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How does politics affect conservation biology policies and initiatives, and what can we do to ensure that conservation efforts are not politicized?

Debbie Matiewe

Politics tends to have a paramount impact on conservation biology policies and initiatives. Policies and initiatives formulated by governments often set the tone of wildlife conservation, and their adoption or rejection often determines their implementation. Unfortunately, these policies and initiatives are easily politicized, especially when they involve issues that evoke emotion or have an economic impact on certain regions.

For example, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States has received criticism due to its impact on private landowners and its financial implications. As a result, some policymakers have proposed amendments to weaken the law. In this case, political interests often take precedence over conservation efforts, making it difficult to achieve effective policies and initiatives.

To ensure conservation efforts are not politicized, there are a few things we can do:

Firstly, we should strive to make conservation a nonpartisan issue. Wildlife conservation is not exclusive to any political affiliation, and everyone should be encouraged to participate in conservation efforts.

Secondly, we need to put pressure on policymakers to prioritize conservation in their agendas. Organizations and individuals concerned with wildlife conservation must lobby policymakers to promote and support policies that are in the best interest of wildlife.

Thirdly, we have to communicate the importance of wildlife conservation to the general public. Increased public awareness of the importance of ecological conservation may help counteract the influence of political interests.

In addition, we can support necessary research in conservation biology by donating to organizations that focus on endangered species research. Through a collective approach, we will not only elevate the efforts of conservationists but also instill knowledge in the public, which may prevent politicians from politicizing, and subverting proper conservation efforts.

Lastly, it's important to hold accountable those who engage in malicious political practices that undermine conservation efforts. Using social media and other communication channels, we can expose and denounce politicians who are setting back conservation efforts with their political interests. By doing this, it sends a clear message to policymakers that they will be held accountable for their decisions that undermine conservation.

In conclusion, we need to do everything in our power to reduce the politicization of conservation biology policies and initiatives. By increasing public awareness, lobbying policymakers, and contributing to research, we can ensure that conservation biology policies remain adequately focused on science and natural resources rather than political interests.