  |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
Posted by John Blatchford Jun 9, 2008 |
My most recent article, about scuba diving and underwater photography, looks at the way that a hobby (or obsession!) can help conservation. In this case it is the economic importance of ecotourism that does the trick, with the additional possibility of an increasingly aware section of the public being inspired to act politically. This is very similar to the way in which whale watchers often become keen advocates for the marine environment.
Great Apes Human Rights and Whales
In an article in the New Scientist back in 1997 I argued that the Great Apes should be given limited ‘Human Rights’ (granting them the rights to life and a home at least). Maybe something similar would be appropriate for the Great Whales also? The article goes on to talk about the ways in which ecotourism helps habitat conservation, and surely this is equally the case where whale watching and reef diving are concerned.
Flagship Species and Habitat Conservation
If sufficient habitat is conserved to guarantee the survival of the Great Apes, then the habitat necessary for literally millions of other species is also kept. What is true for the Great Apes on land is equally true for the Great Whales and their habitat, and for Coral Reefs and theirs. Concentrating on the critical habitats for a few, well-loved, species (Apes, Whales and Corals) is an excellent first steps towards the protection of biodiversity globally.