Tag Archives: new conservation

New York Times article from 10/31 on ‘New’ Conservation

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/01/opinion/how-to-mend-the-conservation-divide.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

Hi class, guess what?!? A great article in the NYTs on moving forward from the current debate in conservation was published yesterday, the same day we were discussing these issues! It was written by Emma Marris (the author of Rambunctious Garden) and a scientist at the Wilderness Society (i.e. people who protect ‘pristine’ nature). Check it out! Here is a quote:

“No matter which reason motivates you most, working together and using a diversity of approaches is far better than inaction or squabbling. With hard work, political support and lots of money, we can have the cherished landscapes, the most endangered species, and the comfort of knowing there is still wild nature left. We just can’t expect to have them all in the same place.”

Instructions for 11/7 ‘debate’ prep (with chosen topics)

11/7 Debate

What should we do about certain issues in conservation?

Don’t need to do too much extra research- just learn what it is, find example, and use what you’ve read/learned to apply it to these scenarios:

  1. Invasive species- always eradicate or embrace? (Julia, Tahsin, Sarah, Jessica, Siena)
  2. How to do or should we do reforestation/restoration? (Makeba, Kyle, Michelle, Katherine, Tasnia)
  3. Should we work with corporations to achieve conservation goals? (Acadia, Sherry, Rose, Rya)
  4. How should we protect of big predators/ deal with human wildlife conflict? (Allegra, Sabeena, Devin, Phil, Jaspreet)

Potential examples:
-Wolves in the west
-Coyotes in NYC
-Australia marsupial conservation
-Restoration in of plants in HI
-Galapagos
-Kangaroos
-Jamaica Bay restoration
-New Orleans
-De-extinction

Plan:
Groups will get 20 mins to come together, chat
Individual responses– up to 5-minute thoughts/argument and then those with same ideas get together as a panel and answer questions
-Overview of topic (together)
-One Example- explain it
-Strategy they would take
-Why
-What thought of conservation it falls under, or along the spectrum
Then give the audience 10 minutes to ask questions