Conservation Management – Why It’s So Important

Conservation management refers to the regulation of human activities to minimize impacts on fragile ecological and environmental sites for the protection of biodiversity and endangered species. A strong conservation management policy is paramount in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. I believe that urgent systemic interventions are required to reduce energy and resource demand, emphasizing not only decarbonization but also the dematerialization of resource-intensive systems.

In my two decades of senior management, I have been deeply involved in shaping environmental policies. For nearly four years, I served as the Managing Director at Ontario Parks and the Ministry of Natural Resources, overseeing a team of 2,500 employees, a $90 million operating budget, and a substantial $1.5 billion capital portfolio.

My commitment to environmentalism is evident in my dedication to conservation management. Today, I’d like to share some strategic insights into the importance of this work.

As a primary natural resource, forests require effective management. Using the European Union as an example, EU forests, constituting nearly 40% of the landmass of the 27 EU member states, play a crucial role beyond supplying materials like wood, fuel, and food. They contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation, and various ecosystem services. However, European forests face increasing strain due to climate change, biodiversity crisis, and heightened human activities.

Recognizing these challenges, the European Commission aims to enhance the diversity and resilience of European forests while meeting social needs. In particular, we should emphasize the need for closer-to-nature forest management practices to mimic natural processes more closely. Collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and practitioners is vital to develop effective guidelines applicable in practice.

Two key issues demand special attention: the short-term focus on the need for systematic resilience-building, and the inadequacy of current efforts to green and optimize the economic model. Addressing overconsumption and resource-based imperialism is crucial to bridging the divide between high- and low-income countries and fostering effective international partnerships.

Shifting economic signals is fundamental for sustainable resource use. Valuing nature, incorporating it into economic decision-making, and incentivizing sustainable practices are crucial. This change can unlock new opportunities for value creation that benefit both nature and people. High-income countries, which set existing standards and behavior patterns, must lead the transition efforts and demonstrate a willingness to change.

Despite the challenges, history shows humanity's resilience in the face of significant change. There’s always an opportunity for us to thrive and do better.

Collaborating with nature, especially through the stewardship of forests, holds the key to overcoming these challenges. By recognizing our interconnectedness with nature and acting as integral parts of it, we can pave the way for a sustainable and harmonious future.