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Do we need big conservation organisations?

Matilda Lee | 22.06.11

Wherefore wildlife conservation? In a Channel 4 Dispatches programme this week, ‘Conservation’s dirty secrets’ reporter Oliver Steeds investigated the ways in which big conservation organisations have lost their way. Two major issues dog the conservation movement: the ineffectiveness of working with big business on the one hand and, on the other, neglecting to engage with local populations that live around endangered species.

And the Dispatches report is not the first to weigh in on the issue. It follows a related film that was released a few weeks ago where undercover reporters posing as arms manufacturers discussed ways in the which the company could boost its green credentials with a senior employee of mega-group Conservation International. In taking money from the fake arms company, the CI rep seemingly asked for little in return. And on another note, it begs the question: why was CI accepting money from an arms company in the first place?

CI Chief Executive Peter Seligmann is unrepentant, issuing a response justifying CI’s engagement with corporations and saying the film painted a highly inaccurate and incomplete picture of CI’s work with businesses.

I guess we have to make up our own minds. But I find it hard to overlook the fact that when a conservation group engages with big business, there can not be carrots without sticks. Corporations will try anything they can to get a free ride, and a greener image. The real influence big conservation groups wield is in engaging with big business and shaming them for their dangerous corporate behavior. Not doing so is a missed opportunity, and doesn't help the environment much either. 

Soft and cuddly?

The second problem noted in the Dispatches show is how wildlife protection projects often alienate the very people they need to stem the loss of species.

Are we too sentimental about wildlife? For many, the panda is an almost mythical animal and a chance to see the ‘big five’ wild animals in Africa is a once in a lifetime experience. This sentimentalism is what motivates many to support wildlife conservation efforts. But, the truth is, for many people living on the ground, local wildlife can be a nuisance and a threat. It’s certainly not endearing when an elephant damages the crops of already hungry communities.

For these communities, there has to be a reason to save the wildlife and conservation needs to realistically fit into their lives. When local tribes are moved off their land to make way for a nature reserve it’s another lose-lose situation.

Instead, engaging communities on small-scale conservation projects can really work. I recently interviewed a very inspiring conservationist, Raoul du Toit, winner of this year’s Goldman Environmental Prize winner. Despite increased poaching threats, a difficult political situation and drought, he pioneered an impressive community stakeholding project to protect and increase Zimbabwe’s black rhino population. In a nutshell: they give two rhinos to an impoverished school chosen through an environmentally related competition. As new rhinos are born, they will be bought, with the money going back to support the school. The schools have an interest to protect the rhino from poaching and local politicians look upon the scheme favourably as it bring benefits to the community.

That’s a win-win situation.

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