The concept of life: on the social role of conservation areas

Abstract

Attention is drawn to the interaction between wildlife areas and surrounding rural Third World communities. The differences between the needs of such communities and those of First World visitors to wildlife areas are outlined. Although incorporating the needs of Third World rural communities is very important, these needs are often neglected. The importance is stressed of wildlife managers becoming involved in the upliftment of their neighbouring communities. The concept of life is used as a holistic approach to develop a set of guidelines by means of which wildlife managers could work out a suitable approach for upliftment programmes. The needs of such communities are investigated with reference to the various levels of life, viz. the biological, the social, the ecosystem and the spiritual levels. Guidelines for addressing these needs are discussed. Finally, the conclusion is made that wildlife managers cannot afford not to get involved in the rural development programmes in their regions.