By Giacomo Abrusci
Author’s note: I acknowledge my privilege and carry a sense of deep responsibility in being able to dedicate my career to environmental conservation, fully aware that my circumstances shield me from the dire realities of war-torn regions, occupation, and the constant fear of violence that many endure.
In an age where the globe is marred by conflicts and humanitarian crises, with Gaza at the top of our feeds every morning, to the war-torn streets of Ukraine to the persistent strife in Myanmar, Somalia, or any of the other 32 major armed conflicts happening right now, there lies a profound, often unspoken, dilemma for environmentalists. As we witness human suffering broadcast daily, a question lingers in the hearts of those devoted to biodiversity conservation: How do we reconcile our focus on nature amidst such pervasive human anguish? This question is not just a matter of professional focus but an ethical quandary that touches the core of our humanity.
As environmentalists, our careers and passions have been long anchored in the protection and preservation of biodiversity. We understand that without a healthy environment, life on Earth, including human life, risks cascading into a chasm of starvation, disease, and ultimately, collapse. Yet, as we delve deeper into our mission, we are often confronted with a harsh reality – while we strive to save habitats and species, there are humans fighting for their very survival, for freedom, and for basic rights.
The complexity of this issue lies in the interconnectedness of environmental and humanitarian crises. Environmental degradation often plays a silent yet significant role in exacerbating human suffering. Climate change, for example, has led to extreme weather events, displacing millions and triggering conflicts over dwindling resources. In regions like the Sahel, the encroaching desertification has fueled tensions and competition for land and water. Thus, the work of conserving the environment is, in many ways, intertwined with alleviating human suffering. It’s a dual battle against the degradation of the Earth and the plight of its inhabitants.
Navigating this ethical landscape requires a nuanced understanding of our role as environmentalists. It’s about finding a balance, where the immediate urgency to alleviate human suffering is weighed against the long-term imperative of preserving the natural world. This balance is not always easy to strike. There are moments when the scale seems to tip overwhelmingly towards immediate human needs, and the voices advocating for the non-human world seem to fade into the background.
The concept of “compassionate conservation” has emerged as a philosophy attempting to bridge this divide. It advocates for an approach to conservation that is deeply cognizant of both human and non-human life. This approach does not view environmental protection and humanitarian aid as mutually exclusive but seeks to integrate them. It’s about crafting solutions where conservation efforts contribute to, rather than detract from, human welfare – and vice versa.
Practically, this integration manifests in various ways. Environmentalists can engage in collaborative initiatives with humanitarian organizations, ensuring that conservation projects also consider the needs and rights of local communities. In regions where human survival is closely tied to the environment, such as in communities dependent on forests or marine resources, conservation efforts can be a lifeline. Here, preserving biodiversity directly translates to sustaining human lives.
Furthermore, initiatives that focus on education and awareness-raising about environmental issues can have far-reaching impacts on both conservation and humanitarian efforts. By educating communities about sustainable practices, we not only aid in biodiversity conservation but also empower these communities to build more resilient, self-sufficient lives, reducing their vulnerability to conflicts and crises.
However, as we embark on this journey, a personal challenge often arises – maintaining our empathy and avoiding burnout. The magnitude of both environmental degradation and human suffering can be overwhelming, and the fear of becoming desensitized is a constant concern. For those in the field of conservation, self-care and mental health are not luxuries but necessities. It’s crucial to acknowledge our limits and recognize that we cannot shoulder all the world’s problems alone.
Finding a supportive community within the environmental sector is vital. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with peers can provide a sense of solidarity and perspective. It’s also important to celebrate the small victories, the incremental changes that collectively contribute to the larger goal. These moments of triumph, often overlooked amidst the global scale of challenges, are what sustain our hope and resilience.
We must remind ourselves of the broader context of our work. While the focus of an environmentalist might seem narrow in the face of global human crises, the reality is far different. Environmental health is fundamental to human well-being. A thriving, biodiverse planet is not a luxury but a necessity for the survival of humanity. Our efforts in conserving habitats, protecting species, and advocating for sustainable practices are ultimately contributions to the health and stability of human societies.
The path of an environmentalist amidst global humanitarian crises is not one of turning away from human suffering but rather of understanding the deep connections between human and ecological well-being. It’s about pursuing a mission that recognizes the value of all life and seeks to protect it. As environmentalists, our empathy for the natural world extends to empathy for human life. Our work is not in opposition to humanitarian efforts but complements them, contributing to a vision of a world where both nature and humanity can thrive. In this journey, we must remain steadfast, empathetic, and kind, continuing our paths while holding onto the hope that through our efforts, we contribute to a more sustainable, just, and compassionate world.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media