Balancing the conflict between conservation and human needs

Question 1

Why is balancing the competing requirements for natural resources by humans and other living things essential?

Answer 1

To help secure sustainable use of natural resources which is compatible with conservation

Question 2

What are 3 successful examples of conservation alongside development?

Answer 2

-Terai Region in Nepal
-Massai Mara in Kenya
-Peat Bogs in UK

Question 3

What is the Terai Region?

Answer 3

-Area of forest and grassland on the border between Nepal and India

Question 4

What does the Terai Region contain?

Answer 4

A variety of species (plants and animals) including endangered species

Question 5

How many people live in the Terai Region?

Answer 5

7 million of which most are dependent on the forest to survive

Question 6

What are the threats to the Terai Region?

Answer 6

Areas of forest being destroyed for housing and other development which brings humans and animals into closer contact, increasing the conflict

Question 7

What are the conservation solutions for the Terai Region?

Answer 7

-WWF working with locals to balance their needs with conserving forest and its wildlife

Question 8

What did the WFF do to help conservation?

Answer 8

-Provided people with solar cookers etc so wood isn’t needed as a fuel
-Told farmers to plant mint hedges around crops to keep animals away

Question 9

What is the Massai Mara?

Answer 9

-National Reserve in Kenya
-Large area of grassland which is home to huge populations of zebra, lions and cheetahs

Question 10

What are the conflicts between Massai people and conservationists?

Answer 10

Massai people make money by raising livestock which creates conflict as over grazing can destroy grassland for wildlife

Question 11

How have conservation trusts provided help?

Answer 11

-Help Massai people to make money by ecotourism and conservation projects
-Farm in a sustainable way

Question 12

What does the help from conservation trusts mean for the Massai people?

Answer 12

Economic needs are met but allow area to be conserved

Question 13

What are peat bogs?

Answer 13

Areas of wet peat found in lots of upland parts of the UK

Question 14

What do peat bogs do?

Answer 14

Store water and CO2 and are home to lots of different plants and animals

Question 15

How are peat bogs used by farmers?

Answer 15

Grazing for sheep and deer

Question 16

How does grazing lead to conflict with conservationists?

Answer 16

Over grazing causes loss of certain species, soil compaction and general peat bog erosion

Question 17

What programmes have been put in place for the conflict?

Answer 17

Government funded programmes (e.g. Environmental Stewardship Scheme) which have given farmers money to use peat bogs in a sustainable way