Re: community-based conservation
This sure sounds very near to what Aldo Leopold described in Chapter 16 of his 1933 book Game Management. In this chapter Leopold discussed production incentives for landholders, why all the land must produce wildlife (not just a few intensively managed areas), ways of marketing game crops, and even management for non-game wildlife. He wrote Experience with game has shown, however, that a determination to conserve, even when supported by public sentiment, protective legislation, and a few public reservations or parks, is an insufficient conservation programteaching the public how to modify economic activities for conservation purposes is of infinitely greater importance Warren W. Aney Senior Wildlife Ecologist Tigard, OR 97223 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of WENDEE HOLTCAMP Sent: Thursday, 28 June, 2007 07:31 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: community-based conservation I guess I should better define what I meant by community-based conservation. I don't mean efforts going back to native peoples that live integrated with the land/ecology etc. I was trying to get at the concept that I believe started around the 1980s where Western conservationists recognized that to make conservation (most) effective, efforts should explicitly consider the livelihoods of the people living there (typically in 3rd world nations), and get them invested in conservation and somehow increase their livelihood or give them tangible reasons for wanting to conserve - usually monetary like jobs in parks etc. So instead of just going into African countries and setting aside a park and displacing people, to instead hire locals as guides, naturalists, guards etc - they have to be able to make more money in conservation than they were making poaching or ranching (cutting down forets, degrading land) and I guess this also goes hand in hand with teaching ranching methods that don't lead to desertification etc so even though outside influences are coming into a locale, they're simultaneously needing to win the hearts and minds of the local people and convince them that they are actually helping them have better lives in the long run. It may also include teaching people to appreciate rare, local, and unique/indigenous species for various reasons - part of their history/culture, unique to their area of the world, etc. This is what I think of as community-based conservation. I always thought of it as starting in Africa but now I'm hearing of several efforts in South America around the same time so that's why I was asking - who was the first? Was there a single pioneer or a summit/conference where the conference emerged, etc. Someone mentioned a 1991 Summit but that is too late for it to be its origin. My sort of rough history is that in the 50s and 60s it was sort ofmore of an imperialist sort of conservation - just go in and make a park. But somewhere along the line, some pioneers recognized the above things should be ultimately more effective. However I don't have any book that I know of that outlines this history or has dates or people. I don't have time to do a big great literature review because in all honesty this is just a single sentence in a longer piece on a specific project. However I was sort of interested in whether it was common knowledge among those working in conservation (doesnt seem to be) or if anyone just knew offhand some person who was a clear pioneer here (or a handful of people). Thanks! Wendee ~~ Wendee Holtcamp * Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com Bohemian Adventures Blog * http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com The Fish Wars: A Christian Evolutionist http://thefishwars.blogspot.com ~~ Online Writing Course! Starting Aug 4. Sign Up Online! -Original Message- From: Felix Martinez [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 8:20 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Cc: WENDEE HOLTCAMP Subject: Re: community-based conservation Wendee, Community-based conservation as a concept has been around for a long time. It was widely practiced throughout the Pacific Islands prior to westernization of most of those societies. Some do still practice it at some level. In Hawaii the concept was called ahupua'a and it comes the closest I have seen to a true integrated approach to ecosystem management. I would also venture to guess that the first modern organized attempt of developing community-based approaches to solving anything most probably could be traced to the development of the Peace Corps in the 1960s. (Does anyone know when they started doing direct environmental conservation work?) Felix WENDEE HOLTCAMP wrote: Does anyone have names for the people who first created community-based conservation? I have seen (online) that it really started in the
Job: Resource Scientist, Missouri Dept. of Conservation
