By Vicki Patterson
Recently the term "conservation" has evolved, taking on meanings that many of us never intended.
Originally intended to convey the idea of protecting our natural resources and ensuring the survival of various species, "conservation" has become synonymous with murdering, I mean “managing” wildlife by numbers—a practice that has lead to harmful outcomes for the very animals we aim to protect.
The Problem with Conservation
At its core, conservation was meant to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
However, the approach has shifted towards a more quantitative, brutal perspective. Wildlife “management” focuses on population control, where decisions are made based on numbers rather than the holistic well-being of ecosystems.
This has resulted in practices that can be interpreted as harmful or even murderous to certain animal populations, especially when it comes to culling species deemed overpopulated.
The emphasis on "managing" animals through numerical data often overlooks the complex realities of ecosystems, which require a more nuanced understanding of species interactions, habitat needs and the intrinsic value of wildlife.
Instead of nurturing biodiversity, the focus has become about balancing numbers, leading to a disconnection from the deeper values of respect and stewardship that should underpin our relationship with nature.
A New Direction
Recognizing the ghastly new reality of the term "conservation," we are making a conscious shift in our messaging.
Moving forward, we will no longer use the word "conserve" in our communications.
Instead, we will focus on terms that better capture our mission to protect and sustain the oceans and the life within them.
Our new messaging will emphasize:
Protection: Prioritizing the safeguarding of marine ecosystems and their inhabitants, advocating for measures that keep wildlife safe and thriving.
Preservation: Highlighting our commitment to maintaining the natural balance of our oceans, respecting their complexity, and ensuring that they remain healthy for future generations.
Sustainability: Fostering practices that allow us to use ocean resources responsibly while ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
Stewardship: Encouraging a sense of responsibility and care for the ocean, recognizing that we are caretakers of this vital resource.
Conclusion
As we move away from the term "conservation," we invite others to join us in rethinking how we communicate our commitment to the oceans.
It’s time to adopt language that reflects our true intentions: protecting, preserving, and nurturing the oceanic environments that are vital for our planet’s health.
By doing so, we can foster a more profound understanding of our role in the natural world and inspire action that aligns with our values of respect and care for all living beings.
Nature is not transactional—it does not operate on a system of trade or bargaining, where taking a life can be justified by conservation funding or population control. The animals we hunt, displace and exploit do not have a voice in the decisions we make about their fate. They do not get to negotiate their survival, appeal for mercy or fight back with the same weapons used against them.
Yet, they live as we do—forming families, raising their young, communicating in ways we barely understand and contributing to the delicate balance of their ecosystems.
Unlike humans, however, they live with an innate respect for the natural world, taking only what they need and existing in harmony with their surroundings. Their presence is not destructive but essential.
When we justify hunting or killing in the name of conservation, we impose a human-made system onto a world that was never meant to be controlled by our laws. True conservation should not be about managing nature to fit our needs but about protecting and learning from the wisdom that has sustained life for millennia.
Together, we can create a movement that truly honors the oceans and the life they support.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my personal viewpoints and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of all board members.
Eloquently written and absolutely accurate! Living in harmony with nature is something humans must learn; an innate characteristic of all other species on the planet.
Wonderful! Preserve, Protect, Sustainability and Stewardship, powerful words when followed with action. Thank you!