Principles of Conservation
The idea of conservation has often been mistaken to represent the proper use of resources so that these same resources are available for future generations. However, the three main principles of conservation are development, preservation, and the common good. In terms of development, the present generation must use or develop the available resources to their fullest capacity. Currently countries should strive for maximum efficiency, or get the most out of what they have been given. Preservation involves the idea of waste. Resources should not be wasted, and if waste is present, then it is often a sign that we aren’t efficiently using those resources. Since it is a duty for society to not waste, then controlling the earth is also a duty. Forest fires destroy large amounts of vegetation, or resources, thus representing a waste that has been recognized as one we are able to prevent. Lastly, through the development and preservation of these resources, they should be made accessible to everyone. Everyone has a right to those resources, and through proper development and preservation, a large enough quantity should be available so that everyone can have an equal and abundant share to meet their needs.
Therefore, this article prompts the question, is our society conserving our resources? In terms of following the three principles outlined, one could argue that for the most part we are. The one principle that may be considered an exception is the third one, or through the development and preservation of our resources, everyone should receive the benefits. Globally, only a select percentage of people actually get to utilize and develop the resources that they want to. Richer countries have begun to exploit resources in poorer countries when theirs’ are degraded to the point where they are no longer able to meet the needs of the people. This exploitation from other countries also occurs when one country never had quantities of a resource large enough to meet the demands of its people. For some countries, it is not a matter of not having resources, but rather a matter of not having the means to develop and utilize these resources. For others, the cost to extract the resources far outweighs the benefits gained in return. Even within the borders of one country, equal access and utilization of resources is not common. Part of this access involves a persons’ purchasing power, which is then related to the amount of income they receive relative to other people in their country, as well as the price for that resource.
However, while the distribution of resources may not meet the third principle of conservation, development of available resources certainly makes up for it. People are demanding products and companies are providing them as quickly and efficiently as possible, often without concerns for the environmental impacts. Since most products sold are based on a global or local market, preservation of our resources is important to our economical productivity. As noted, waste seen in a market is a sign of inefficiency, and therefore companies try to eradicate it.
Moving away from this global perspective, consider local provincial parks. These parks are managed on the principles of conservation. Flora and fauna are made accessible to the public throughout the year and in its natural habitat. Most parks offer the opportunity to go hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, or just sightseeing. Each of these activities utilizes the resources associated with that area. Furthermore, forestry, mining, and oil development area also allowed within park boundaries. Because people wish to see these green spaces maintained into the future, they often argue that the development of all the resources in the park should not be allowed. In other words, the removal of trees, mineral, and oil should be prohibited despite their economic and societal benefits.
Easton T. Classic edition sources: environmental studies. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2009. pp. 8-9.
