The Fire-Brigade Period (The First 100 Years of Conservation) Involvement in conservation work entails the use of a wide variety of skills, some of which one most probably will not adequately be prepared. There are two arguments - that the role and importance of conservation are changing dramatically (rapid increase of problems, recognition that conservation is essential for our survival) and secondly that conservation must increasingly be 'drawn into the mainstream of social and economic activity'.
Conservation, as we know it, is a product of the past 100 years - the 'fire-brigade period'. It has largely been a specialist activity hence giving it a somewhat elitist standing, being dominated by scientists and amateur naturalists.
Over this period, priorities have tended towards a sort of 'museum type of approach' - the aim being to preserve different habitats as showcase items of diversity.
Conservation has had little impact on economic activity.
The Earth flag is not an official flag, since ther...
Northernmost natural population
Biodiversity and Climate ChangeOne of the main reasons for this is that it has the image of a sectional interest, which can be satisfied through the preservation of certain areas - a sort of apathetic appeasement which shows no real resolution to solve the problems at hand. The economy is deemed much more important. These protected areas are not large enough to support all of the species that were once present.
Conservation and the Environmental Crisis The fire-brigade phase is believed to be coming to an end - at least in the developing world. We have learned much about the abundance and distribution of species and habitats, and there is now legal protection for the most notable natural areas. Despite our achievements, however, we are not doing enough to halt the loss of biodiversity. The estimated rate of extinction of plant and animal life is phenomenal when compared to times before human...