What direction do you think is the best way forward for biodiversity conservation for Blairtonia?

DESCRIPTION: This is a written assignment, which you will be expected to submit by the due date. Late submissions will be assessed a penalty of 2.5% per day. There is one question that must be answered in the form of a cohesive and well thought out argumentative essay. This assessment is an evaluation of the concepts from Lecture Set 7 and Lecture Set 8 (Conservation topics), and should be written with references to the ideas in those lectures - and the big ideas from the course as well. Some relevant academic sources surrounding the topic are listed below and can be found in the additional readings listed under the module for week 12. This is not a comprehensive list of sources, nor are all necessary for the assignment. The idea is for you to engage with the ideas we have discussed in class, and examine a range of academic papers in order to answer the questions and support your arguments. Feel free to use other documents that you might find, but be sure to cite EVERYTHING that you use and provide a list of references at the end of the assignment. The specific citation style does not matter, as long as you are consistent and it is an accepted form – you must cite your references. Note the use of generative AI in any form without direct and clearly justified attribution and description of how and why it was used (which should only be included if confirmed with the instructor that it is permitted), counts as academic dishonesty. You are strongly reminded that this paper is an evaluation of your understanding of the course material and your ability to synthesize and communicate that material, and any outsourcing of that effort (either to other humans or machines) undermines that premise and compromises its integrity. LENGTH: 1200 words (4-5 pages double spaced). References are not included in word count. The evaluation of this essay will be based on the clarity and strength of your argument, the support of this argument, and the degree to which you are able to integrate concepts and ideas that we have covered in this course into a relevant discussion of the topic. QUESTION: The paradigm that guides the field of biodiversity ‘conservation’ began a major transition at the end of the 20th century, moving from a protectionist, ‘fences and fines’ dominated approach and embracing ‘community conservation’, integrating poverty alleviation and social justice in this broader idea of ‘new conservation’. Though initially met with a great deal of enthusiasm, the ambitious nature of achieving both of these goals has resulted in disappointing or underwhelming results. In recent years, debates among academics and conservation practitioners have emerged, with some calling for a return to the protectionist focus for conservation, and others more adamantly embracing the critical integration of human concerns, particular in the context of the ‘anthropocene’. At the same time, debates about the integration of capitalism into conservation approaches (typically, but not solely associated with "New Conservation") and the role potentially of activities such as trophy hunting also continue to be widely contested. As an expert on environment and sustainability, you have been contracted by the country of Blairtonia to advise them on a general conservation policy, and are expected to prepare a paper that answers the broad question – what direction do you think is the best way forward for biodiversity conservation for Blairtonia? - Draw specifically from the discussions of traditional (or "fortress") vs "community-based" conservation, and the various debates about the different approaches to conservation, including the integration of community interests, and the role of neoliberal market-based approaches (Lecture Set 7 and Lecture Set 8) and connect this to some of the overarching ideas from the course. There are many different characterisations of conservation approaches - including 'new conservation' and 'convivial conservation' - you should make specific reference to some of these and define and argue for the adoption of ONE of them - there is no single right answer of course, but you should adopt a stance that supports an approach, and argues for why this is potentially a valuable way forward. There will be more specific instructions about how to frame this given during the Thursday Synchronous lecture, so please pay attention during that as well. - Additionally, the country of Blairtonia has seen its neighbours using trophy hunting as a means of supporting conservation efforts, so you should make reference to that at some point in your essay and discuss whether and how this might be incorporated into your recommended approach. - You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own experiences and knowledge from other courses into the argument, but you must ground your paper's main arguments using support from the readings from the course and reading list. Additional Information Assume that the conditions in Blairtonia are as following: - There are globally significant populations of important and charismatic terrestrial biodiversity - There are pressing development concerns and a level of poverty that demands attention and action in the short and long term. - Assume we are focusing on terrestrial systems primarily for this assignment. You can also establish your own parameters or assumptions about the situation, as long as you express them clearly! NO AI ALLOWED.