Protecting and Partaking in Wildlife: Week 2 Discussion

Image credit: Creator: csterken | Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto (https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/contentlab.studiod/getty/c088b2b291eb45df977c4d403fabf106)

Desiring to be among the wilderness and natural resources is something that I find to be innate to humans as animals. I, among most people I have met, feel this way. But something else that I feel having grown up (and continuing to grow up) in an era of climate anxiety and shrinking natural resources is fear of contributing to the carnage of what now seems so fragile. A yearning to return to the wilderness for a moment in time paired with the aching fear of destroying it is something that I'm sure many of us experience.

Despite these anxieties, there is bound to be a way to indulge our desire for nature while being mindful and respectful to the ecosystems that build it. It requires finding a fine balance between human activity and conservation.

Before all else, planning is the crucial first step. Identifying and designating protected areas, such as national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges can serve as the foundation to a plan for conservation. It is important for this planning to consider the needs of wildlife first, but should also consider the needs of humans. It should be ensured that wildlife areas are protected and large enough to support the ecological processes while providing opportunities for people to enjoy nature.

Planning sustainability is next in this scheme to reduce and minimize negative impacts that humans can have on habitats and ecosystems. Responsible land management and development, sustainable agriculture, pollution control, and land stewardship should be prioritized. One useful and proven-effective strategy for this can be creating buffer zones where wildlife can be protected by being distanced from human activities. It's also important for people to be responsible and mindful of their actions and behaviors when observing and appreciating these natural spaces by minimizing disturbances through practices such as guided tours, educational programs, low-impact activities, and prioritizing preservation over human wants.

While these points focus on conserving what's already there, we should also put our energy into restoration and education. Volunteering and supporting restoration efforts can help bring back small or lost ecosystems to appreciate, and volunteering in these efforts can be rewarding not only by getting first hand experience in appreciating wildlife, but through the satisfaction of contributing to protecting that habitat and making it possible for future generations to enjoy. Promoting public awareness of these practices can benefit this cause by encouraging others to learn more responsible behavior as well as promoting understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them.

By integrating all of these strategies and working together to improve them, as well as learn more strategies, I think we can protect wildlife while participating in it too. With collective effort, we can balance our needs with the needs of the ecosystems on which we depend.