Conserving rangeland resources die bewaring van veldhulpbronne

Abstract

The aims of the paper are to (1) identify the properties of conservation, (2) explain its poor implementation, and (3) propose remedies.

The main characteristics of conservation are that it (1) is altruistic, (2) expresses a value judgement, and (3) is literally non‐falsifiable.

Conservation is not widely practised because (1) its altruism, being non‐Darwinian, will not be performed spontaneously, (2) there is a mistaken attempt to consider phenomena absolutely rather than recognise the value‐driven and theory‐laden nature of all human activities, (3) its ethic, if taken literally, cannot be written operationaly, and (4) there is a dependence on poorly‐falsifiable ecological theories (e.g. neo‐Clementsianism).

Proposed remedies are to (1) define our ultimate frames of reference, (2) enthuse the public of the chosen core‐values, (3) develop operational conservation goals, (4) assess the degree of goal‐attainment, (5) try to correct departures, and (6) align individual and societal interests by manipulating market‐forces.

Uittreksel

Die doelwitte van die publikasie is om (1) die eienskappe van bewaring te identifiseer, (2) die swak implementering van bewaring te verduidelik, en (3) verbeterings voor te stel.

Die hoofeienskappe van bewaring is (1) dit is altruisties, (2) dit dui ‘n waardebeoordeling aan, en (3) dit is letterlik nie vervalsbaar nie.

Bewaring word nie algemeen toegepas nie, want (1) weens altruisme (wat nie‐Darwinisties is nie) ontstaan bewaring nie spontaan nie, (2) foutiewe pogings word aangewend om verskynsels absoluut uit te beeld eerder as om te erken dat alle menslike bedrywighede waardegedrewe en teorie‐belaai is, (3) die bewaringsetiek, indien letterlik beskou, kan nie operasioneel beskryf word nie, en (4) afhanklikheid van swak vervalsbare ekologiese teoriee (bv. neo‐Clementsisme) bly voortbestaan.

Voorgestelde maatrieëls is (1) identifiseering van ons uiteindelike verwysingsraamwerk, (2) opwekking van openbare belangstelling in die gekose kernwaardes, (3) formulering van operasionele bewaringsdoelwitte, (4) bepaling van sukses met die bereiking van doelwitte, (5) regstelling van afwykings, en (6) om deur die manipulasie van markkragte, individuele en openbare belangstellings in ooreenstemming met mekaar te bring.

Additional index words:

• human values
• management
• science philosophy