title: What is the future of conservation?
abstract: In recent years, some conservation biologists and conservation organizations have sought to refocus the field of conservation biology by de-emphasizing the goal of protecting nature for its own sake in favor of protecting the environment for its benefits to humans. This 'new conservation science' (NCS) has inspired debate among academics and conservationists and motivated fundamental changes in the world's largest conservation groups. Despite claims that NCS approaches are supported by biological and social science, NCS has limited support from either. Rather, the shift in motivations and goals associated with NCS appear to arise largely from a belief system holding that the needs and wants of humans should be prioritized over any intrinsic or inherent rights and values of nature.
authors: Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA. Electronic address: daniel.doak@colorado.edu.
authors: Daniel F
authors: DF
authors: Doak
authors: Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
authors: Victoria J
authors: VJ
authors: Bakker
authors: Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; Environmental Design Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
authors: Bruce Evan
authors: BE
authors: Goldstein
authors: Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; Philosophy Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Hale
mesh_terms: D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D017753:Ecosystem; D004989:Ethics; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D010934:Planning Techniques; D014481:United States
keywords: conservation NGOs; conservation policy; mission statements; new conservation science