What is Biodiversity Conservation?

A direct translation of the term "biodiversity" is "diversity of life". This refers to the persistence of as many species as possible on Earth at any point in time - the biodiversity wealth of the planet i.e. if there is a decrease in the number of species at a point in time then there is a decrease in biodiversity wealth. There are a large range of factors that will determine how many species will persist at any point in time which is what the environmental and biodiversity sciences focus on. All species on Earth are designed to coexist under "natural" conditions. However, where the natural system is changed by either a change in the prevailing environmental conditions (climatic changes) or an imbalance in the natural system itself (Unsustainable Human Development), many of the species in that system will become threatened with extinction...if the threat is not removed or managed.

So what is "Biodiversity conservation"? It is the interface between the activities of humans and the natural environment. Conservationists study natural systems to understand how they function. Only by understanding a natural system can we begin to identify the threats that result in the loss of species. Once we have identified and understood the threats, then we can start devising strategies to remove or manage the human impact that is resulting in a loss of biodiversity. This is what conservationists do...in many different ways. The organisations listed on this blog each have a crucial and valuable conservation role to play to achieve the main goal of biodiversity conservation...the persistence of the maximum number of species possible in time.

Conservationists in different organisations have used various strategies to create a positive interface between humans and the natural environment, despite the doom and gloom scenarios presented. But in the end, the greatest challenge that conservationists face is how to integrate human society back into the natural system so that humans are once again in harmony with the Earths natural systems and not out of balance. While this idealistic view of a perfect world is not realistic, we should be changing the trend towards this ideal and not spiralling away from it. You can imagine that this cannot be an easy responsibility and there has been a growing realization that this cannot be left to a few vocal conservationists...we need critical mass to make a difference and lead the way.

Like many sciences, there is debate. This debate can lead to confusion. The media loves stories that arise from these debates. So unfortnately, all the general public gets to hear is the media version of the debate which often leads to misunderstanding and further distraction from the conservation objective. Our challenge to you is that you gather the facts for yourself. The organisations presented in this blog are highly active in the conservation community so find out some more about them and what they do, gather your facts and THEN listen to the media so that you have context within which to hear what is said and THEN take a position on the topic.

Conservationists need the help of every human being that have a knot in their stomachs when they think that future generations will not have it easy. While the convenient road is to think that "it is not our problem - someone else will fix it", the responsible road is to strive to make sure that it will not become a problem by making a difference now. We need your interest, input, healthy debate, practical suggestions and discussion on how to mobilize critical mass (effective, viable strategies and tactics) to ensure that humans strive to integrate back into the natural systems, so that many more human generations (and other species) can enjoy the natural wealth, we enjoy today. While we realize that a very small proportion of South Africa's population has access to blogs and internet...let's just call this a "good start" and work from there...

We will be monitoring this blog from year to year to canvas perceptions, opportunities, issues, recommendations and gaps that we can present to the biodiversity conservation sector (or they can see themselves) - so have your say... we would like to hear from you.