True Dedication
What does it take to protect our wildlife and ensure that they have a sustainable future these days?
We have been getting a few insights into the challenging world of conservation recently.
One of the biggest dynamics shows up in the human / wildlife relationship. Our ability to coexist and enjoy our basic rights to life on this planet. A basic right for every species on this planet but our difficulty in honouring that all too often turns to conflict. When situations end up in conflict there are always losers — and it’s rare for wildlife to emerge the winner.
There is no shortage of passionate individuals and organisations working tirelessly to represent the vulnerable and endangered. But they face incredible challenges. Protecting and saving wildlife, no matter what the species requires dedication and investment and those working in conservation are generally heavily dependent on the goodwill and financial support of others.
Where to start?
In a world where sadly so many species are under threat* the first challenge is which species to focus efforts on. A horrible choice to make when you think about it. To know that any funding and support you manage to get may divert resource from another.
*Facts and Figures on IUCN Red List
It’s shocking to think about the many ways we humans accelerate the extinction of a species. It’s not really important whether it was intentional or not.
We know that the most iconic species command the most attention. That typically translates to the cute and appealing even when they are not the most vulnerable. Alternatively our attention may be won through drama and outrage — when human behaviours become simply unacceptable and we decide to respond as a collective. Often too late to really make a difference.
It all boils down to a mix of what we value and what gets our attention. What captures our imagination and interest or stirs our emotions.
There is no shortage of issues demanding our attention and we have pretty short attention spans.
So a conservationist has to posses a wide range of skills — communication, marketing, facilitation, negotiation and networking. Mostly required to get the attention of anyone who may give a damm — whether with good or bad intentions
All of that on top of possessing vital knowledge of the species, appreciation of each one’s unique set of dynamics and context and solutions for ensuring its future.
Businesses would pay a fortune for that set of skills wouldn’t they?
Apart from feeling passionate about the future of this planet and it’s inhabitants we find it fascinating to imagine how we might join forces better across key disciplines and perspectives. What — for example — could we do if we combined the talent and expertise of scientists, business leaders and social change experts?
