Demything “wilderness”: implications for protected area designation and management

Abstract

Protected areas are a cornerstone of many conservation approaches, and concepts of pristineness and wilderness are often considered central to protected area designation and management. However, these concepts are rarely explored through a historical lens that captures the philosophies and assumptions underlying protected area designation. In this paper, we aim to improve our understanding of protected area designation and management by reviewing the history of four main conservation approaches: (1) Wilderness conservation and the Yellowstone Model;(2) Wise use and the Game Reserve Model; (3) Wildlife and Biodiversity conservation; and (4) Ecosystem management. Through examination of the history of these Models, we discuss the values, rationale and assumptions behind each approach, and how these interface with protected area designation. In each case, we explore the extent of dependence on concepts of wilderness and pristineness. We also highlight the evolution of alternative criteria for designating protected areas, and ascertain how far these alternative values influence protected area designation and management.

European Wilderness in a Time of Farmland Abandonment

“…A science-based understanding of the human influence on ecosystems informs presently one of the main current conservation approaches (Brooks et al 2006;Kalamandeen and Gillson 2007). In this context, wilderness represents one extreme of the gradient of human presence and impact across the landscape.…”

Urban ecological conservation policy in Shenzhen: the production of a ‘Biophysical Fix’

“…As essential constituents of urban spaces, ecological areas have a variety of economic, social and ecological values in supporting the human use of non-human nature. A range of social practices thus seeks to preserve, conserve, or restore these ecological resources, demonstrating a shift away from the initial protection of areas as wilderness areas (Adams, 1997;Jepson & Whittaker, 2002;Kalamandeen & Gillson, 2007) to habitat management to protect particular species (Adams, 1997;Cox & Moore, 2010;MacArthur & Wilson, 2001;McIntosh, 1986) and, more recently, an increasing emphasis on ecosystem management (Margules & Pressey, 2000;Yaffee, 1999;Zimmerer, 2000). The policy-making activity associated with ecological conservation provides a focus for negotiation or conflict (While et al, 2010) in which a mix of state and non-state actors, situated at different geographical scales of decision-making, are usually involved (Cox & Moore, 2010;While et al, 2004While et al, , 2010.…”

Zonasi Konservasi untuk Siapa? Pengaturan Perairan Laut Taman Nasional Bali Barat

“…Melihat perkembangan ini, Kalamandeen & Gillson (2007) menyatakan bahwa sejarah pendekatan konservasi mengalami perubahan pemahaman, yaitu hubungan antara manusia dengan alam dan reintegrasi sistem ekologi dengan sistem sosial. Hubungan sistem ekologi dan sosial akan terpusat dalam pengembangan strategi konservasi, yaitu melalui rekonsiliasi kebutuhan sosial, budaya, dan ekonomi yang bertujuan konservasi dengan batasan intrinsik sistem ekologi.…”