Ecology, Economy, and Society: Forest Conservation and Species Rights

This report, authored by K. Ullas Karanth and published in the INSEE Journal, explores the complex relationship between forest conservation, the rights of individual humans, and the rights of wild species. Karanth argues against extreme positions, focusing on science-based conservation aimed at recovering endangered species. The report discusses the historical impact of human activities on wildlife, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, highlighting species extirpations and range collapses. It examines the limitations of human rights-based approaches and the concept of sustainable development, proposing 'sustainable landscapes' as a potential solution to balance the conflicting rights of humans and wild species. The author emphasizes the need for serious consideration of the ethical and utilitarian perspectives to address this imbalance, advocating for a more nuanced approach to conservation that acknowledges the interconnectedness of ecology, economy, and society.