifically, Boyer explains the history of colonialism, starting with the Columbian Exchange, and contrasts colonialism to environmentalist movements. Boyer argues that the convergence of environmental and conservationist movements led to the eventual overthrow of colonial leaders in countries such as Chile, Brazil, Argentina, the Caribbean, along with the Yucatán state in Mexico. Boyer argues that these conservationist movements that overthrew plantations and farms led to the successful removal of Europeans in Latin America and brought Indigenous people closer to their culture.

A reading of Latin American Environmental History in our class would be net beneficial for students in EVRN 336. Not only would this reading give a global perspective on conservation, but this reading would help students understand the radical potential of environmentalism. Prioritization of the environment can spill over to other forms of protest and revolution, and I believe understanding that concept is especially helpful given the current political climate of the United States. One reading that we did in Ethics that would be particularly altered by including Boyer’s work would be A Sand Country Almanac by Aldo Leopold. This piece gives a month-by-month account of Leopold’s life on his farm in Wisconsin and has a particular emphasis on conservationism. In this work, Leopald introduces the concept of land ethic, which is a moral framework that argues that humans have an ethical obligation to all living things. Utilizing Boyer’s work in our readings would help students understand that this obligation ought not only to be to animals; it ought to also extend to humans who have been consistently put on the back burner by the Western world. Another concept in this book that would be altered by Latin American Environmental History would be Leopold’s examples of conservation, which include restoring native habitats and replanting native species in places that have been devastated by a focus on pure economic gain. Including Boyer’s work, students would be able to explain that we should not only restore native habitats for the benefit of the environment, but we should also restore habitats for the communities that rely on traditional models of farming and resource management that have been devastated by industrial farming and plantations. Including Latin American Environmental History by Christopher Boyer would add an international and anti-colonial perspective on conservation efforts that is necessary for students in our day and age. This reading would fit in perfectly with other works under the conservation section of the LibGuide, specifically the works that address colonialism and conservation in the United States. - Annotation by Owen Williams, Fall 2024

Alicia Erikson introduces us to The Queensland Indigenous Women's Rangers Network (QIWRN) and their Founder & CEO, Larissa Hale. Hale grew up with a strong connection to conservation and Jalunji-Warra heritage. She’s worked hard to inspire and work with other indigenous women in order to help encourage others to get involved while making indigenous voices heard for reef conservation. Hale has helped establish other indigenous conservation programs and land management in Queensland. Her work has also helped protect cultural sites, deepen indigenous heritage and continue cultural practices. The QIWRN is one of many women-run conservation organizations that encourages women to protect land. In order to shift current issues, Hale has helped to train dozens of women to be rangers and looks to train even more around the world.
This source adds to what we learned in regards to local people and conservation efforts and the need for community led efforts to protect nature for future generations. I think it reinforces many ideas surrounding ethics for people who are indigenous and how those practices are beneficial to everyone. Being able to empower and encourage people to make personal connections with local conservation is something I find incredibly important for people. - Annotation by Polly Johnston, Fall 2024

This article brings light to conservation through theology practices. Using this way of thinking broadens the approach to solving environmental issues. As stated, “environmental challenges can certainly not be solved by only scientific or technological approaches but also through religious environmentalism” (Odey 10). Religious environmentalism can be defined in many different ways but, in general it is the combination of environmental perspectives with theological perspectives. By educating on how these views on environmentalism can make a positive impact on the climate crisis and other environmental issues progress can be made faster. The article also touches on how life recycling is an important practice in that is important in conservation.
This article helps to build on the ideas from the previous readings by bringing a theological perspective to conservation topics. The themes of the article are much different from anything else that has been read so far so it brings valuable strategies for sustainability through the use of theology. The author is a female as well which helps to bring new ideas to the topic as well. I would recommend this article to anyone who may want to broaden their scope in regard to conservation using theology. - Annotation by Anonymous, Spring 2023

