WHAT IS CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT

Authors
Citation
Dr. Given, WHAT IS CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT, Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 23(2), 1993, pp. 55-60
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary Sciences
ISSN journal
03036758
Volume
23
Issue
2
Year of publication
1993
Pages
55 - 60
Database
ISI
SICI code
0303-6758(1993)23:2<55:WICBAW>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
Important characteristics of conservation biology are that it is a cri sis discipline and it is holistic. It needs integration of research an d management, and a range of relevant skills, along with flexible fund ing to allow for inevitable changes in conservation research programme s. Research agendas are discussed, and four focal points suggested at both the species and the ecosystem levels. Gaps between intention and practice are a current barrier to effective implementation of the prin ciples of conservation biology, and should be overcome by better plann ing and targeted research. The overall importance of conservation biol ogy lies not only in its contribution to sustaining human life and wel fare, but also in maintaining processes fundamental to the health of t he biosphere.