Conservation Conflicts in a Complex World
Using project-based learning to investigate social-ecological approches to invasive species management
By Annie Zaremba L
IKE MOST THINGS IN LIFE, conservation is not black and white. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving the environmental issues that
threaten our world’s biodiversity. Successful conserva- tion actions involve creativity, collaboration, and resilience — skills not readily learned by reading a textbook. This project-based learning lesson for high school students chal- lenges learners to view the impacts of invasive species from the perspectives of various stakeholders to help students develop management plans that protect local biodiversity, while also preventing social conflict. When invasive species become highly abundant, they
can influence the biodiversity of an ecosystem and even pro- duce irreversible changes.1 Invasive species may outcompete native species for resources, increase erosion, or heighten fire and flood rates. These changes can reduce biodiversity, negatively impact the economy, and threaten human well- being.2 Despite these realities, certain social groups often experience benefits from invasive species. Some invasive species have utilitarian, moral, spiritual, cultural, or aes-
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thetic values that make developing management plans more complex.3 When conflicting attitudes exist toward an invasive spe-
cies, those who create management plans must take into account both the social and ecological factors surrounding the issue.4 If social factors are ignored or placed second to the scientific aspects of management, long-standing con- flicts may develop and sow resentment among social groups. These conflicts can escalate to a level that not only damages the social cohesion of a community, but also the outcomes of the management plan.4 Within this lesson, groups of students will examine one
of three case studies based on real-life invasive species conflicts. Some students will investigate how the utilitar- ian value of the Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata; an invasive tree species) in Eastern Cape, South Africa has led to con- flicting opinions on the species’ management. In this case study, students will learn how a majority of households rely on the invasive tree for firewood, tools, and timber. On the other hand, the tree’s roots disturb crops and consume large amounts of water, reducing groundwater recharge and caus- ing economic troubles for farmers.5
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Photos by Annie Zaremba
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