RESOURCE SCIENTIST The Missouri Department of Conservation has a position available for a Resource Scientist in Clinton, Missouri. SALARY RANGE: Annually $38,976 - $68,820 Beginning salary will be $38,976 to $42,972 depending on qualifications. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The principle responsibility of this position is to design and conduct management evaluations and field research projects related to grassland ecosystem management of prairies, warm season and cool season grasses in cooperation with Department of Conservation staff, universities, other state and federal agencies and non-government partners. Under the supervision of a Resource Science Supervisor (Grasslands Systems Field Station), this Resource Scientist is responsible for: Research, monitoring and grassland management, technical support, information transfer, business management/supervision, and performs other duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a broad range of education and experience relative to grassland ecology, plant taxonomy, vegetation monitoring protocols and statistical analyses. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Botany, Range Management or Plant Science, Wildlife Ecology/Management or in a related biological science with substantial course work in wildlife ecology, plant ecology, soils, statistics and experimental design and at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in ecology, botany or plant science, resource management or an equivalent combination of education and experience. CLOSING DATE: August 3, 2007. For a complete job description and to apply on-line, visit our web-site at www.mdc.mo.gov/about/jobs. If you are unable to apply online, you may apply by contacting the Missouri Department of Conservation in Jefferson City, Missouri at 573/751 4115. Equal Opportunity Employer
PhD Graduate Assistantship- Wildlife Genetics
Title: PhD Graduate Assistantship- Wildlife Genetics Agency: Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Location: Ames, IA Description: This study is a part of a larger project aimed at understanding the relationship between river otter densities and the status of smallmouth bass populations in Ozark streams in Missouri. The primary objective of this assistantship is to estimate river otter abundance through non-invasive genotyping. Additional possible research topics include, but are not limited to, characterizing otter population and spatial genetic structure, identifying landscape features that influence otter spatial ecology, and comparing the impacts of harvest on otter population genetic diversity. The student will be primarily responsible for the genetic component of the project. Opportunities for participation in field work associated with sample collection are possible. The student will be expected to present the results of his/her research at regional and national meetings and to prepare manuscripts of these findings for publication in the peer-reviewed literature. Qualifications: A M.S. in ecology, wildlife, genetics, or related field is desirable, but not necessary. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience using genetic techniques. Prior to formal application to Iowa State University, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Julie Blanchong, preferably by email, with a letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. In lieu of email, hard copies can be submitted to Dr. Julie Blanchong, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Salary: The candidate selected will be provided with a graduate research and/or teaching assistantship that includes a tuition waiver, an initial stipend of $18,000 per year, and health care benefits. Contact: Julie Blanchong [EMAIL PROTECTED] (preferred) (515) 294-9699
Re: community-based conservation
Wendee Your description of community-based conservation sounds wonderful, but I just can't escape feeling a scent of Western Cultural Imperialism (e.g., We know better what is good for locals and conservation than they are.). One way to recognize this attitude is ask yourself a question Would you apply the same conservation methods to you or our own people here in the US? For instance, do you think the same approach will work to farmers and ranchers living adjacent to the Yellow Stone NP, so that bison, bears, wolves, etc can wander outside the park boundaries and not being shot? If the same approach does not work in the US, why do you think it will work in the 3rd world countries? -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of WENDEE HOLTCAMP Sent: Thursday, 28 June, 2007 07:31 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: community-based conservation I guess I should better define what I meant by community-based conservation. I don't mean efforts going back to native peoples that live integrated with the land/ecology etc. I was trying to get at the concept that I believe started around the 1980s where Western conservationists recognized that to make conservation (most) effective, efforts should explicitly consider the livelihoods of the people living there (typically in 3rd world nations), and get them invested in conservation and somehow increase their livelihood or give them tangible reasons for wanting to conserve - usually monetary like jobs in parks etc. So instead of just going into African countries and setting aside a park and displacing people, to instead hire locals as guides, naturalists, guards etc - they have to be able to make more money in conservation than they were making poaching or ranching (cutting down forets, degrading land) and I guess this also goes hand in hand with teaching ranching methods that don't lead to desertification etc so even though outside influences are comi! ng into a locale, they're simultaneously needing to