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The human species is unique among all the species on Earth, because it has developed capabilities (through technology) that far exceed what is possible by the advantages passed down through evolution (brain and muscles). As a result, humans have modified the world to suit their needs, assuming in the process, that the human superiority gives them the right to take from other species what it likes, without restriction. This has led to the over development of the biosphere, possibly beyond its capacity to sustain itself, resulting in loss of life and species, while also indirectly threatening human existence. We believe that human nature is not just one of greed and pillage, but one equally of compassion for others, including other species. We also believe that we have enough knowledge, foresight and discipline not only to avert disaster, but also to manage this unique planet while providing happiness and dignity for all. However, in the past century we have put systems in place that have cultivated our short-term outlook, immediate satisfaction and a selfish attitude. It has produced a world, which paradoxically, has gained some but lost other qualities, making people long for true humanity while lavishing in the emptiness of the wealth that replaced it, as expressed eloquently by George Carlin:
 
 

At the start of the 21st century, humanity is faced with the biggest challenge ever, that of accommodating another 4-6 billion people in as little as 40 years. At the same time, our most precious resources are running out, our agricultural systems are overstressed, and our economic systems at the verge of collapse. Already today, we are experiencing more disasters, more frequently, which at the same time are also more puzzling and longer lasting. The real causes are not difficult to find: human overpopulation, coupled with unrestrained consumption, pollution and waste.

For effective and lasting solutions, our knowledge of the environment has been lagging behind. Scientists do not understand its basic functioning and limitations. They are literally caught unaware. Despite the appearance of many scientific articles, no progress has been made in the certainty surrounding environmental problems, solutions and management, in over 25 years. Many articles are in fact only guesswork and philosophical in nature. As a result, we deal with problems by plastering over their cracks, rather than by curing them and attacking their causes, let alone preventing them by foresight. Conservation is no longer an option; it has become necessity.

Not only has it become important to better look after ourselves, but being dependent on the services provided by a shrinking environment, we are also obliged to look after some 10 million other species, who together define what Earth looks like and how it works. The ways conservation has been defined over the years, is indicative of our ignorance and reluctance to make room for those other species on which we ultimately depend. Here are some of the attempts at defining conservation, and of solving our problems.
 
 

As you can see, our concept of conservation has been changing gradually, from a human-centred position to one that reluctantly makes room for 'unimportant' species. However, the reality of the situation has not sunk in, as can be inferred from the NZ Biodiversity Strategy. Notice also that no word was said about reducing human populations and their spreading, about controlling economic growth and wanton wasting, and living within a smaller footprint. One could frankly say that that people have no idea of what is needed.

In writing this large section about conservation, I came across a large volume of often opposing ideas. What struck me, is our obsession with wanting to know more and more detail, as shown above. The following allegory may illustrate my misgivings:
 
 

Those who think this allegory is accurate, stand closer to a solution than those who think it is not. Conservation is not really about nature or the environment, but all about humans. Control humans, and you'll control the problems. Paying attention to the victim leads to plaster-solutions, whereas paying attention to the thugs leads to lasting solutions.
The nature of the problem is further illustrated by an almost complete absence of scientific data. Many scientific articles have been published, but as an indictment of true science, they are all based on opinion, one reciting another. In this way myths are born and propagated, much like UFOlogy or scientology. It is therefore unavoidable that this large section on conservation sometimes leaves the strict scientific path, to enter the rather boggy morass of the humanities and philosophy. In doing so, I have tried to be incisive, calling a spade a spade while exposing myths and fallacies. In the process, refreshingly new ideas have surfaced.

In the article about resource management, we'll define and try to understand what a resource is, how it behaves and how its use is expected to accelerate. We'll examine how nature invented strategies for resilience and sustainability, and how populations are stabilised. We'll introduce some relevant techniques for solving problems, which lead to management strategies for managing resources.

In the article about biodiversity, we'll investigate how diversity came about and how ecosystems function. Already for many millennia, but critically in recent years, species have been disappearing because of the spread of the human species and consequent destruction or change of natural habitat. Not only do people have the responsibility of maintaining the lives of other humans, but also of all those creatures still alive today. People depend on the services provided by the functioning of a healthy environment.  Marine biodiversity is difficult to understand, without also understanding the differences between land and sea. It shows that the sea is a totally different world, requiring a different approach to conservation. A separate document stresses the differences further between the main biorealms of this planet. By looking at the combined effects of habitat loss and loss of species, we discover that mankind is digging a deep hole for itself, prescribing for itself what it did to other creatures. The mathematics of scarcity attempt to explain this.

The article about conservation brings all elements together that are important for understanding conservation and for creating successful protected areas. It deals with the benefits, dilemmas and obstructions of conservation, and how to go about saving a species, a spot or regulating an activity. It also deals with the spiritual dimensions of conservation.

Marine mammals protection is an area already attracting ample interest worldwide, but some aspects have been neglected, reason for some incisive and controversial analysis.

A whole article has been devoted to aspects of marine reserves, their benefits, but more importantly, why so many don't work. Having seen the management of fisheries fail everywhere in the world, people are seeking refuge in the marine reserve concept, having false expectations. Attention is also paid to the selection and design of marine reserves.

Conservation legislation is appearing everywhere in the world as a weapon to salvage nature, but essential mistakes are made here too. Environmental litigation is rapidly becoming the number one source of earnings for lawyers, placing a high burden on the economy. Inappropriate legislation is rife and does not appear to make any practical difference to nature.

Finally the situation in New Zealand is discussed in relation to the above.

The topics of whaling, fishing, soil erosion, effluent discharge, chemical pollution, ballast water, poisonous plankton and habitat loss are so large that they warrant their own sections, to be completed in due time.

Much effort has gone towards describing all existing marine reserves in New Zealand, while also subjecting these to healthy criticism. In the end, it is not important what mistakes we have made, but how we can learn from them to do better in the future. The details of all New Zealand marine reserves have their own large section (see marine reserves index).

Conservation has been a subject about which everyone has an opinion. Much has been written, and as the situation develops further, the environment may well become a main focus and activity in the economy. The purpose for writing this large section, was to bring all important aspects together, and to incisively expose myths and fallacies. If conservation was once an option, it has become a necessity today, and tomorrow an unbearable burden. Only by being extremely smart, can humanity bring about lasting and affordable solutions. This section aims to teach our children and decisionmakers about the seriousness of the situation, in such a way that it can be grasped in its totality, allowing each to arrive at his own conclusions and actions.

Read this section carefully because it has been written in a compact way, revealing a wealth of information, thoughts and processes, systematically and in a small space. Good luck. By reading this, you have already distinguished yourself from the vast majority.

For suggestions and comments, please e-mail the author, Floor Anthoni

Science for Conservation reports (SfC) from the Dept of Conservation, NZ. Since 1997. A very good source of mostly terrestrial information.
DOC Research & Development Series (with DoC Science Internal Series reports DSIS) more good and timely information. Note that many consultancy reports to DoC are not available although they and the work they represent have been paid for by the public purse. Yet many decisions have been based on them.

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