Conservation in Australia, Past Present and Future: Preprints from the AICCM National Conference, 19 – 21 October 2011 Canberra
Abstract
The symbolic values that we assign to conservation objects are intanglible, subjective and transitory. They depend on what is important for a particular social group. These values may be cultural, religious, scientific, historical, etc; they evolve from our ethical value systems. They are the reasons why we conserve, restore and preserve. these ethical values do not share a common denominator with economic values, however conservation projects are assessed, analysed and processed according to economic values. This dichotomy creates a difficult terrain for necessary dialogue. The field of conservation needs to take the economic factor on board and embrace it more closely into its multidisciplinary nature, especially in the decision making process.