Problems with Evolutionary Perspectives on Conservation Policy

What is it about?

Responding to policy and planning framework developed by Peter Kareiva and Emma Fuller, we explore their approach to policy from an evolutionary perspective and what problems might occur in adopting this particular set of values. While we agree that their approach is an appropriate starting point for discussion of ecosystem resilience and adaptive management, we argue that they do not offer the required framework of guiding principles, or---more importantly---a set of values on which to base this particular environmental policy and management approach.

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Photo by Photos By Beks on Unsplash

Photo by Photos By Beks on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Given the emphasis on conservation triage and developing responsible policies for conservation and natural resource use, a myriad of value sets and perspectives will likely come forth. Values create the framework of policy as well as its efficacy; but, how will we know what will be the most appropriate, responsible, or ethical set of values? That is the purpose of this paper--to examine the particular set of values associated with the evolutionary perspective on policy. We analyze the main driver behind Kareiva and Fuller’s article with respect to non-epistemic values and outline key questions that will be important to inform environmental and conservation research, efforts, and policy.