I am trying to start the fifth of six assignments for my Environmental Hisotry class at University of Iowa. Anway I just want to throw this out there in case anyone wants to answer. This may seem like an obvious question and I know the basic answer, but would some other points of view. How would you describe the differences between Conservation and Preservation? Thanks, Abner
Consulting the dictionary won't help. As you've undoubtedly figured out already, most dictionaries will describe these two words as being synonymous. I think that there's some subtle differences and you can sometimes see this in places like really big, really good libraries where they have "Conservation Librarians" but then some libraries have "Preservation Librarians." I might say that conservation is the broader term and that preservation might be seen as being one of several possible activities within this broader realm of activities. However, I might be making that up too. I think that when it comes to wildlife, preservationists tend to be grouped with animal rights groups. They are big, non-local groups that try to control others resources (like if a mainly US animal rights group swoops into South African and tries to influence South African legislation, etc) Conservation is more aligned with allowing local groups utilize their resources as they see fit. Jack btw, I want partial credit on your homework assignment
ahhh, the power of google. Just put the Conservation versus Preservation in quotes. Since I took the summer off from school its nice to have a few questions to look over. Regards, Kevin http://www.utexas.edu/depts/grg/eworks/proceedings/engeo/mugerauer/mughtml.html "It appears that we have a polarity where resource or environmental preservation is opposite and in contest with the conservation attitude that actually is a kind of developmental outlook." http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/Resources/Teaching_Packs/Key_Stage_4/Sustainable_Development/02.html "Conservation versus Preservation The two terms 'conservation' and 'preservation' are often confused and are used to mean the same thing, although differences exist. Conservationists include those who accept that change and progression are necessary for a better future, but only when the changes take place in ways that are not wasteful. What the conservationist opposes is not the harnessing of nature for mankind's progression per se, but the fact that all too often the impacts on the environment too often compromise that of progression. Conservationists have warned us that if we continue to be wasteful and pollute the environment, then it won't just be our generation that suffers, but future generations too. Environmental conservation is often regarded as a more shallow form of environmentalism. Preservation, on the other hand, involves attempts to maintain, in their present condition, areas of the Earth that are so far untouched by humans. Preservationists are concerned that mankind is encroaching onto the environment at such a rate that many untamed landscapes are being given over to farming, industry, housing, tourism and other human developments, and that we our losing too much of what is 'natural'. Environmental preservation is often regarded as a deeper form of environmentalism. Some preservationists also argue that wildlife and ecosystems should be preserved, whatever the cost, regardless of the economic benefits they may have for humans. This follows from the belief that every living thing has a right to exist."
Thanks! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Also many thanks to Fed, I really appreciate the both of you taking time out of your day to help a perfect stranger! These comments will definately help, I have had writers block for two weeks!!!!! I am determined to break through this block and finish this assignment! Luckily, it is assigment number five of six, so I am almost there. Not to go on and on, but your concise no nonsense definitions help me greatly. Like you said, looking in the dictionary is useless. Other articles I looked up on line did not help either. Anyway, Better go and start writing!! Abner Both of you gentleman get an A+ grade from me!
In other words, are we arguing that the conservationist would say not to shoot too many deer because we might not have enough venison in the future if we do while the preservstionist would say not to shoot any deer because any one of them could be Bambi?
