Biodiversitynotes 4th quarter - 2001 |
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Wings of Hope: A Conversation About Cranes, People
and Peace Wings of Hope: A Conversation About Cranes, People and Peace We all know that to save biodiversity can create conflict between people. But often this work brings people together in unexpected ways, and builds bridges to a more lasting peace. The International Crane Foundation (ICF), has worked around the world to protect cranes that live in and migrate through many of the world's most troubled and impoverished places. ICF was founded in 1973 to be a world center for the study and preservation of cranes. Headquartered in Baraboo, WI, ICF conducts public education, research and captive-breeding programs. We asked Jim Harris, ICF's Director, about how ICF protects cranes by promoting cooperation and understanding among people. How has your work to save cranes contributed to international trust and cooperation? Jim Harris: Cranes, because they are so widely beloved, provide a common bond between people of very different cultures. Crane protection involves a shared mission that bridges the traditional political and economic conflicts that set us apart. From our beginning, ICF has chosen to bring people together in order to solve problems, because only through joint vision and joint action can the major challenges facing cranes B and humans B be overcome. While crane and wetland conservation is difficult, people working together can inspire solutions -- and the work together leads to wider trust and cooperation. Because cranes are highly migratory, and often inhabit tense international borders, the cranes provide a natural mechanism for shared action. Where have been the most challenging places that ICF has worked? What obstacles did you face in those places and how did you overcome them? Jim Harris: An honest liking for the people, and our empathy with their challenges and their perspectives, have helped us become trusted partners in troubled places throughout the world. In many places, cranes live surrounded by many extremely poor human communities, where crane and wetland protection is impossible if we don't address human needs. We started one project at Cao Hai Nature Reserve in China, where nature reserve staff hardly dared enter some of the local villages. Through patient listening, ICF and park staff learned about local needs and viewpoints, which enabled us to address them. For example, we provided small grants to help families start business and later provided funding so that they could set up revolving loan funds. We also provided classroom materials and funding for some of their schools. Ultimately, we developed a close partnership with the villagers, who are now actively engaged in protecting the wetlands that cranes need. Since the late 1980s, we have worked along the China-Russia border where economic development, cultural difference and political tensions-- have hampered protection of some of the world's most important crane places. We have helped create two international reserves on either side of the Amur River (which forms a 1,000 mile length of the two nations' border) and we are currently supporting exchanges of students and teachers between reserves. Love of children is common to both countries, and a mutual reason to safeguard wild resources for the future. We call this "youth diplomacy." Three crane species migrate through Afghanistan. This year, we hoped to support a Afghan conservation group to undertake activities at three Afghan lakes. Now we must wait. Perhaps when the war finishes some small part of the foreign aid can address wetland and waterbird issues as part of rebuilding the country. In the midst of poverty, conflict and other social problems, how have you persuaded people to take steps to save cranes and their habitat? Jim Harris: You have to be willing to leave behind preconceptions and quick solutions. By listening, exploring, and caring, you can usually find common ground between what are in many places real and severe economic needs that seem to conflict with sustainability and wise management of natural resources. In the long run, by safeguarding or restoring the natural productivity of wetlands and other ecosystems, you can often enhance economic benefits for people while reducing disturbance and threats to wildlife. We, as outsiders from a wealthy country, can sometimes secure the money for solving short term needs--and thus allow people to take a longer view. Humility about the role we can play, and our belief that the people living with the cranes can devise the best solutions for conservation have been important elements of our success. Persistence, a long-term view, humor, and a passion for learning help, too. As our country enters a time when people are concerned about our security, has your work taught you any lessons about how we can speak to people about saving wildlife and habitat? Jim Harris: I don't think anything you say can be effective if you don't care about people at least as much as about wildlife. Recent events remind us that all we believe in--particularly conservation-- depends on trust and cooperation among people who are very different from one another. This is true here in the United States and it is true globally. Distrust and narrow self-interest ultimately destroy all that we believe in. You don't have to risk your core values to abandon preconceptions and listen carefully to the different players in a conflict. In times like this, I think it is easier for people to focus on what really matters. That means giving up many little things. That act of giving allows us to find common ground and common solutions for conflicts over resources. From the Executive Director: Our work in a new lightAs we move forward toward a new normal at the end of 2001, so many people continue to evaluate what is truly important. Within the environmental movement, colleagues have questioned how our work fits in this new era. Many have observed that the acrimony that accompanies so much environmental debate has seemed more wounding and out of context in these times. But, out of tragedy rises opportunity for good, and fresh approaches to old conflicts. Many people are yearning to understand the root causes of anger aimed at our nation. America’s global ecological footprint -- the disproportionate amount of resources we consume and the way we do it -- is certainly a factor. What an opportunity those of us in communications and education have to help people connect at least a few of the dots between their lives and choices, and the ecological and social impacts throughout the globe. And, what an opportunity for environmental groups to build bridges with the peace and social justice movements, the faith community, groups tackling consumerism, and people who are searching for the positive in these trying times. Working to protect biodiversity is one of the most life-affirming tasks we can embrace for humanity and the future, and we can do it right now. Conservation and building bridges across human borders and conflicts goes hand in hand, because Nature is no respecter of political boundaries. The