Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 77 (2): 349-366, 2004
COMMENTARY
Ecological theory and values in the determination of conservation goals: examples from
temperate regions of Germany, United States of America, and Chile
The definition of conservation goals is a complex task, which involves both ecological
sciences and social values. A brief history of conservation strategies in Germany (protection of cultural landscapes), United States
(wilderness ideal), and southern Chile (preservation paradigm and the more recent interest in ecotourism) illustrates a broad range of
conservation goals. To encompass such an array of conservation dimensions and goals, the ecosystem approach adopted by the
Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity represents a good approach. However, to become effective, this
kind of approach requires clarifying and agreeing upon basic concepts, such as ecosystem. To serve that purpose, we present a
scheme that considers the selected phenomena, internal relationship, and the component resolution to define an ecosystem. We
conclude that: (1) conservation traditions encompass interests in the preservation of both natural and cultural heritages, which also
appear as mutually dependent dimensions. Hence, nature and humans are brought together as much in the goals as in the processes
of conservation. (2) In the context of current global change, it is impossible to completely “isolate” protected areas from direct or
indirect human influences. In addition, the current view of nature points out that biota and ecosystems will change over time, even in
protected areas. Hence, in order to preserve species or habitats it is not enough to isolate protected areas, but it often requires active
management and conservation actions. The two former conclusions suggest the need to revise the conservation approach that has
been undertaken in the southern region of Chile, because (a) local people have been systematically excluded from protected areas,
and (b) these areas lack personnel and facilities to conduct appropriate conservation and/or management programs. (3) Our analyses
of the views of nature and conservation goals in different regions and/or historical moments demonstrate that these involve not only
scientific criteria, but also philosophical, political and broader cultural, social and economic dimensions. Hence, effective conservation
requires a greater degree of interdisciplinary and interagency cooperation.
Key words:
conservation,
comparative approach, ecological theory, Chile, ecotourism, ecosystem management, Germany, images of nature, Magellan region,
social values, Yellowstone
