Human Impacts on Ecosystems Assessment Task
Part 3 - BIG QUESTIONS
What do you believe are arguments both for and against wildlife conservation
Wildlife conservation is about protecting animals, plants and their habitats so that they don’t go extinct. one of the biggest arguments for wildlife conservations is that all all species play a major or minor role in keeping out ecosystems healthy and balanced. When one species disappears it can affect many others including humans. An example of this is bees, they help pollinate the crops we eat and pollinate the forests that support wildlife but also clean our air and water. Many people also believe that as humans we have a responsibility to look after the planet and all the life on especially because our actions like deforestation, pollution and climate change are caused by us.
Another strong reason for conservation is how it benefits people. Healthy ecosystems provide resources like food, clean water and medicine. Also animals like Kangaroos and Koalas are very important to Australia’s identity and for bringing in money from tourism which can help support local communities. Conservation also creates jobs and different opportunities for education and further research. Saving wild life isn’t just about protecting animals its about keeping the word liveable for everyone.
However, some people are against spending time and money on protecting wildlife. They say that with limited funding we should focus on helping people, with issues with issues like poverty, housing and healthcare. Other people say that these species are already too far gone and that spending money and recourses on trying to save them would be a waste, it is also argued that we should just leave them alone and humans should not interfere with nature even if a species is going to go extinct naturally.
Another argument against conservation is that is that it can interrupt development. Sometimes land that is needed for farming, housing and other human related needs is blocked of as area is left protected for animals and plants. People can lose income and towns can miss out on necessary growth. This can and has caused tension between conservationists and local community that are trying to just make a living.
Despite all of this, there are many ways to conservation and development work together. Ecotourism (Hiking, Camping, surfing, walking in nature) is a good example of this. It allows people to both make money and protect nature by opening up jobs like tour guides but also allowing people to be educated and involved. When people understand the issues and changes occurring in the environment. When people understand how they contribute the environment and how species in there local area help the environment and improve there own wellbeing they are more interested in helping and contributing to a better world.
