Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Assessing Conservation Success (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Assessing Conservation Success
Assessing the success of conservation or regeneration efforts ensures that the strategies used are effectively protecting biodiversity and achieving their goals
Conservation measures must be regularly evaluated to determine their impact on the environment and local communities
Success can be measured at different levels, including:
How well the project achieves its goals
Its acceptance by local communities
Whether it was the most effective method for conserving nature
Evaluating claims of conservation success
Conservation efforts are often claimed to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems
These claims must be critically assessed
For example, some projects may have positive environmental impacts but could harm local communities by limiting their access to natural resources
Other projects might benefit both the environment and communities, creating a balance between biodiversity conservation and human well-being
Three levels of evaluating conservation success
Did the measures succeed as planned?
This level assesses whether the specific goals of the conservation project were achieved
Did the project meet its targets, such as increasing species population, improving habitat quality, or restoring ecosystems?
For example, replanting forests may be a goal, but was the reforestation successful in creating a sustainable habitat for wildlife?
Was the project well-received by the impacted communities?
This level assesses how local people perceive and are affected by the project
Were local communities involved in decision-making?
Did they benefit economically, socially, or culturally from the project?
Projects that involve community participation and provide benefits like employment or improved ecosystem services are more likely to be sustainable
Was this the best way to conserve nature?
This level assesses whether the chosen conservation strategy was the most effective approach
Could other methods have been more successful or less damaging to local people or the environment?
Evaluating alternative methods ensures that future conservation projects can learn from past successes or failures
Case Study
Wangari Maathai’s Green Belt Movement in Kenya
The Green Belt Movement, founded by Wangari Maathai in 1977, is an environmental organisation based in Kenya
Its primary goal is to combat deforestation, restore degraded landscapes, and promote sustainable development
Did the measures succeed as planned?
The Green Belt Movement has helped to combat deforestation, restore degraded land, and improve environmental awareness
It has been successful in planting millions of trees, reducing soil erosion, and improving water availability
The movement has helped restore forest cover and biodiversity in many parts of Kenya
Was the project well-received by the communities?
Local communities, particularly women, were empowered through the project
It provided them with training, income, and a sense of ownership over their environment
The project promoted grassroots participation, with community members actively involved in tree planting and environmental protection.
Although there were challenges, including opposition from political leaders at times, overall, the project was widely supported by local communities
Was this the best way to conserve nature?
The project’s approach of engaging local communities in tree planting and environmental education was highly effective in conserving nature and promoting sustainable land use
Alternative methods, like large-scale industrial reforestation, might not have provided the same social benefits or been as cost-effective
The Green Belt Movement’s emphasis on community-driven conservation was key to its long-term success
Other examples of conservation success
Willie Smits’ Rainforest Restoration in Kalimantan and Sulawesi:
This project focused on reforestation and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities by using agroforestry techniques
Steve Elliot and FORRU-CMU’s Forest Restoration in Southeast Asia:
This project worked on restoring degraded tropical forests, with an emphasis on research and community engagement
Examiner Tip
Remember to consider how the local community is involved in conservation projects, as this can be an important point in both the success and sustainability of the efforts.
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