Natural conflict

It has been great to see the Dominion Post take a closer look at some of our lesser-known at-risk species and then, on Saturday, consider some of the controversy inherent in New Zealand’s conservation movement (Are we doing conservation all wrong?).

Much of the controversy stems from two very different foundational philosophies: is conservation about having places where nature can be left undisturbed, or is conservation about managing and altering what is perceived to be a corrupted environment?

As a nation founded by farmers and gardeners, the tendency in New Zealand seems to lean to the side of management.

This will be a forever war with nature, since invasive species will always need ‘‘management’’.

Nature, on the other hand, wants the total freedom to use whatever resources — plants and animals — are available to create unique and constantly evolving ecosystems.

Which approach provides more natural wild spaces?

Controlling nature takes money and manpower and toxic chemicals, which creates jobs and industry. Not controlling nature is free and toxin-free, but carries with it the risk of losing some of our endemic species.

It is important that we keep having conversations about these philosophies and various approaches to conservation. SUSAN THRASHER Paraparaumu Beach