win the hearts and minds of the local people and convince them that they are actually helping them have better lives in the long run. It may also include teaching people to appreciate rare, local, and unique/indigenous species for various reasons - part of their history/culture, unique to their area of the world, etc. This is what I think of as community-based conservation. I always thought of it as starting in Africa but now I'm hearing of several efforts in South America around the same time so that's why I was asking - who was the first? Was there a single pioneer or a summit/conference where the conference emerged, etc. Someone mentioned a 1991 Summit but that is too late for it to be its origin. My sort of rough history is that in the 50s and 60s it was sort ofmore of an imperialist sort of conservation - just go in and make a park. But somewhere along the line, some pioneers recognized the above things should be ultimately more effective. However I don't have any book that I know of that outlines this history or has dates or people. I don't have time to do a big great literature review because in all honesty this is just a single sentence in a longer piece on a specific project. However I was sort of interested in whether it was common knowledge among those working in conservation (doesn't seem to be) or if anyone just knew offhand some person who was a clear pioneer here (or a handful of people). Thanks! Wendee ~~ Wendee Holtcamp * Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com Bohemian Adventures Blog * http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com The Fish Wars: A Christian Evolutionist http://thefishwars.blogspot.com ~~ Online Writing Course! Starting Aug 4. Sign Up Online! -Original Message- From: Felix Martinez [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 8:20 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Cc: WENDEE HOLTCAMP Subject: Re: community-based conservation Wendee, Community-based conservation as a concept has been around for a long time. It was widely practiced throughout the Pacific Islands prior to westernization of most of those societies. Some do still practice it at some level. In Hawaii the concept was called ahupua'a and it comes the closest I have seen to a true integrated approach to ecosystem management. I would also venture to guess that the first modern organized attempt of developing community-based approaches to solving anything most probably could be traced to the development of the Peace Corps in the 1960s. (Does anyone know when they started doing direct environmental conservation work?) Felix WENDEE HOLTCAMP wrote: Does anyone have names for the people who first created community-based conservation? I have seen (online) that it really started in the
ASM Adopts Resolution on Economic Growth
For Immediate Release?xml:namespace prefix =3D o ns =3D urn:schemas-mi= crosoft-com:office:office / American Society of Mammalogists Adopts a Resolution on Economic Growth = = ?xml:namespace prefix =3D v ns =3D urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml /?= xml:namespace prefix =3D w ns =3D urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word= /What=92s new? = On June 9, 2007, at the 87th Annual Meeting of the American Society of M= ammalogists (ASM) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the ASM adopted a resoluti= on on economic growth. The ASM described a =93fundamental conflict betw= een economic growth and the conservation of ecosystems=94 based upon sci= entifically established principles. The ASM noted that an economy has a= n =93optimal size=94 and that growth beyond the optimum reduces human we= lfare in addition to threatening other species. = Why did the ASM adopt a resolution on economic growth? = The ASM joined a growing number of professional, scientific societies th= at are taking positions on economic growth rather than relegating public= discussions of economic growth to economists, politicians, commercial i= nterests, and social activists. The ASM was particularly concerned abou= t the misleading rhetoric that =93there is no conflict between growing t= he economy and protecting the environment.=94 The ASM believes that the= public and policy makers must have a firm knowledge of the tradeoffs be= tween economic growth and other important aspects of human welfare (such= as wildlife conservation and environmental health) to develop appropria= te economic policy goals and programs. The ASM suggests that, in many n= ations, a =93steady state economy=94 has become a more appropriate goal = than economic growth. = How will the resolution be used? = The resolution will be sent to policy makers, government agencies, think= tanks, and other organizations that craft, analyze, or promote economic= policy. Examples of recipients include members of Congress, the Counci= l of Economic Advisors, the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality, the A= merican Enterprise Institute, and the World Bank. = What is the American Society of Mammalogists? = The ASM (www.mammalsociety.org) was established in 1919 to generate inte= rest in the study of mammals. Today the ASM has over 4,500 members, mos= t of whom are professional scientists with a strong interest in the publ= ic good. The ASM provides information useful for public policy, resourc= es management, conservation, and education. = = Where can I find additional information on the ASM resolution? = For more information, please contact ASM Public Relations Chair, John Yu= nger ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), or one of the following ASM members: Brian Cz= ech ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), Oliver Pergams ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), Steve Sheffield (s= [EMAIL PROTECTED]). =
