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Around the World in 80 Ideas |
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ENVIRONMENT 65: Not just for the birds How private groups can help conservation The problem: threat from development Wildlife is under increasing threat as habitats are destroyed by human activity. How can an appropriate balance be struck between conservation and economic development? The idea: employ private enthusiasm Perhaps it is better not to rely on the state, and instead, establish conservation societies funded by individual members. Examples: bird-protection societies A lively interest in natural history, encouraged by television documentaries, has been one of the striking features of recent times in much of the developed world. Bodies such as the World-Wide Fund for Nature and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have attracted millions of members. Acting independently, they can often achieve remarkable results, safeguarding areas of outstanding interest for both flora and fauna. In the United Kingdom, the RSPB is a registered charity which boasts over one million members, including 150,000 who are under eighteen. It manages 152 reserves in the UK covering more than 102,000 hectares. It works with bird and habitat conservation organizations in a worldwide partnership called Birdlife International. In recent years the RSPB has been able to restore native heathland in Dorset, home to the Dartford warbler and silver studded blue butterly; it has also acquired extensive woodlands in Scotland which are being restored to Caledonian pine forest. One of its most spectacular successes has been the reintroduction of red kites to Wales, Scotland and several areas of England. Practically extinct a generation ago, this magnificent bird of prey is now firmly re-established with healthy populations starting to spread out to new areas. The RSPB is generally recognized to be one of the most effective lobbying organizations in the UK. More and more of its work focuses on analyzing issues relating to bio-diversity, environmental planning and transport policy, which all have an important bearing on wildlife habitat. The briefs it produces are highly influential on planning and environmental issues at both a central and local government level. The pioneering work of the RSPB is paralleled in many other countries. There are active and well supported bird societies in countries as diverse as Chile, Australia, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Turkey and Malaysia. Birdlife International now comprises bird protection societies in over 40 countries. Birds Australia is one of Australia's oldest conservation organizations. It is dedicated to the understanding, conservation and enjoyment of Australia's wild, native birds and their habitats. One of its reserves is Gluepot, purchased in 1997 with the help of donations from its members and supporters, in Southern Australia's Riverland District. Gluepot is an internationally significant protected area for threatened species. In Canada, Bird Studies Canada has marshalled thousands of volunteers to conduct bird conservation and ringing programmes at Long Point, Lake Erie. It is currently aiming to expand the reserve it manages for migratory birds. English Nature (originally called the Nature Conservancy Council) is a body formed in 1951 to find, protect, and maintain rare ecosystems and species. It protects over 3.5 million acres in the United States alone, and over 4 million acres of tropical rain forests. For funding, it relies on the contribution of its half-million members and two hundred corporate associates. America's Audubon Society, roughly equivalent to the UK's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds or the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, has also created numerous wildlife sanctuaries. Particularly large is the Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary in Vermillion Parish, Louisiana. Covering over 25,000 acres of marshland, it is a haven to tens of thousands of migrating snow geese and to swamp creatures such as mink and alligators. Following approaches from oil exploration companies whose surveys indicated sizeable reserves of oil under the site, the Society allowed three different companies to drill in the Rainey Sanctuary. Very strict controls were agreed on the locations and times of year when drilling could take place in order not to disturb the birds, particularly in their breeding season. By 1981 the Society was earning royalties of $1 million per year as a result, all of which could be applied towards its other conservation work. Contrary to what one might think, the relationship between the Audubon Society and the oil companies proved amicable, and the Society management praised the companies for their co-operation and concern. Results: protection and regeneration Nature reserves can be a powerful source of economic regeneration in rural areas. For example, more than £11 million is spent each year by visitors to the RSPB's 150 nature reserves. This, together with direct employment and spending on reserve management, is equivalent to more than 600 full-time jobs. A recent report on RSPB sites found that 69 per cent of visitors to reserves come from outside the immediate vicinity and than more than half of these visitors stayed between four days to a fortnight in the area, further boosting the local hotel, restaurant, and other leisure-service providers. RSPB has co-operated with local authorities, land owners, farmers and commercial companies to manage wildlife habitats and provide visitors' centres. A good example is the successful partnership RSPB has enjoyed with the construction firm ARC, in Dungeness, Kent, where wetlands have been restored to their former beauty. ARC paid for a variety of projects, including the provision of hides and machinery to create breeding islands for terns. Assessment: a force for nature Conservation bodies such as RSPB and Birds Australia act as highly efficient agents to manage wildlife habitat. Such organizations are becoming increasingly popular and are attracting substantial funding, not only in terms of membership fees, but also through donations, legacies and commercial activities. They tend to be far more committed, innovative and efficient than state-run bodies in terms of preserving and protecting endangered species, other wildlife, and natural habitats. They are also highly influential pressure groups. Often, they are criticized for being excessively hostile to economic development, but sensible compromises can usually be achieved. For instance, the RSPB vigorously opposed the redevelopment of Cardiff Bay, a run-down dockside area that provided a large habitat for waders. Development went ahead, but in exchange the developers and local authorities agreed to an artificial habitat for waders being built further down the coast. Similarly, the good working relationship between the Audubon Society and the oil companies in the Rainey Sanctuary in Louisiana shows that the needs of conservation can strike a balance with economic development. For further information:
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Copyright 2002: Adam Smith Institute
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