Different environmental value systems will have different reasons for conserving species
diversity. Discuss how these different reasons may influence the approach a society takes to
conservation.
The motivations behind conservation efforts can vary significantly depending on the underlying
environmental value systems of different societies. There are three main environmental value
systems: ecocentric, anthropocentric, and technocentric. Ecocentric is a nature centered way of
thinking; it integrates social, spiritual and environment dimensions into a holistic ideal, putting
nature as central to humanity. There are deep ecologists, who views humans as interconnected
with and equal to all other beings in the biosphere. Anthropocentric viewpoint argues that
humans are the environmental managers; it is human centered. Technocentric viewpoint is
technology centered, arguing that technological developments can provide solutions to
environmental problems. This perspective often aligns with cornucopian values, which posit
that human creativity and technological progress can overcome any resource constraints or
ecological limits. Each of these EVS has different views and reasons for conserving species
diversity.
Different EVSs ascribe different intrinsic value to the environment. Ecocentric value systems
prioritize the intrinsic value of all living organisms and advocate for the protection of
biodiversity for its own sake. They believe in bio-rights, acknowledging the inherent rights of all
living beings to exist and thrive within their natural habitats. From this perspective,
conservation efforts aim to maintain the integrity and resilience of ecosystems. In the context of
African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana), ecocentric viewpoint will emphasize the intrinsic value
of elephants and their importance within the broader context of ecosystem functioning. African
elephants are iconic keystone species, playing critical roles in shaping their ecosystems by
dispersing seeds, creating habitats through their foraging activities, and influencing vegetation
dynamics. Conservation efforts guided by ecocentric values prioritize the protection of elephant
habitats, such as savannas and forests, and the preservation of migration corridors to maintain
connectivity between populations. Through habitat conservation approaches, it is recognized
that the survival of elephants is highly dependent on the preservation of the environment they
inhibit. Organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation focus on establishing and maintaining
protected areas and wildlife corridors to ensure connectivity between elephant populations.
They also work closely with local communities to promote sustainable land-use practices that
benefit both people and wildlife.
Anthropocentric value systems prioritize the value of nature, viewing it primarily in terms of its
utility to human beings. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, located off the coasts of
Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, is the second-largest coral reef system in the world
and home to diverse marine life, including the staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis).
Conservation initiatives in the region adopt an anthropocentric perspective, recognizing the vital
importance of coral reefs for local economies and coastal communities. In addition to traditional
conservation measures such as marine protected areas and coral reef restoration projects,
efforts to conserve the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System also include ecosystem-based
adaptation strategies. For example, communities in Belize have implemented innovative
diversity. Discuss how these different reasons may influence the approach a society takes to
conservation.
The motivations behind conservation efforts can vary significantly depending on the underlying
environmental value systems of different societies. There are three main environmental value
systems: ecocentric, anthropocentric, and technocentric. Ecocentric is a nature centered way of
thinking; it integrates social, spiritual and environment dimensions into a holistic ideal, putting
nature as central to humanity. There are deep ecologists, who views humans as interconnected
with and equal to all other beings in the biosphere. Anthropocentric viewpoint argues that
humans are the environmental managers; it is human centered. Technocentric viewpoint is
technology centered, arguing that technological developments can provide solutions to
environmental problems. This perspective often aligns with cornucopian values, which posit
that human creativity and technological progress can overcome any resource constraints or
ecological limits. Each of these EVS has different views and reasons for conserving species
diversity.
Different EVSs ascribe different intrinsic value to the environment. Ecocentric value systems
prioritize the intrinsic value of all living organisms and advocate for the protection of
biodiversity for its own sake. They believe in bio-rights, acknowledging the inherent rights of all
living beings to exist and thrive within their natural habitats. From this perspective,
conservation efforts aim to maintain the integrity and resilience of ecosystems. In the context of
African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana), ecocentric viewpoint will emphasize the intrinsic value
of elephants and their importance within the broader context of ecosystem functioning. African
elephants are iconic keystone species, playing critical roles in shaping their ecosystems by
dispersing seeds, creating habitats through their foraging activities, and influencing vegetation
dynamics. Conservation efforts guided by ecocentric values prioritize the protection of elephant
habitats, such as savannas and forests, and the preservation of migration corridors to maintain
connectivity between populations. Through habitat conservation approaches, it is recognized
that the survival of elephants is highly dependent on the preservation of the environment they
inhibit. Organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation focus on establishing and maintaining
protected areas and wildlife corridors to ensure connectivity between elephant populations.
They also work closely with local communities to promote sustainable land-use practices that
benefit both people and wildlife.
Anthropocentric value systems prioritize the value of nature, viewing it primarily in terms of its
utility to human beings. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, located off the coasts of
Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, is the second-largest coral reef system in the world
and home to diverse marine life, including the staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis).
Conservation initiatives in the region adopt an anthropocentric perspective, recognizing the vital
importance of coral reefs for local economies and coastal communities. In addition to traditional
conservation measures such as marine protected areas and coral reef restoration projects,
efforts to conserve the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System also include ecosystem-based
adaptation strategies. For example, communities in Belize have implemented innovative
