What's In the Word "Conservation?"
Challenging Traditional Assumptions of Conservation
Introduction
In this theme, I cover some of the key questions surrounding the ambiguities of the definition of 'conservation'. Throughout my many years working professionally in the captive koala sector, I have noticed a gradual shift in the meaning and understanding of the word 'conservation'
The Definition of "Conservation"
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, 'conservation' is the "preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife".
What it doesn't say, however, is how to preserve species and environments, what conservation is meant to look like, and how we can manage complex concepts surrounding conservation in a rapidly changing world.
Community involvement
This theme will also explore community involvement in koala conservation and welfare, as well as the current standards of koala care in Australia. While there is a large support-base that is dedicated to protecting koalas in the wild, there is very little structure and leadership across the sector which means that short term and long term goals (if there are any) are never fulfilled. This is particularly apparent across the eastern coast of Australia, where volunteers dedicate hours of their time to protect local koala habitat. However, with no real leadership or guidance, these communities can easily become divided and this results in negative outcomes for the koala. Such a leaderless environment can often breed discontent and cause much in-fighting, which further distances the rest of the Australian public as well as local, state and federal government from supporting conservation issues because nobody wants to jump into the battleground.
In the current landscape, society should be demanding the highest standards in conservation, and should be encouraging leaders and communities to think outside the box to ensure the best outcomes in conservation and koala welfare. After all, humanity is only as good as the technology and ideas of the time. We should constantly be pushing boundaries, asking more of ourselves, and striving for excellence, every day.
Across Australia, conservation standards will decline if we do not innovate across the sector. If we allow infighting, inaction and ego to dominate over innovation, cooperation and creativity, then we risk irreversibly damaging koala welfare and populations.
For me, "DIVERSITY" is a concept that offers equal importance to "CONSERVATION". Throughout this theme, I will endeavour to explain these concepts and point out key concerns in each area.
Conservation Diversification
It's undeniable that further research is required into the diversification of koala eating habits, which will support the koala in terms of risk management in the long-term, which is essential for their evolution and survival.
In our ever-changing world, humanity has already intervened both directly and indirectly. Our native wildlife, including koalas, have been pushed in every direction since European settlement. They have had no choice but to adapt.
This adaptation continues today as they respond to the ongoing changes in their environment. This includes the types of food the koala eats.
