The climate crisis exacerbates racial and economic inequality, rooted in colonial exploitation. The extractive economy has long viewed indigenous territories as resources to exploit, and poor and minority areas as dumping grounds, sacrificing lives and futures of black, brown and indigenous people. This system undermines our democracy. We must act to change it.

New reports in 2024 accuse UNESCO of complicity in the eviction and abuse of Indigenous people.

In recent years, the urgent need to address the deeply rooted issues of systemic racism within the sphere of nature conservation has come to the forefront. Colonial legacies, exemplified by apartheid in South Africa and the neo-liberal policies of the World Bank and other global institutions raise the spectre of local organisations being used as tools of these deeply offensive actions in the name of nature conservation.

The bank has been accused of “enabling” alleged violence by the Tanzanian government to make way for a $150m (£123m) project ministers say will protect the environment and attract more tourists to Ruaha national park.

The eviction of indigenous communities from protected areas, have left indelible marks on conservation practices, often privileging biodiversity conservation over the rights of local and BIPOC communiti

This prioritisation has not only led to the silencing of marginalized voices but also to environmental injustices that undermine the very foundation of equity and inclusion in nature conservation. Recognising and addressing these issues are fundamental to achieving true biodiversity conservation and climate justice globally.

Beaches that for years were exclusively reserved for whites have now been opened to other races for over forty years, but persistent controversies raises questions about South Africa’s willingness to fully end its policy of apartheid, the strict separation of the races.

This “battle of the beaches,” as it has been dubbed, is still fought out at City Council meetings, at civic association rallies, in local newspapers and on social media. Non-whites have been called “monkeys” and of course, other more racially derogatory terms.

Whites complaining that Coloureds and blacks swim in their underwear, change clothes in public, picnic and drink on the beach, play loud music, spit and urinate in the sand and smoke marijuana.

Coloureds–who constitute two-thirds of the Cape peninsula’s population see equal access to public facilities as a major issue. This makes open beaches a test of the new political system as far as Coloreds are concerned.

“To be told we are not wanted on the beaches is just not acceptable,” “For us, the issue of the use of beaches is an emotional one.”

This all makes WESSA’s promotion of the Blue Flag Beaches worldwide tourism programme more than a bit problematic.

Our article delves into a comprehensive analysis of the historical context of racism in conservation, highlighting the systemic barriers that have perpetuated inequity. It further outlines pragmatic steps towards reform, including the transformation of academic institutions, the promotion of an inclusive work environment within the sector, and the facilitation of engagement and collaboration with local communities. Moreover, it examines the imperative shift needed in funding practices to promote equity, and the adoption of innovative practices to foster diversity and inclusion within nature conservation. Through this exploration, the article provides a roadmap for dismantling the structures of systemic racism and colonialism in nature conservation, thereby ensuring the voices of all communities are heard and valued in the stewardship of natural resources.

Historical Overview of Racism in Conservation

The historical context of racism within nature conservation is deeply intertwined with colonial and apartheid legacies, particularly evident in regions like South Africa. This section explores the colonial foundations, the impact on marginalized communities, and the ongoing structural inequalities that perpetuate racial disparities within conservation efforts.

Colonial Foundations

Historically, conservation in Africa during colonisation and apartheid-like eras was predominantly associated with whites and the upper class, including the elite and those in positions of power or authority ^[1]. This association led to racially charged conservation practices rooted deeply in colonialism and apartheid, which have continued to influence current conservation practices in South Africa ^[1]. The early days of game protection societies were born in response to the century of the big shoot, and we are now in the century of over-consumption! WESSA’s history in the Western Cape starts in 1886 when the Western Districts Game Protection Society (WDGPA) came into existence in the same year as the Cape Colony’s new Game Act was passed because of the growing realisation by genuine sportsmen that game laws alone had failed to protect wildlife.

By as late as 1914 there appears to be some truth in the jibes that members of the WDGPA were interested in preserving only what could be put in the pot.

The enactment of racist, disempowering, and disenfranchising legislations, termed “conservation apartheid”, ensured the exclusion of black people from conservation activities, creating a sense of hatred towards conservation among Black South Africans ^[1].

