Does the idea of 'relational values' make conceptual sense?. Should we frame human-nature relations in terms of 'relational values'?. In my latest paper, I argue that the answer to both these questions is 'No':. DM/email me for a copy 🧵

It has been a consistent pleasure to work with @ccmagazineindia and illustrator Rutuja Pardeshi to publish an article summarising my proposed new definition of conservation, and its relationship with values, development and animal welfare:.

Thank you @csandbrook @UQ_CBCS @hannahchoppie @frdelpino @jaimeluque16 .As well as my wonderful colleagues #futureofconservation inc @aidank @_JanetFisher and @_GeorgeHolmes

As well as reflecting on how my (thoroughly Western) articulation might relate to Indigenous conceptions of the living world and its conservation.

Throughout the essay, I contextualise my argument within broader debates in conservation and political ecology @biosec_erc @brambuscher @anthfletch @danbrockington @SvampaM and in relation to the conservation of domesticated crops @hacurry.

There are also at least two ways in which the protection of the welfare of nonhuman animals relates positively to conservation e.g. when protecting individuals benefits species and vice versa @eamonn_wooster.

I argue that there are at least two ways in which new conservationists' embrace of ecological change can be considered genuine conservation @Emma_Marris.

I then use this definition to ask whether two recent initiatives, 'new conservation' and 'compassionate conservation' are truly conservation.

In this new essay, I propose to understand conservation as 'the promotion (or the intended promotion) of the continued existence of valuable things in the living world in extended human time'.

Recent worldwide debates about the nature and purpose of conservation have been underlain by the fundamental question of what conservation is and what it is not. But so far, articulations of conservation had either been unhelpfully narrow or excessively broad.

Links:.

What is conservation? How does conservation relate to other worthwhile pursuits, such as human development and the protection of animal welfare?. Read my latest paper for my take on these broad questions, just out in @ConservandSoc (OA) 🧵

RT @whitehorsepress: ‘Environmental Values’ 32.1 is now available online – the first full issue of the new year. Check it out here: https:/….

It was great and educational to listen to my ex-colleague @NObermeister explaining his PhD findings on how science advisors learn to do their job effectively!.

I met mine on the summit of Beinn an Oir, in Jura, a couple of weeks ago! Great to have a name for this.

I've really enjoyed rereading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in science, ethics. and grief. Thanks @jaimeluque16 for 'lending me' your copy (i.e. sorry for stealing it).

Thesis submitted and took myself to Jura in the company of @MBunting_ 's Love of Country and @KathleenJamie 's Sightlines. Highly recommend the island and the books!

RT @csandbrook: 🚨Job Opportunity! We are seeking a postdoc for the @SNAPPartnership Social Implications of 30x30 project, based with me @Ca….

Looks great! I've registered.@SvampaM @RobGMacfarlane.

Thank you to all the interviewees and participants in this study, as well as M. Pedraza, C. Rixon, @csandbrook Simon James @hannahchoppie Bill Adams Martin Rogers @J_EnvValues @whitehorsepress @frdelpino.

Related arguments were recently made by Simon James in his paper 'Against relational value':.