The Wild Places of Essex

[jackdaw version]

To both of the previous two posts:

Yes, it is an immensely difficult problem and a diversity of approaches is undoubtedly required. I think Des makes a very good point, and perhaps I misunderstood his earlier posts. Little as I personally like the idea of branding and image projection as Hugh asks about, it probably is necessary to motivate certain people — who basically also have a lot of other things to do with their lives.

AND even I get tired of the doom and gloom. All stick and no carrot is no fun.

AND it is vitally important to have fun — and to pay attention to the local details!

May I suggest a film? I watched Whaledreamers last night — it puts the whole eco picture in a somewhat different frame that can at least stimulate some thinking and engage some feeling, although I'm sure that both Hugh and Des will find a reason or two not to find it completely satisfactory. And I didn't find it entirely convincing — but there was something to it that my mind and heart will chew over for some time to come.

Loads more info at http://whaledreamers.com/html/ — but try and get around to watching the film. Maybe we should have a quiz!

[Des]

My 'branding' point means that conservation has to engage the public whether it's a farmer in Norfolk, a kid in the Gambia or a family in Godalming. The trouble is, the species which need conserving are often lacking charisma (moths, anyone?) and the only way organisiations can get money is by publicising Giant Pandas or Dormice i.e. 'cuddly' things! The concept of saving habitats is harder to 'sell' to the public. Saltmarshes and limestone pavements are slightly less 'marketable' than tropical rainforests and it's hard enough to conserve the latter leave alone the former!

I'm not into the free market, but sadly, in a capitalist system, conservationists have to play by the rules to get any dosh for projects.