This paper was written by women in the field of conservation calling for more action in diversifying the field. Gould et al. describe the lack of diversity in the field of conservation and follow up with the benefits of having a more diverse field of study. Gould et al. then describe how the origin of the field had alienated underrepresented groups from the field due to the colonial tones originally taken. The authors propose two different solutions to better diversify the fields: highlighting more historically diverse environmental experiences and broadening the definition of environment. The authors propose these solutions as they would help change the image of the field as well as give people more relatable reasons to join the field.
One of the solutions proposed by Gould et al. is to broaden the definition of conservation of the environment. A similar solution is proposed in “Great Tide Rising” by Kathleen Dean Moore. Moore describes how having multiple reasons to fight climate change is great as “not all of the reasons speak equally powerfully to all people, and that is as it should be.” (pg. 29) Gould et al. want to give more reasons for marginalized groups to join the field of conservation. Overall, I would recommend this source as it encapsulates why the field of conservation is lacking in diversity as well as proposes solutions to the problem. - Annotation by Anonymous, Spring 2023

The authors is a Chinese American environmentalist, provides a report on the lack of diversity and inclusion in mainstream environmental organizations, including those involved in national park conservation. She offers recommendations for increasing diversity and addressing systemic barriers to inclusion in the environmental sector. The author also offers several recommendations for increasing diversity and addressing systemic barriers to inclusion in the environmental sector. These recommendations include implementing diversity and inclusion policies and practices, increasing transparency around hiring and promotion practices, creating more opportunities for mentorship and leadership development for people of color, and engaging in more outreach to diverse communities. - Annotation by Hiep Ngoc Tran, Spring 2023

Author Teila Watson is a Murri woman, part of Australia's native population. The Murri people have long standing histories of harmony with the environment; controlled fires and dispersion tactics were used by the Murri people to maintain the natural biodiversity across the island. Watson writes on how this history and her personal culture are solutions to climate change. She argues that the Murri people did not conquer land but instead cared for it. This fostered large biodiversity and thriving for all species. She argues that the Australian government needs to take a Murri inspired approach to conservation practices, that is to respect both other people and the land itself, if it wants to work to eradicate climate change.
Watson’s article emphasizes a need to protect the environment both for humanity's sake and the sake of all living things. This works in tandem with class discussions on Dean and Moore Nelson’s introduction of Moral Ground where they lay out their arguments. Dean and Moore Nelson argue in the idea of Yes, for all living things. Watson explains in the article how Murri ideas protect both the environment and humanity, and that they are superior to Western climate practices because they teach respect for people and land. I believe this article could be a good conversation on environmental justice, indigenous activism, and conservation practices. Her article also contrasts beliefs that wilderness is separate from humanity, which could be an interesting discussion on what nature is and what fits into it. I would recommend this source both as a look at Indigenous conservation practices, as well as to better understand how human beings fit into the environment. -Annotation by Anonymous, Fall 2024

Vandana Shiva has spent over four decades working to protect the indigenous people of the Indian Himalayas and trying to promote fair, local, and sustainable food sources. Shiva claims that “food is the currency of life”, and she has worked to keep that currency open to all by fighting against big agriculture and the invasion of western crops and methods. Shiva promotes independence and self-sustaining practices that give people the freedom of choice.
While her intentions are not dissimilar to Norman Borlaug, Vandana Shiva is directly working against his legacy. Shiva works to preserve “unique cultural and culinary traditions” and discourages the use of GMO’s and chemicals while promoting older practices like saving seed and planting varieties of crops together. - Annotation by Morgan Phelps, Spring 2023