Re: community-based conservation
Does anyone have names for the people who first created community-based conservation? I have seen (online) that it really started in the early 1980s, but no mention of who those first people were, or who coined the terms? Wendee: I am an environment officer working for a development agency in Central America, managing regional conservation programs. I think it will be very difficult to peg down an exact date when community based conservation started. One thing is when they coined the phrase, another is when the practice actually started. This will be very hard to identify when around the world we can come up with multiple examples of local people living in harmony with their resourcesfrom the complex agroforestry systems in Asia to the forest lands in feudal Europe to the indigenous practices in South America. Most commonly we hear the phrase used to describe a conservation management practice encouraged to get local buy-in to local parks. However, with a global economy we can expand that communities sphere from the local to the global market. We can generate resources at the local level for direct benefit of local people, we can work with private sector interests (which could include cooperatives and other local groups) that benefit from the natural capital (such as water and other natural resources) and have them participate in protecting the resource) or we can provide ownership through practices such as concessions in order to give local people a more tangible benefit from the resource...however conservation in practice...we are working out here with both local people who maintain that link ancestrally and local people who need help learning how they can use the resource or making the connection between their actions and conservation. For example, Guatemala set up forestry concessions and parks. We had more success with the local people in the forestry concessions becoming engaged in conservation because each tree that burned represented cash. In the parks we had endless problems with local communities whose composition changed cosntantly with migration. So to answer your question bluntly, if you take a wholistic global perspective on this...not sure your question can be answered with accuracy. Some cultures maintain a much closer link to the natural worlds that surround them, others have been displaced into areas they have no idea how to use. Others mine the resource without investing into preserving the source of their revenue. Communities living around natural areas can be ancestral or can be recent arrivals. All can benefit in a sustainable or unsustainable manner. On 6/29/07, Hamazaki, Hamachan (DFG) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wendee Your description of community-based conservation sounds wonderful, but I just can't escape feeling a scent of Western Cultural Imperialism (e.g., We know better what is good for locals and conservation than they are.). One way to recognize this attitude is ask yourself a question Would you apply the same conservation methods to you or our own people here in the US? For instance, do you think the same approach will work to farmers and ranchers living adjacent to the Yellow Stone NP, so that bison, bears, wolves, etc can wander outside the park boundaries and not being shot? If the same approach does not work in the US, why do you think it will work in the 3rd world countries? -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of WENDEE HOLTCAMP Sent: Thursday, 28 June, 2007 07:31 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: community-based conservation I guess I should better define what I meant by community-based conservation. I don't mean efforts going back to native peoples that live integrated with the land/ecology etc. I was trying to get at the concept that I believe started around the 1980s where Western conservationists recognized that to make conservation (most) effective, efforts should explicitly consider the livelihoods of the people living there (typically in 3rd world nations), and get them invested in conservation and somehow increase their livelihood or give them tangible reasons for wanting to conserve - usually monetary like jobs in parks etc. So instead of just going into African countries and setting aside a park and displacing people, to instead hire locals as guides, naturalists, guards etc - they have to be able to make more money in conservation than they were making poaching or ranching (cutting down forets, degrading land) and I guess this also goes hand in hand with teaching ranching methods that don't lead to desertification etc so even though outside influences are comi! ng into a locale, they're simultaneously needing to win the hearts and minds of the local people and convince them that they are actually helping them have better lives in the long run. It may also include teaching people to appreciate rare,
