Reinventing a Square Wheel: Critique of a Resurgent "Protection Paradigm" in International Biodiversity Conservation

TLDR

Recent literature claims people‑oriented conservation has largely failed to protect biodiversity, prompting a shift toward authoritarian protection of national parks and other protected areas. The authors analyze five core themes underlying the protectionist literature. They find that while critiques of people‑oriented approaches are valid, the protectionist argument is incomplete and its recommendations are unlikely to secure long‑term biodiversity protection. Keywords: biodiversity, community‑based conservation, protectionist argument, sustainable use, indigenous peoples, integrated conservation and development projects.

Abstract

Abstract This article presents a critical review of recent writings that argue that people-oriented approaches to conservation have largely failed to achieve their main goal--the protection of biological diversity. Based on an analysis of this problem, authors of these works conclude that biodiversity conservation initiatives should place renewed emphasis on authoritarian protection of national parks and other protected areas to safeguard critically threatened habitats worldwide. We examine five core themes in these writings. We conclude that, while many of their findings regarding shortcomings of current people-oriented approaches are well grounded, the overall arguments are incomplete because they largely ignore key aspects of social and political processes that shape how conservation interventions happen in specific contexts. As a result, recommendations linked to the renewed protectionist argument most likely will not provide long-term protection of biodiversity. Keywords: Biodiversity Community-BASED Conservation Conservation Debate Indigenous Peoples Integrated Conservation And Development Projects (ICPPS) Protectionist Argument Sustainable Use