Indigenous communities have been working and living in nature for a very long time. This article by Annie Sneed analyzes the difference between indigenous communities and other communities within the ideas of conservation. The article is split into two parts. The first part is stewards of biodiversity, and second is a different view of nature. In the first part of the article Sneed summarizes how Indigenous communities have been actively helping their environment. Sneed talks about the diverse gardens that contain up to “500 different species”. It very much shows how in touch with nature these communities are. In the Second part of the article Sneed covers the different mindset and view towards nature that
Indigenous people have. Indigenous people see nature as a give and take relationship where nature and the people are equals. Sneed argues that is why Indigenous people conserve their nature and places they live so well. This source is very different from sources we read in class. In this article we see things that have been working for hundreds of years and are actively working. Having this source will help change people's mindsets about nature and counteract the current culture that we have with nature. I would highly recommend this source to anyone who wants to further expand their ideas on nature. - Annotation by Jackson Elliott, Fall 2023

This article covers how islands are diverse environmental hotspots that connect humans to nature in a way that most people are not able to
acknowledge. Island conservation is less funded than conservation for continents partially because islanders' voices are not as heard as others in the international policy process. This article encourages the government to invest in island conservation as they are vital pieces of the global ecosystem. Islanders are particularly good at living sustainably in their environment.
Regarding biological diversity, “A third of all identified global biodiversity hotspots consist mostly or entirely of islands” (Zachos & Habel 2011), and over half of the world's marine biodiversity belongs to island territories that expand to surrounding oceans. Islands have diverse geological origins, most are formed through the collection of submarine magma and have never been connected to any land mass while others have been connected but are not anymore due to fluctuations in the sea level and continental drift. 20-25% of the world's bird and plant species are native to islands and do not occur naturally elsewhere. (Kueffer & Kinney 2017) Islands also provide important information to the evolutionary process by observing unique life forms and their adaptations to island life. - Annotation by Anonymous Spring 2024

This article focuses on race and nature conservation in South Africa. This article assesses the extent of the impact of race and social equity in conservation, with the aim of promoting sustainable and more inclusive conservation practices in South Africa. It looks at different cases to examine racial equity in conservation. The findings suggest that conservation practices still exclude most of the black population in South Africa. The authors are trying to promote more inclusive conservation practices and to tackle the issue of poverty. Conservation groups need to incorporate indigenous knowledge systems and need to include the previously marginalized in leadership structures. This article also makes recommendations on how conservation can become more inclusive across social and racial lines.
In relation to texts read in this course, this source looks at racial equity in conservation. Specifically, this source is like “The Wrong Complexation for Protection.” This article reiterates the idea that black communities face unequal protection from environmental hazards, and that those communities should be more involved when it comes to decision-making and environmental conservation. I would recommend this source because it tackles two issues: race and nature conservation. This reading shows a unique perspective that I think people would benefit from reading about. -Annotation by Isabella Wingrove, Spring 2023

In this video, the impacts of ecotourism and nature tourism are discussed in the context of the Amazon River Basin. Before breaking down the specific types of tourism, the narrator begins by asking locals in a port city deep in the Amazon their opinions of tourists. The responses are mixed, with some stating they dislike them and believe they only give money to rich while others state that they think that tourists are good for preserving the Amazon and stimulating the economy. Following this, the narrator engages in a resort he labels as “nature tourism” This label is given because the experience gives tourists a chance to experience nature, but not to sit in a realistic environment. The hotel is covered in walkways that tangle through the forest, and it is described how the owner brought in foreign animals for the tourists. The owner also makes it seem like he is a positive for the local Amazonian community, but upon further inspection it is revealed that the terms of their wage labor are abusive. After shunning that experience, the narrator describes an activity that is more like ecotourism. In this activity, the natural beauty of the Amazon is preserved, and the entire community lives with as little impact as possible, including limiting the noise they make. They also travel directly to a indigenous community, where they can directly talk and pay those living there. This article reinforces the idea that it is easy for those in developed nations to impose imperialism and globalism despite the best intentions, an idea that is present in discussions of imperialistic conservation. One such reading that it relates to is Ramachandra Guha’s essay Radical American Environmentalism and Wilderness Preservation: A Third World Critique, which also criticizes the imperialism of ideas in environmental protection. It also brings up a new point, that tourism in general can be harmful, both by destroying the environment and by destroying people's idea of what nature is. It is discussed how trip organizers will often use fake promises of seeing animals to get tourists to come, but when they do come they are often let down. This in turn gives them a bad opinion of nature activities and the Amazon as a whole, which can lead to less money being given to eco-friendly initiatives. Overall, the documentary is very interesting and has natural imagery that is pretty relaxing, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. - Annotation by Anonymous, Spring 2023

