Inclusive Conservation: A New Era for Environmental Stewardship

Inclusive conservation is a rapidly evolving field that seeks to address the historical lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in environmental conservation efforts. According to a 2020 report by the National Park Service, only 7% of visitors to national parks in the US identify as people of color, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches. The work of conservationists like Dorceta Taylor, who has written extensively on the topic of environmental justice, has helped to shed light on the importance of inclusive conservation. The Vibe score for inclusive conservation is 80, indicating a high level of cultural energy and momentum around this issue. As the conservation movement continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see increased focus on community-led conservation initiatives, such as the Indigenous-led conservation efforts in Australia, which have been shown to be highly effective in protecting biodiversity. However, there are also potential challenges and controversies to consider, such as the tension between conservation goals and the needs of local communities. For example, a 2019 study found that 70% of protected areas around the world are inhabited by indigenous peoples, who may have different priorities and values than conservation organizations. As we move forward, it will be important to prioritize co-management approaches that balance the needs of both people and the environment.