natural systems that provide the security of global life support are certainly affected by human conflict. In this light, striving for peace, equity and justice are all tools for environmental sustainability as well as for social stability. Environmental work is so important now, but we need to understand that the rhetoric that may have served us on September 10th may seem dated and irrelevant to the public now. We can’t get sucked into the old vortex of “people vs. caribou” or “jobs vs. the environment,” and that’s where the opposing rhetoric is already headed, and it is wrapping itself in the flag, too. Moreover, we’ve got to get off the defensive stance as our primary voice in the public. In our research on the crane article, we came across this quote from Tom Lovejoy: “Conservation is sometimes perceived as stopping everything cold, as holding whooping cranes in higher esteem than people...the choice is not between wild places or people, it is a choice between a rich or impoverished existence for humankind.” That’s the message. Our quality of life and that which the children of the world will inherit depends on the wisdom and vision of this generation to make the choices that protect the life that sustains us. This is a message beyond conflict, beyond “my expert vs. your expert.” It affirms that our hope for the living Earth is also our hope for humanity. In this time hungry for hope, an affirming message can give wing to the important work that must go on. Wishing you peace on this miracle we call Earth,
Jane E. Elder At the Biodiversity Project, we promote values-based communications as an effective strategy for reaching diverse audiences. Security is a value in sharp focus right now, and early opinion research suggests that advocates, regardless of the issue, need to be cognizant of concerns about security, but cautious when it comes to over-stating claims and linkages, or they risk loss of credibility. As we enter a new era of airport searches, irradiated mail, and criminal background checks, many of us appreciate that a healthy planet with sustainable ecosystems is also key to social stability and our well-being. We need to be thoughtful about how we represent this broader context for security, but the message is still important. Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy examined the link between biodiversity and security in a 1997 paper, National Security, National Interests and Sustainability. Many of his observations are prescient, timely, and provide helpful background on the topic. With his permission, we've highlighted some of that article here. In the realm of foreign policy, national security includes considerations such as the health and well-being of individuals, economic security, conflict and state stability. Biodiversity is particularly relevant to all these concerns. Biological systems are vital to human health and well-being, from the quality of the water we drink, to the availability of antibiotics and cancer-fighting drugs. In addition, wild genes play a key role in developing and sustaining food supplies, from crops to livestock. At the same time, biodiversity provides agricultural services such as pollination and pest management. All of us benefit from the prevention or mitigation of natural disasters or physical threats, such as floods or UV radiation. Lovejoy writes: "Foreign-policy analysts are generally concerned about the protection of citizens at home and abroad from harmful effects of war, disease, and famine. Biodiversity loss can lead to disease, mortality, and food-supply problems, but equally important, biodiversity can contribute to prevention of threats and enhance understanding of how to deal with them."
Biodiversity can also play a significant role in economic
security. For example, the introduction of the Nile perch in Lake
Victoria has been a source of ongoing political, social and economic
tensions over the loss of traditional food sources, and the conversion
to an export economy among the communities around the lake. El
Salvador and Haiti are both examples where national economies have been
ruined in part by deforestation and soil erosion, which in turn has led
to decades of social unrest and political repression. Lovejoy
observes: "...it is ironic that nations will fight over a square meter
of territory and ignore the loss of territory in cubic meters through
soil erosion." Clean, fresh water is essential for healthy, functioning biological systems, and as such, fresh water scarcity has been a source of conflict among people throughout recorded history. Israeli-Jordanian conflicts over withdrawals from the Jordan River was a major cause of the Arab-Israeli War in 1967, and today, water remains a source of tension between nations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and even among states in the US. Biodiversity, itself, can have strategic value. Lovejoy notes the role of rubber, quinine and antibiotics in World War II. He goes on to say, "It is hard to see how biological resources will play as big a role in high-technology wars, except for the dark side of biological warfare. The threat of the latter is far greater than many recognize, and protocols and agreements are generally poorly developed and weak." At the same time, he points out that "an... important connection with biological resources is conflict prevention and confidence-building. Environmental cooperation between two states often leads to broader cooperation on seemingly more difficult issues." For example, "in 1998, a peace park between Ecuador and Peru was a major element in resolving their territorial dispute." The remarkable accomplishments of the International Crane Foundation point to the benefits of cross-border and cross cultural peace-making through conservation. Lovejoy concludes with this observation. "As this forum met, there were gigantic smoke clouds from extensive fires in the Amazon, as well as the better-known vast fires in Indonesia. Together this means that more of the world burned in 1997 than ever before in recorded history. That is hard to dismiss as not of high national interest and security concerns. As Madeleine Albright has observed, threats to national security are no longer confined to armed threats. They also come through the air, water, changing climate, and loss of biological diversity. The positive contributions of biodiversity and ecosystems "present and potential" and the negative effects of loss are so great that they merit much more serious attention. The important--environment and biological diversity--has indeed become urgent. In a recent conversation, Dr. Lovejoy maintained that biodiversity loss "is part of the enabling conditions of terrorism." Clearly, our collective security requires us to ensure the security of our environment as well. Sources Stephens, Francine, "Drinking Certified Coffee: A Way Out Of The Global Coffee Crisis," The Canopy, Rainforest Alliance, www.rainforest‑alliance.org/news/canopy/can‑fall‑01.html. For an extensive collection of case studies on environmental conflict, see American University's Inventory of Conflict and Environment, at www.american.edu/TED/ice/icehp21.htm.