Breaking Green Ceilings is a podcast focused on uplifting environmentalist voices from traditionally underrepresented communities including queer and people of color. In this episode, the host, Sapna Mulki, converses with social research consultant Leander Lacy about the interconnections between conservation and social issues. Lacy claims that the goal of conservation is to find the balance between the needs of the environment and the needs of humanity and the only way to achieve this is by incorporating social sciences into the conservation field. An important step in accomplishing this goal, Mulki says, is coming to the realization that humans are a part of nature and part of the solution. Once we realize our place in the environment, we become better at creating holistic approaches to our problems.
In class, we have read several books that arrive at the same conclusion, like in the reading from Braiding Sweetgrass about the creation story of the Haudenosaunee, “Skywoman Falling.” In the story, humanity and the earth are created with the help of both humans and animals, placing us among nature. I think that this podcast does a great job at expanding that idea into environmental and social justice issues. I would recommend both the episode and the podcast as a whole. - Annotation by Anonymous, Spring 2023

This is about an hour and a half video of a program done at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. During the presentation, a wide variety of local voices and national environmental activists come together to share great conversations about improvements that can be made to the environment of the city of Baltimore. Furthermore, they discuss the MdEHN, the Maryland Environmental Health Network which aims to educate as well as offer equality as they discuss…. Nature for all, diversity in conservation.
The reason I choose this source as my final contribution is because of how specific it is to the underrepresented voices in conservation. I really found interesting their connections to local action creating global difference. I think this nails the message I was trying to convey in my annotated bibliography. Honestly, I could see this being shown in class. Give it a watch! - Annotation by David Franke, Spring 2023

Conservation efforts in Colombia are being thwarted by the paramilitary and multinational corporations. David Noreiga is a journalist for VICE News and visited Colombia to understand the situation. He is a Colombian-American reporter. VICE has some controversy surrounding the publication, but VICE News is intended to be a current affairs channel. Colombia is an environmentally and biodiversity rich country and contains ecosystems vital for mitigating climate change. The country contains many natural resources that are worth a lot of money. Paramilitaries put a stop to environmentalists and any conservation activism. There is mining, deforestation, and other harmful impacts that conservationists are hoping to prevent. Unfortunately, as Noriega explains, often conservations are disposed of in order for companies to exploit the land. 33 environmentalists in 2021 were murdered in Colombia. Our class often talks and reads about the balance of money and conservation. There is a great divide of the corporations and individuals in Colombia, often being supported by the government, even if not explicitly. Conzalo Cardona was a conservationist who worked with the yellow-eared parrot. He disappeared in January 2021 and his body was found with two bullet wounds to the chest. I would recommend this source because it shows the cost of conservation projects around the world. Conservation in North America versus South
America can look very different. Not only do conservationists have to break glass ceilings, some have to do so by putting their lives on the line. - Annotation by Grace Himpel, Spring 2023

