Balancing ecological conservation with socioeconomic development |
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Authors: | Shixiong Cao Zhexi Liu Weiming Li Junli Xian |
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Institution: | 1.School of Economics, Minzu University of China, No. 27 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081 People’s Republic of China ;2.Academy of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, No. 30 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084 People’s Republic of China |
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Abstract: | Ecological restoration and conservation are primary components of sustainable development around the world, particularly during the contemporary era of climate change. However, restoration and conservation are not free; they consume huge amounts of resources that would otherwise support social and economic development. Therefore, excessive conservation creates a risk of creating rather than eliminating poverty. Unfortunately, scientists have largely ignored the balance between these contrasting goals. Here, we discuss the concept of finding the threshold that represents a suitable balance between ecological conservation and economic development, thereby maximizing the benefits for both humans and the environment and promoting sustainable development. To demonstrate the concept, we examined China’s ecological restoration achievements and discussed some of the unforeseen negative consequences that accompanied these achievements to discuss how future policies could better balance ecological and socioeconomic goals. |
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Keywords: | Conservation threshold Conservation trap Degradation trap Ecosystem degradation Environmental conservation |
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