http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/keyword/conservation Inquiries Journal provides undergraduate and graduate students around the world a platform for the wide dissemination of academic work over a range of core disciplines. en-us Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:36:49 -0400 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:36:49 -0400 http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1505/joint-value-creation-between-marine-protected-areas-and-the-private-sector By David C. Harary - Officially, the primary objective of the sanctuary system is to protect marine resources, such as coral reefs, sunken historical vessels, or unique habitats (Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, 2013). Recently, however, ONMS has explored the economic earnings that could come out of the system through many different industries, such as recreation and tourism. Meanwhile, the concept of ‘sustainability’ has become increasingly utilized in ecotourism settings (Wight, 1993). Research in this area has shown that recreation and tourism can help promote public awareness and understanding... Thu, 08 Dec 2016 12:49 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1505/joint-value-creation-between-marine-protected-areas-and-the-private-sector http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1558/species-conservation-in-a-globalized-world By Sharlene Engel - "The fundamental purpose of the US Endangered Species Act (ESA)," Wolf, Hartl, Carroll, Neel, and Greenwald (2015) say, "is not only to prevent extinction, but also to recover species to the point that they are no longer threatened or endangered" (p. 200). The ESA (1973) defines endangered species as "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range", while a species is understood to be "any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range" (3.6; 3.19). As... Sun, 30 Oct 2016 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1558/species-conservation-in-a-globalized-world http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1355/challenges-to-mammal-migratory-route-conservation-in-north-america By Cyrene Krey - Mammal migration between seasonal ranges can consist of relatively short distance migrations of a single individual as well as massive migrations involving thousands of individuals in a population. Understanding the varying migratory habits among species requires detailed information of specific routes and stopover sites. Studying and preserving this behavior is vital but challenging, as both natural and anthropogenic threats exist to migrants. Disjointed management prevents comprehensive solutions from being implemented to protect migratory species in North America. Additional research that takes... Tue, 16 Feb 2016 10:35 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1355/challenges-to-mammal-migratory-route-conservation-in-north-america http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1336/the-sixth-species-extinction-event-by-humans By Victor J. Nazarevich - The number of species becoming extinct has drawn a significant deal of attention from scientists and non-scientists alike. This research reviews recent literature citing evidence for the impact humans have had on our planet and how our biological systems are affected in both known species of flora and fauna as well as unknown species of flora and fauna, the latter lacking documentation as well as sightings by humans. Theoretical research is derived from previous research investigating the impacts of humankind's use of the land as well as population increases. Though there are many different definitions... Thu, 21 Jan 2016 09:53 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1336/the-sixth-species-extinction-event-by-humans http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1335/impacts-and-assessment-of-the-endangered-snow-leopard-a-conservational-approach By Averil Jones - Overcoming the threats of the snow leopard with immediate action may be what will save this species from extinction. This report provides a brief overview both of the challenges faced by the snow leopard and the roles local people have taken in the decline and subsequent recovery of this apex predator. Panthera uncia lives across the high-alpine regions of Central Asia, with China containing most of their habitat. It is estimated that only 550,000 km2 of this territory is good quality habitat. These predators will adjust their territory size and range in accordance with their ungulate prey. Under... Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:41 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1335/impacts-and-assessment-of-the-endangered-snow-leopard-a-conservational-approach http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1334/fire-for-well-being-use-of-prescribed-burning-in-the-northern-boreal-forest By Chantal Roy-Denis - Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Alberta Boreal Forest have used fire knowledge and burning practices to maintain their environment for generations. Prescribed burning is vital to Aboriginal peoples' relationships with the environment, and was essential to their hunting and gathering subsistence. Research has been limited on Aboriginal peoples' use of fire not only to manage resources but to maintain their health and well-being. The research paper suggests that burning also allowed management of these medicinal plants. Such plants growing in open clearings or near water such as streams, rivers... Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1334/fire-for-well-being-use-of-prescribed-burning-in-the-northern-boreal-forest http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/954/rachel-carson-humanizing-nature By Mikayla Stewart - Rachel Carson was instrumental in changing the way the world viewed conservation. Her initial written works demonstrated the idea that humans were not the center of the earth’s ecosystems by describing the environment from the viewpoint of non-human creatures (Cafaro, 2011, para. 45-48). Carson’s most eminent publication, Silent Spring, was released at the beginning of the 1960s (Cafaro, 2011, para. 25). The book advocated Carson’s concept of enlightened anthropocentrism through the insistence that new scientific innovations should be questioned as to why, whether, and for what... Tue, 30 Sep 2014 04:37 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/954/rachel-carson-humanizing-nature http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/911/humanity-and-its-place-in-nature-rethinking-the-reality-of-wilderness By Thomas R. Smith - The Western concept of wilderness encompasses pristine, untrammeled land viewed as “the last remaining place where civilization…has not fully infected the earth” (Cronon, 1995, p. 69). Indeed, many Americans possess this dualistic vision that separates nature and humanity, thus leading to the creation of preservation areas that restrict human habitation. Of course, the protection of what is perceived as “pristine” and “virgin” land completely ignores the fact that humans inhabited these lands for millennia without permanently damaging them. Instead, these... Sun, 07 Sep 2014 10:42 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/911/humanity-and-its-place-in-nature-rethinking-the-reality-of-wilderness http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/858/the-price-of-development-the-importance-of-preserving-local-agricultural-lands By A. Rachelle Foss - Regardless of the fact that we have long been warned of the negative impact of industrial farming, rural communities are being wiped out as local producers, like Riverbend Gardens, are put at risk in favour of urban expansion. The industrial food production industry is unsustainable, leading to increased energy consumption and food costs because of the gross use of energy to transport food hundreds kilometres from where it is produced. Toxic chemicals used to combat swarms of pests that are nurtured by acres of single crop farming have lead to the increase of these substances in our environment... Mon, 13 Jan 2014 11:39 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/858/the-price-of-development-the-importance-of-preserving-local-agricultural-lands http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/855/one-world-one-ocean-one-mission By Tracy L. Anderson - MacGillivray Freeman Films was founded over forty years ago by Greg MacGillivray and the late Jim Freeman. In 2011, the company launched “the world’s largest ocean media campaign, a 10-year global initiative called One World One Ocean” (MacGillivray Freeman Films, 2010, Our History, para. 10), an awareness and change campaign focusing on saving the world’s oceans. The mission of One World One Ocean (OWOO) is to use “the power of film, television, new media and education initiatives… to change the way people see and value the ocean — and motivate action... Mon, 13 Jan 2014 10:47 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/855/one-world-one-ocean-one-mission http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/854/hoarding-plastic-waste-buried-alive By A. Rachelle Foss - Plastic is a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives. Popular for its versatility, it can be attributed to the creation of the numerous conveniences we enjoy in contemporary society. However, traditional plastic does not break down and thus has also become ubiquitous within the environment, and the mounting consequences to its extensive use is being seen. Recycling provides a degree of relief in our efforts to address this problem and can be a boost to the economy but there are barriers that reduce the effectiveness of this solution. In addition to the complex and arduous process of separating and... Mon, 13 Jan 2014 10:35 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/854/hoarding-plastic-waste-buried-alive http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/853/dian-fosseys-controversial-active-conservation-proves-useful-in-increasing-mountain-gorilla-awareness By Brandy Rimmer - It was Dr. Louis Leakey, renowned archaeologist and anthropologist, who realized that the mountain gorillas were facing the threat of extinction in the very same century that they were discovered (Fossey, 1983). It was for this reason that he hired Dian Fossey to carry out research on the mountain gorillas in the Rwandan mountains. In his life, Louis Leakey put a substantial amount of energy into promoting research on the behaviour of non-human primates. Along with hiring Dian Fossey for studies on gorillas, he had similarly been responsible for Jane Goodall's research on chimpanzees and Birute... Mon, 13 Jan 2014 03:55 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/853/dian-fosseys-controversial-active-conservation-proves-useful-in-increasing-mountain-gorilla-awareness http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/852/conserving-chinas-biodiversity By Kevin Pyne - Over the past several decades, with the introduction of ecology as a scientific pursuit, China has made advancements in ensuring the health and sustainability of its forests and biodiversity. A very large number of endemic plant and vertebrate species are found in China, plenty of which have value in many areas, including aesthetics and medicine. China’s biodiversity faces many threats, including the invasion of alien species, urbanization and deforestation, as well as global warming. As the monetary value of the products obtained from the many endemic species has been recognized, an increase... Mon, 13 Jan 2014 03:36 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/852/conserving-chinas-biodiversity http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/849/who-is-king-of-sarawaks-rainforest-an-insight-to-sarawaks-land-corruption-led-by-its-chief-minister-and-his-family By Tisha Raj - Malaysia's 13th General Elections were hopes of many to be the turning point of change, breaking Barisan Nasional's (BN or National Front) 56 years of governance. BN in recent years had been plagued with allegations of corruption and cronyism. Land grabs in the state of Sarawak, exposed an intricate and systematic corruption that happens in all levels of government in Malaysia. The perils of the rainforest in Sarawak are uncovered through a corrupt systematic mass deforestation through the governance of its Chief Minister Taib Mahmud. Was Malaysia's latest election successful in dethroning Taib... Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:06 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/849/who-is-king-of-sarawaks-rainforest-an-insight-to-sarawaks-land-corruption-led-by-its-chief-minister-and-his-family http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/848/christopher-benjamins-eco-innovators-sustainability-in-atlantic-canada--stories-to-change-minds-and-move-hearts By Tami Ambury - In his 2011 book, Eco-Innovators: Sustainability in Atlantic Canada, environmental journalist Chris Benjamin provides a new kind of roadmap to a more sustainable future. In this work, Chris masterfully weaves the stories of 35 creative and dedicated individuals from the four Maritime Provinces who recognize the need to take action now. From more sustainable food, transportation, or housing choices, to new business models, to community- based social marketing and branding, to journalists and educators raising their voices for change, Chris outlines some of the many narratives for change. In so... Fri, 10 Jan 2014 02:45 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/848/christopher-benjamins-eco-innovators-sustainability-in-atlantic-canada--stories-to-change-minds-and-move-hearts http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/610/a-preservationists-perspective-on-levittown-communities-urban-planning-and-designs-awkward-dilemma By Michael Gray - Suburban housing is the backbone of an unsustainable living pattern. Long commutes to work and long drives for groceries, other supplies, and recreational activities increase America’s need for expensive fossil fuels. The isolated nature of subdivision style housing also decreases opportunity for interpersonal communication, which lessens the community experience and overall quality of life in a city. Modern smart growth principles, a dominant trend in planning theory and urban design, aim to concentrate housing as well as amenities closer to city centers. Smart growth advocates therefore... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:54 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/610/a-preservationists-perspective-on-levittown-communities-urban-planning-and-designs-awkward-dilemma http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/572/selling-the-wild-challenges-facing-volunteer-based-conservation-projects By Eve R. Hill - Volunteer conservation is a rapidly growing sub-sector of eco-tourism where fee-paying volunteers travel to developing countries to actively engage in conservation work (Cousins et al 2009b). As volunteers provide the labor and funding for these projects, organizations vie for the attention and capital of volunteers through advertising. Consequently, conservation work has become a marketable commodity in a competitive neoliberal market that is increasingly dominated by private companies (Cousins et al 2009b; Lorimer 2010). To ‘sell’ conservation, volunteer organizations thus construct... Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:05 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/572/selling-the-wild-challenges-facing-volunteer-based-conservation-projects http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/390/hawaiian-biodiversity-loss-driven-by-feral-ungulates By Violet K. Dixon - The activity of feral ungulates such as pigs, goats, and deer has resulted in extensive biodiversity loss in Hawaii. These animals were introduced by the Polynesians as domesticated livestock, and now play a destructive role in the local ecosystem. Ungulate populations have played a destructive role in the fragile ecosystems of Hawaiian Islands in a variety of ways. Grazing and rooting result in damage of ground cover and consumption of native plants. The soil disturbance from these activities results in erosion and sediment run-off which damages coral reefs. Disturbed earth is also vulnerable... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:08 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/390/hawaiian-biodiversity-loss-driven-by-feral-ungulates http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/23/cost-effective-renovations-and-other-improvements-for-creating-more-energy-efficient-homes By Joshua G. Bassett - Just by flipping through television channels or walking through the aisles of a grocery store, it is easy to see that the popularity of “Green” and “Sustainable” lifestyles is growing everyday. With an impending energy crisis on our hands, people want to find ways to reduce their energy consumption, and a major benefit of that is saving money on energy costs. People who want to make their home more energy efficient need to understand that it can be done without “going green”. On the Planet Green channel there are shows like Greenovate or World’s Greenest... Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:58 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/23/cost-effective-renovations-and-other-improvements-for-creating-more-energy-efficient-homes