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Under The Microscope

LAND EVALUATION FOR
NATURE CONSERVATION, by K O'Connor, F Overmars, M Ralston; Conservation Sciences Publication No. 3 1990; 328 pages; $34 plus GST (includes $2 p&p from DOC)

This book aims to provide a scientific review of the evaluation of land for nature conservation. It covers a startlingly comprehensive range of issues associated with conservation efforts. Delving briefly into the historical development of land conservation, it reviews the ethical, ecological and economic factors involved.

As such, it is a refreshing look at the broader picture of conservation. All too often, this field tends to get bogged down in the minutiae of saving a particular species or area.

It's interesting to note the call, here, for a form of living cosmology that will make people morally and ecologically aware of the responsibilities of the stewardship of nature. The authors point out that such "nature mysticism" cannot substitute for the genuine science of ecology -- a relief to see that -- but that the enthusiasm and joyful response of nature mysticism can be useful in harnessing scientific knowledge for social action.

We tend to pride ourselves on the large number of national parks within New Zealand. As the authors point out, however, much of this land is mountainous or marginal, with little possibility of development for other purposes. It is when we look to areas that have competing uses that our true conservationist colours come to the fore.

This book selects seven main criteria used for evaluating the conservation potential of land, and examines these in detail. The criteria often overlap, but there is considerable difficulty is assigning weightings appropriately. Representativeness, natural diversity, rarity and long-term viability are all important factors, but the authors recognise that changes in values and understanding demand that no particular criterion dominate.

There is the tendency for conservationists to present all the fervour of the born-again, complete with diatribes against heretics who may consider economic and pragmatic factors in their judgments. It's reassuring that the last line of this book reads: The vulnerability of natural systems itself provides the most cogent argument that Nature demands a universal alliance of friends, not a sponsorship for conflict in a good cause.

Cathryn Crane, NZSM