Thomas E. Lovejoy, a conservation and tropical biologist, has worked in
the Amazon since 1965 and currently serves as the World Bank's Lead
Environmental Specialist for Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Lovejoy
also serves as a Senior Advisor to the president of the United Nations
Foundation. The Center for a New American Dream has launched several programs for people in the faith community to help change their consumption patterns and protect the environment. The Center's interactive, Web-based Turn the Tide campaign suggests nine actions--such as taking one less car trip or not eating shrimp--that individuals or congregations can do. The program then totals the natural resources each individual saves by taking these steps, and then the cumulative totals of everyone participating. For example, if 1,000 people stop eating shrimp, they would save over six tons of other fish and sea birds accidentally caught in shrimp nets. The Green Purchasing Program helps churches and synagogues conserve resources by offering concrete action steps that address global warming, energy conservation, deforestation, toxics, biodiversity, and waste reduction. Congregations receive information about the environmental impact of each action they take. For more information about these and other faith-based programs, contact Cassandra Carmichael at Center for a New American Dream at (301) 891-3683 or cassandra@newdream.org. Also see the Center's website at www.newdream.org/faith. National Biodiversity Poll Coming Soon! The Biodiversity Project has commissioned the polling firm of Belden Russonello & Stewart to conduct a national survey on public attitudes on biodiversity. The poll will survey 1,500 people early in January, 2002. The data will help biodiversity educators and advocates develop more effective outreach messages and target their audiences more precisely. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get the results of this poll and the date and location for our upcoming poll briefings!
Science Briefs: Acid Rain: Gloomy Forecast for the Northern
Forests Recovery has been poor because acid rain and snow has altered soils, stressed trees and triggered cascading environmental effects that have damaged northeastern forests and watersheds. For example, the study found that high levels of acid have depleted calcium and magnesium in the soil, preventing these compounds from neutralizing the acid that continues to fall. According to the study, calcium levels in soil at the Hubbards Brook facility in New Hampshire have dropped 50% in recent decades. While acid rain has been leaching calcium and magnesium from the soil, it has also led to a build-up of harmful aluminum, which impairs water and nutrient absorption in trees. Sugar maples and red spruce were found to be more susceptible to disease, pest invasions and freezing injuries as a result of problems associated with acid rain and snow, such as poor soil conditions and calcium leaching from foliage. Some hard-hit forests in the Northeast have lost more than half their red spruce canopy. According to the report, sulfur dioxide emissions from electric utilities would have to be reduced by 80% to achieve non-acidic levels in northeastern soils and streams within the next 20 to 25 years. When these chemical conditions improve, northeastern ecosystems have the potential to recover. For more information and a complete copy of the report, visit www.hbrook.sr.unh.edu. [i] Driscoll, Charles T., Gregory B. Lawrence, Arthur J. Bolger, Thomas J. Butler, Christopher S. Conan, Christopher Eager, Kathleen F. Lambert, Gene E. Likens, John L. Stoddard, and Kathleen C. Weathers, Acidic Deposition in the Northeastern United States: Sources and Inputs, Ecosystem Effects, and Management Strategies, Bioscience, vol. 51, no. 3, March 2001, pp. 180-98 According to Japanese legend, folding 1,000 origami cranes so pleases the gods that they will grant a wish. This legend has been popularized among peace activists throughout the world, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki. She was two years old at the time of the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and subsequently contracted leukemia. She attempted to fold 1,000 cranes in hopes of getting well. Although she died at age 10, her hope and conviction has inspired many who face great odds and the aftermath of conflict. In the wake of September 11th, we learned that Wisconsin school children were folding paper cranes to send as gifts of hope to the families of victims. This holiday season we encourage you to fold a crane of your own, to decorate your tree, give to a friend, or provide you with a few moments to ponder the wonder of cranes and the grace that nature brings to our lives. Instructions for folding an origami crane can be found on the Sadako Film Project website, www.sadako.com/howtofold.html There's no place like your home planet for the holidays! On the table...If turkey is on your menu, consider a free-range, organic bird from a nearby farm--a more humane, better tasting, healthier and definitely less-polluting choice than a factory-farmed bird. Yes, it is a few dollars more than the big guy in the freezer section, but a very nice gift to your guests and your watershed, and a way to keep local farmers in business and stave off the march of sprawl. Gift Giving: Reduce your ecological footprint and consider gifts that keep giving to the biosphere. Check out suggestions on a special page in the "How you can help" page on our Web site. We've got suggestions on biodiversity-friendly gifts, and links to Web sites with suggestions from the Center for A New American Dream and other partner organizations.
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