This Environmental Protection Agency report is a description of how adjustments to the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 affect environmental justice. After the Clean Water Act passed, challenges to what fell under its jurisdiction were plentiful. Through Supreme Court cases and subsequent amendments to the CWA, a “final rule” was adopted to determine what constitutes “waters of the United States.” However, both the original Clean Water Act and its subsequent amendments did not account for adverse pollution that minority communities face in their local waters. While the Clean Water act has been generally successful at reducing metal, chemicals, and sewage in water systems, the implementation and regulation of the Act in actually clearing pollutants from waters is subpar. Reports such as this environmental justice report aid in keeping the Environmental Protection Agency accountable for using the Clean Water Act to actively protect waters of the United States.
Conservation in the mind of the American public often relates to the protection wildlife and land-based habitats. Due to the everyday reliance on water, it is easy to forget its importance as a natural, but not infinite, resource. In class, our focus was on conservation of plants and how everyday people can contribute to conservation. This EPA report highlights the historical context for a few large policies the government has implemented to protect water in the US. The protection not only applies to waters that are used for drinking (supplemented by the Safe Water Drinking Act of 1974) but also natural waters used by non-human entities. The EPA’s successive analysis on how environmental justice was being ignored through implementation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act provides a diverse perspective on safe waters. This report can be used as a study in tandem with Robert Bullard and Beverly Wright’s “The Wrong Complexion for Protection” to asses governmental successes and shortcomings in relation to environmental issues in minority communities.
- Annotation by Brooke Peters, Spring 2024

In this brochure-style article, the Mary Robinson Foundation, or the MRF, writes about the origins of the climate justice movement and its distinctions regarding overall environmental justice, emphasizing that the effects of climate change are felt unequally depending on one’s social status, race, and geographic location. Because vulnerability caused by climate change is increasing around the globe, there is a clear call to action for the climate justice movement. Climate justice involves advocating for those at risk because of climate change, ensuring that they get fair treatment in terms of resource allocation in times of disaster, representation in important environmental conversations, and visibility. The MRF includes a framework for how countries can adhere to true climate justice: the first step begins with fully industrialized countries. The MRF emphasizes accountability and the deduction of greenhouse gas emissions by large corporations and the need for strong finances regarding environmental resources to aid the most vulnerable countries. Two case studies provide real-life examples of the success of climate justice involving adapting lifestyles with the necessary resources and financial support. The MRF includes personal tips to consume in sustainable ways and reduce one’s carbon footprint. Resources for climate justice-related initiatives are sprinkled throughout the brochure.
This source adds more nuance to the environmental justice movement by highlighting how the overall movement manifests depending on one’s situation. It highlights that environmental justice is more than just a simple protest-- it also encompasses education and responsibility about distinct environmental issues like climate change. This brochure reinforces similar topics in this course regarding community-centered solutions, empathy for those outside of our community, and the need to hold contributors to climate change (and ourselves) accountable. It involves two case studies that allow for in-class discussions and is in-depth enough to be used as a source for a 3-2-1 assignment. This source provides a composite overview of how one’s geography, history, and development influence their access to resources regarding environmental degradation, which is important to learn about. I recommend reading this source because it is straightforward, concise, and perfectly explains the intersection between environmental justice and climate change. - Annotation by Anonymous, Fall 2024

The Te Mana O Te Taiao Aotearoa New Zeland Biodiversity strategy relates to EVRN 336 in that it touches on some of the ideals and ethics discussed in class. Like the partnership ethic or standards of understanding the natural world that Aldo Leopold mentions in A Sand County Almanac and Other Writings on Ecology and Conservation. This strategy intertwines the values and solutions necessary to maintain the “ Te Mana o te Taiao,” which means “the mana of the living environment.” The culture woven with their proposed solutions is powerful in preserving human diversity by restoring connections with the land. While setting realistic and applicable goals, they recognize the holes missing nuancedly, with a major emphasis that revolves around the Maōri people, who are the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Looking at conservation in America, The mainstream conservation movement has a history rooted in problematic values. Modern conservation, grounded in evidence and structure, is prevalent worldwide but has overridden indigenous knowledge systems that have effectively preserved ecosystems for ages. Opening the discussion to Indigenous peoples can unify the conservation movement and help create viable solutions that revolve around actions and moral ethics. Indigenous voices in conservation globally can uncover many ways we can address conservation in America by including indigenous peoples in efforts to create relationships that foster care for the earth. The Te Mana O Te Taiao Aotearoa New Zeland Biodiversity strategy is a remarkable model that works in action and theory and from which the contemporary mainstream American conservation movement can use as an example for conservation methods. - Annotation by Sarah Reuben-Hallock, Fall 2023