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Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm
Published on: December 10, 2012
Why social values cannot be changed for the sake of conservation
Michael J Manfredo1, Jeremy T Bruskotter2, Tara L Teel1
1Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, 1480 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1480, U.S.A.
Summary
Conservation efforts must understand that social values are stable and deeply embedded. Direct attempts to change values are unlikely to succeed; instead, focus on innovative strategies that work within existing value structures.
Area of Science:
- Social sciences
- Conservation biology
- Environmental studies
Background:
- Conservation professionals have long aimed for widespread social value change, inspired by concepts like Aldo Leopold's "land ethic."
- However, research into the formation and dynamics of values has been limited within conservation.
- Values are complex, integrated into culture, traditions, and institutions, and generally stable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a social-ecological systems approach to understanding values in conservation.
- To analyze the stability and change of social values.
- To inform conservation strategies by considering the role of values.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual approach integrating social-ecological systems theory.
- Analysis of values as embedded in material culture, collective behaviors, traditions, and institutions.
- Examination of value stability and change in response to socio-ecological context alterations.
Main Results:
- Values are stable, deeply embedded, and serve adaptive roles, often persisting across generations.
- Abrupt value shifts are rare and linked to significant changes in the social-ecological context.
- Complete replacement of existing values is not typical during change.
Conclusions:
- Directly orchestrating value shifts for conservation is unlikely to be effective.
- There is a critical need for multilevel, dynamic research on values to inform conservation.
- A systems approach can enhance understanding of values' role in conservation challenges and human management.
Keywords:
adaptación culturalanálisis multi-nivelcambio de valorescultural adaptationestabilidad socialmultilevel analysissistemas soco-ecológicossocial stabilitysocial-ecological systemsvalue shiftMore Related Videos
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