Impact on Marginalized Communities

The impact of these exclusionary practices on marginalized communities has been profound. First, second, and third orders of rural marginalisation during apartheid forcibly relocated Black South Africans to rural spaces far from economic and cultural hubs, relegating them to the worst land and continuing their isolation and neglect ^[1]. This marginalisation was compounded by laws such as the Separate Amenities Act (1953), which established an unfair distribution of natural resources and significantly influenced Black people’s environmental attitudes and perceptions ^[1]. The slow adoption of conservation among black South Africans is still reflected in demographics like the South African National Parks’ domestic tourist profile ^[1].

Ongoing Structural Inequalities

Ongoing structural inequalities in conservation are evident in the differential impacts of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation on various demographic groups. Poor people, who rely disproportionately on natural resources for sustenance, are most affected by environmental degradation ^[2]. Women, representing a significant portion of the world’s poor, are particularly impacted due to their reliance on common property resources and restricted land ownership ^[2]. Environmental justice issues highlight that marginalized communities are more likely to bear the costs of biodiversity conservation, reinforcing the need for equitable practices in the field ^[3].

This historical overview underscores the necessity for transformative approaches in conservation that address these deep-seated issues of racism and inequality.

Recognising Examples of Systemic Racism

Case Studies of Exclusion

In exploring systemic racism within nature conservation, it is evident that exclusionary practices persist, particularly affecting BIPOC communities. For instance, urban areas, often with significant minority populations, face a lack of green space due to historical disinvestment and redlining practices. These racially discriminatory mortgage lending practices have resulted in underfunded infrastructure, leading to fewer trees and reduced biodiversity in these neighbourhoods ^[4]. Additionally, the Swinomish community’s innovative approach to conservation finance highlights the exclusion they face in traditional conservation funding mechanisms, which are typically directed towards rural, often non-minority areas ^[5].

Bias in Conservation Programs

Bias in conservation programs can be seen in the funding and focus areas, which often favour charismatic megafauna over less charismatic species and are predominantly directed towards wealthier nations ^[6]. Furthermore, conservation education and opportunities such as internships and field experiences often exclude BIPOC individuals due to high costs and cultural barriers ^[7]. These systemic biases not only hinder diversity within the field but also perpetuate a Western-centric conservation model that may not be applicable globally or sensitive to local and indigenous knowledge systems ^[7].

Effects on Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous peoples are particularly impacted by systemic racism in conservation policies and practices. The exclusion from environmental policymaking and the lack of access to and control over land have been a continuous struggle for many indigenous communities worldwide. This exclusion is often rooted in colonial processes that disregard indigenous rights and contributions to biodiversity conservation ^[7]. The historical and ongoing marginalisation of these communities is not just a denial of their rights but also a significant loss to global conservation efforts, which benefit from indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices ^[8].

By recognising these examples of systemic racism, conservation efforts can begin to address and rectify these injustices, leading to more equitable and effective environmental stewardship.

Reforming Academic Institutions

Reforming academic institutions is pivotal in addressing systemic racism within nature conservation. It involves overhauling recruitment processes, curriculum content, and the structural dynamics of academia to foster an inclusive environment that supports BIPOC students and faculty.

Inclusive Curriculum Design

The curriculum in conservation education often mirrors a Western-centric paradigm which may not acknowledge the complex histories and contributions of indigenous and local communities. This approach, termed ‘pristianity’, prioritises the preservation of wilderness without considering the socio-cultural impacts ^[9]. To reform this, academic institutions need to integrate diverse perspectives and knowledge systems into their curricula, moving away from fortress conservation narratives towards a more inclusive understanding of conservation that respects and incorporates indigenous rights and knowledge ^[9]. Additionally, addressing the historical and ongoing marginalisation in conservation education can help rectify deep-seated inequalities ^[9].

