Post 1 – Conservation In July 2024, the Alberta government reserved a 20-year ban on hunting grizzly bears continuing the debate over the future of threatened species(The Guardian). Alberta originally banned hunting due to population decline caused by overhunting, agriculture development and urbanization. The Province justified the decision as a way of “protecting Albertans”, citing 62 maulings, 8 deaths and 897 counts of livestock losses since 2005. However, according to the head of the nonprofit Grizzy Bear Foundation, First Nations and conservation groups were not consulted on the policy change. This article reminded me Binnema and Niemi’s argument in Let…

Conservation: Wolves were seen following a family pet on Vancouver Island, highlighting the presence of these predators within their natural habitat, which is increasingly impacted by human encroachment. This situation directly aligns with Ted Steinberg’s discussion of the conservation of animals. Steinberg emphasizes the important role of predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling prey populations, preventing overgrazing and disease, and contributing to biodiversity. The CBC article notes that these wolves are typically found in wilderness and rural areas, echoing Steinberg’s point that wildlife rarely listen to authorities and often move outside a park’s boundaries. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/pet-owners-warned-after-report-of-wolves-chasing-dog-on-southern-vancouver-island-1.7505133   Parks: This article…

Walker, K. (2023). How indigenous conservation protects Canada’s environment. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230809-how-indigenous-guardians-are-pr otecting-canadas-environment   Throughout Unit 3, I was challenged to consider what conservation truly means by reflecting on the famous conservationists, Roosevelt and Muir. Roosevelt’s approach aligned much more with me than Muir’s colonially coded advocacy for an “untouched wilderness”. Roosevelt’s argument to act responsibly in the management of natural resources so that future generations may still benefit from their availability is aligned with the intentions of ancestral Indigenous-led conservation. Indigenous people have been managing land through reciprocity and respect since time immemorial. This story highlights how Indigenous led…

The expansion of urban parks, such as Rouge National Urban Park, reflects a continuing recognition of the importance of green spaces in urban environments for enhancing community well-being and fostering a connection to nature. These parks serve as essential recreational areas that promote physical and mental health, particularly in densely populated urban settings where access to nature is often limited. However, the increasing demand for these spaces raises significant challenges, including the potential for overuse and environmental degradation. As urban parks attract both local residents and tourists, the balance between providing accessible recreational opportunities and preserving ecological integrity becomes critical….

An article from The Guardian, “Canada’s Marineland to rehome its whales and dolphins as it seeks a buyer,” relates to Unit 3 Conservation. Historically, marine parks were seen as valuable for public education and species conservation, with organizations justifying captivity as an appreciation for marine life. However, shifting conservation perspectives, influenced by research on marine mammal intelligence and stress in captivity, have led to stricter regulations. Recent developments at Marineland in Canada highlight conservation and ethical considerations surrounding the captivity of marine mammals. The park is seeking funds to relocate its marine animals, including the world’s largest captive beluga population,…