Ecological Ethics, Amber - Essay Example

Ecological Ethics s It is undeniable fact that man is absolutely dependent on his natural ecosystem and the biodiversity around him. I do agree that man is somewhat obligated ethically to conserve species since most species provide certain benefits to humans via their ecological roles and services. From a wetland’s sequestration ability to a bee’s honey gathering, man is a consumer of the valuable ecological services that are provided.I believe that man values those species which are aesthetically, ecologically or economically important to him.

It is true that man destructive behavior poses a threat to the existence of species and the environment as a whole, and therefore it is obligatory that species need to be conserved simply because they were created and meant to exist (Ehrenfield,1972).However, simple intrinsic values are not considered when conservation and management strategies are designed and implemented. However, the fact is that where there is value of existence there will be ethics of conservation and this is where we get a glimpse of man’s anthropocentric approach towards conservation strategies.

Species utilitarian values and ecosystem values are the core reason that drives man’s ethics of conservation. Man benefits from products and free services that natures offers and man is very much aware about the value and the effect of these products and services and hence man values biodiversity because of its mere utility (Alho,2008).On the other hand, it is also true that man values something because of aesthetic reasons. For example lions and tigers do not provide any direct service yet they are valued for the reason that they are top predators who have an aesthetic value as well.

Whereas endangered animals for example the Indiana bat receives less hype simply because it has lesser impact on the people. This is where the concept of flagship species may be linked. Conservationists are aware of the values of each and every species yet they chose flagship specie such as the giant panda or tiger to symbolize conservation for the sole reason that larger animals have greater impact on the minds of people.Therefore, I agree to the fact that man’s conservation ethics are anthropocentric in nature where existence value is shadowed by anthropocentric values.

REFERENCESEhrenfeld, D. Conserving Life on Earth.1972, Oxford University Press: New York, NY.Alho.C.J.The value of Biodiversity. Brazilian Journal of Biology,2008,68(4):1115-1118.