Accessibility and Support for BIPOC Students

BIPOC students face significant barriers in accessing and succeeding in conservation education. High upfront costs, lack of scholarships, and unpaid internships contribute to the underrepresentation of these students in the field ^[10]. Academic institutions can improve accessibility by increasing funding opportunities specifically targeted at BIPOC students and ensuring that field-based educational experiences are safe and inclusive ^{[11] [12]}. Furthermore, creating supportive relationships between students and faculty, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by BIPOC students, and providing financial support for essential academic activities like attending conferences are crucial steps towards inclusivity ^{[13] [14] [15]}.

Diverse Faculty Recruitment

The recruitment of diverse faculty is essential to provide role models and mentors for BIPOC students and to enrich the academic environment. Current recruitment practices often overlook the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with DEI-related criteria rated as less important by predominantly White, male faculty members at research-intensive institutions ^[16]. Promoting a more inclusive recruitment strategy that values applicant character traits, soft skills, and DEI commitments can help attract a diverse range of candidates. Additionally, institutions should consider implementing more objective evaluation strategies and incentivising productivity that does not compromise the ability to attract diverse talents ^[16].

By addressing these key areas, academic institutions can play a crucial role in reforming practices that perpetuate systemic racism in the field of nature conservation. This not only benefits the academic community but also contributes to broader societal impacts by promoting equity and inclusion within environmental stewardhood.

Creating an Inclusive Work Environment

Creating an inclusive work environment involves several strategic approaches that focus on anti-discrimination policies, fostering diverse leadership teams, and nurturing a supportive workplace culture. These elements are crucial for ensuring that all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.

Anti-Discrimination Policies

Organisations must

Engagement and Collaboration with Local Communities

Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is crucial for the sustainability and effectiveness of environmental initiatives. This section explores the integration of community-centric conservation models, the importance of building trust and relationships, and the value of incorporating local insights into conservation strategies.

Community-Centric Conservation Models

Community-centered conservation recognizes the leadership of local and Indigenous communities in the protection of biodiversity and natural resources. It involves multilevel governance processes where fundamental rights are respected, and relationships of trust and customary practices are co-constructed among communities of place, supportive agents of the state, and civil society actors across multiple spheres of action ^[17]. This approach counters the failures of top-down strategies and exclusionary tactics by positioning communities as central to conservation efforts, thus respecting their agency and supporting opportunities for them to drive conservation assessments and consider their outcomes—both ecological and social ^[17].

Building Trust and Relationships

Trust building is increasingly acknowledged as essential for fostering effective conservation relationships. It involves moving away from a one-directional pursuit and requires conservation agencies to embrace vulnerability, relinquishing control and power over management, resources, or ideas ^[18]. This shift is necessary to remove local opposition and encourage belief in conservation efforts, thus ensuring more consistent and widespread compliance with environmental rules ^[18]. However, trust must be built on a foundation of equity, recognizing and addressing power dynamics and the cultural values of local communities to create partnerships that are perceived as just and equitable ^[18].

Incorporating Local Insights

Incorporating local insights into conservation research and practice is vital for the development of effective management plans. Participatory mapping and spatial analysis, for example, have been used to identify environmental service hotspots that require cooperative management solutions ^[19]. This approach ensures that conservation efforts are grounded in the real-world conditions and cultural contexts of the communities involved. Moreover, engaging local populations in iterative processes reveals mismatches between existing legislation and local conditions, which can lead to better-aligned and more sustainable conservation practices ^[19].

By focusing on these aspects, conservation efforts can become more inclusive and effective, leading to enhanced stewardship of natural resources and greater ecological and social outcomes. Engaging with local communities not only enriches conservation initiatives but also empowers those directly affected by environmental policies, ensuring that their voices and knowledge contribute to the sustainability of their natural surroundings.

Promoting Equity in Conservation Funding

Fair Distribution of Resources

Governments play a pivotal role in ensuring fair resource distribution by implementing policies and social programmes aimed at reducing inequalities and fostering equal opportunities ^[9]. This includes providing equal access to quality education, promoting entrepreneurship, and addressing educational disparities by offering scholarships and financial assistance to disadvantaged students. Additionally, adopting a circular economy model can maximise resource efficiency and promote sustainable practices ^[9].

