Wildlife conservation projects in every country are subject to constraints of global economic policy. Historically, these policies have fostered exploitation over protection of biodiversity. Economic factors often stand in the way of effective conservation, contribute to the failure to achieve long-term results and, ultimately, are behind the ‘agony of choice’ we face in trying to save species from extinction. Public awareness is growing of the need to restructure the economy. Numerous visions of a new economy, with the interests of people and the planet at the centre, are beginning to emerge. Instead of continuing to operate within the unfavourable strictures of the current global economic system, conservation organizations now have the opportunity to get involved in shaping future policy.
To bring wildlife concerns into this discussion, we will focus on ways in which the current global market economy hinders conservation; identifying damaging structures, practices and policies. We will examine current economic incentives used in conservation—such as assigning market values to species and sustainable use—raising crucial questions about their effectiveness. We will also explore possibilities for linking up with the broader movement for economic change and begin to answer to the important question: If conservation of species was a guiding principle, what would our economy look like?
Abstracts and presentations
Session I: The economy as a driver of extinction
Session II: The use of market and non-market mechanisms in Conservation
Session III: Re-envisioning the economy with wildlife concerns as a guiding principle
Session IV: The bigger picture: solutions across sectors
Updated programme
ZSL Institute of Zoology www.zsl.org
May 25, 2012
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