Supporting BIPOC-Led Initiatives

To advance equity in philanthropy, it is crucial to increase financial investment and innovate grantmaking approaches to support BIPOC-led organisations. The collaboration between the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the William Penn Foundation with Justice Outside exemplifies this by enhancing racial justice in environmental conservation. This partnership facilitates the Liberated Paths re-granting programme, which reduces barriers to equitable access and supports organisations led by people of colour ^[13]. Such initiatives prioritise funding flexibility and reduce the administrative burden on BIPOC-led organisations, making it easier for them to lead meaningful environmental efforts ^[13].

Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability mechanisms are essential to prevent elite capture of natural resources and ensure fair distribution of benefits, especially to women and children ^[20]. These mechanisms also support the engagement of diverse actors in conservation processes, improving linkages between equitable conservation and effective conservation outcomes ^[20]. Additionally, initiatives like the Wilderness Society’s partnership in New Mexico, which involves listening sessions with BIPOC communities and youth, help craft conservation visions that respect and integrate the experiences of these communities ^[21]. This approach not only acknowledges past injustices but also fosters a conservation model that is inclusive and equitable ^[21].

Innovative Practices to Foster Diversity

Inclusive Outreach Programs

Inclusive outreach programs are essential to foster diversity within nature conservation. These programs should focus on reaching underrepresented groups through tailored communication strategies that resonate with their cultural and social contexts. Initiatives such as community workshops, targeted social media campaigns, and collaboration with local leaders can help bridge the gap between conservation efforts and diverse communities. Additionally, offering materials in multiple languages and accessible formats ensures that information is available to all, regardless of language barriers or disabilities.

Flexible Career Pathways

Creating flexible career pathways is another innovative practice that can enhance diversity in the field of conservation. This involves developing internship and mentorship programs that are sensitive to the needs of individuals from various backgrounds. For example, implementing paid internships and flexible working conditions can make conservation careers more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to participate due to financial constraints. Furthermore, career development programs should include support for non-traditional entry points into conservation, recognising the value of diverse experiences and knowledge bases.

Empowering Community Voices

Empowering community voices is critical for ensuring that conservation practices are inclusive and equitable. This can be achieved by involving local communities in decision-making processes and acknowledging their traditional ecological knowledge as a valuable resource in conservation planning. Establishing advisory boards that include community representatives can provide ongoing input into conservation projects, ensuring that they reflect the needs and priorities of those most affected by environmental policies. Additionally, training programs designed to build advocacy and negotiation skills among community members can enhance their ability to effectively participate in conservation efforts.

By implementing these innovative practices, conservation organisations can foster a more diverse and inclusive environment. This not only enriches the field with a variety of perspectives but also enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of conservation initiatives.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have thoroughly discussed the systemic racism embedded in the nature conservation sector, from its colonial legacies to the ongoing structural inequalities that hinder true biodiversity conservation and climate justice. The historical overview, alongside the acknowledgment of exclusionary practices and biases within conservation programs, underlines the importance of pivotal reforms in academic institutions, workspace environments, and engagement with local communities. Alongside these reforms, ensuring equitable conservation funding and embracing innovative practices to enhance diversity within the field have emerged as fundamental steps toward catalysing significant change. These outlined measures, including transforming academic curricula to be more inclusive, fostering diverse leadership, implementing community-centric conservation models, and promoting the fair distribution of resources, aim to dismantle the structures perpetuating systemic racism and colonialism in conservation.

In moving forward, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that embraces these five critical points of action: inclusive curriculum design, accessibility for BIPOC students and scholars, diversification of conservation funding, empowerment of local and Indigenous communities, and innovative outreach to foster diversity. These practical steps are not just theoretical ideals but actionable strategies that can lead to transformative change within the sector. By focusing on these areas, we can ensure that the stewardship of natural resources genuinely reflects and respects the diversity of voices and knowledge systems that exist globally. Let’s commit to transforming organisations like WESSA with practical action, striving for a future where nature conservation is equitable, inclusive, and just. This journey towards transformation is not only necessary but urgent, as it aligns with the broader objectives of equity, sustainability, and global ecological well-being.

References

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