Abstract In this essay, the writer looks at the matter of restoring the natural balance of the landscape. The writer discusses Robert Elliot's apparent distaste for ecologicalrestoration in close detail throughout the first portion of this paper. This article explores the circumstances in which restoration may be considered benevolent, through careful examination of Elliot's philosophy and that of Murray Krieger. The writer concludes that in the case of restoring the natural balance of the land, one is not attempting to profit from the restoration or create a fake situation, but rather restore the original version to its original grace and glory so it can be better appreciated.
From the Paper "Robert Elliot in his work "Faking Nature" rejects the idea that restoration ecology is useful in many instances. Elliot asserts that attempting to restore the natural ecology of the land is nothing more than an attempt to forge that which was once natural and beneficial. In this light restoring the natural ecology of the land seems nothing more than an attempt to fake that which is natural, which in and of itself promotes no intrinsic value.
Further Elliot asserts that one can not reproduce the value that original ecosystems had to offer. The field of environmental ethics proposes that the natural value of nature should be preserved rather than the value of nature purely for human purposes including survival or consumption. Under this assumption nature isn't necessarily valued by humans desiring to create artificial landscapes purely for humanistic benefits."
This paper explains how wildlife management and ecologicalrestoration are thought to be the same concept, but their objectives and goals are often very different.
Abstract This paper uses the San Marcos Springs ecosystem and its endangered species as an example of how wildlife management and ecologicalrestoration may seem to compliment each other but, actually they are seeking out different goals. It explains that in order to preserve the endangered native species, all of current species located in the ecosystem must be considered.
From the Paper "Wildlife conservation and management have been called the art and science of managing wildlife species, habitats, and ecosystems for long-term human benefit. The first system of wildlife conservation was an Eastern rather than a Western idea, developed by the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire (Smith 1976). Although the art of managing wildlife is centuries old, the science is relatively new and is becoming increasingly important all the time. However, science is only part of how we view and manage our wildlife resources. Social, cultural, political, and legal constraints and issues often have more to do with how wildlife resources are managed than pure science. Understanding these constraints and issues is fundamental to conservation and management. J. B. Kauffman (1997) stated that a successful ?conservation programme cannot be based on a preoccupation with saving the animal itself. Its total environment must be preserved.? This type of forward thinking helped change the idea of single species conservation and gave rise to the concept of restoration ecology."
Abstract This paper discusses the development of restorative justice, building a definition for it by noting some of the elements embodied in it, claims made by supporters, and ways in which different interested parties are involved. This paper also notes that restorative justice occurs when parties with a stake in the given offense come together as a group and decide how to deal with the aftermath of the offense and with its implications for the future.
From the Paper "Restorative justice is a philosophy based on the idea of rehabilitation, but it includes the idea of restoration not only for the offender but for the victim and the community as well. More technical answers might include what Ashworth (2003) includes, namely that restorative justice occurs when parties with a stake in the given offense come together as a group and decide how to deal with the aftermath of the offense and with its implications for the future. He cites John Brathwaite to the effect that what is to be restored is whatever matters to the parties involved. Restorative justice promotes certain values, cited here as including "healing, moral learning, community participation and community caring, respectful dialogue, forgiveness, responsibility, apology, and making amends" (Ashworth, 2003, p. 164). "
Abstract This paper discusses how ecological footprints, effective ecological tools used to help maintain our world, impose many questions in sustaining the earth's life. Charts are included with the paper.
Defining Our Ecological Footprint
Dependency on Nature
Carrying Capacity of Cities and Earth
Comparison between Countries
Natural Capita: Effects on the Earth
Impact of the World Economies
Solutions
From the Paper "The world economy has a great impact on the ecological footprints of the world. Every country wants to obtain economic growth to produce more money. But in doing this, they have to deplete their natural capital, which in turn, is not helping in sustaining this world. As William Rees states, "there is simply not enough on the planet to sustain present international development trends using prevailing technologies" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). So something drastic has to be done. As the ecological footprints of humans are already too large for the earth to handle, how can we accommodate the rising materials and rising in population, while trying to sustain the earth. Most analysts agree that it can happen in two ways: through a reduction in the standard of living or through the increase in material and energy efficiency (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). These two issues also apply problems, through cultural, economic, and social values. Especially in the more developed countries. To lower the standard of living would be outright rejected in the more developed countries such as Canada and the U. S. So indeed, most people agree that "global sustainability is achievable only through large increases in the consumption of goods and services in both poorer and richer countries" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). But still a problem arises. There will still be inequity in the growth of the more and less developed countries. It seems the richer get richer and the poorer get poorer. A consensus seems to be emerging though. They say that the needed consumption will work if there is a reduction in the material energy costs of goods and services. "
Abstract The central claim of "deep ecology" is that we need to correct an anthropocentric bias in our attitudes to the nonhuman world, and in particular to extend moral concern across time and across species. This paper will examine the benefits and the shortcomings of anthropocentrism within the framework of 'deep ecology'. As well, this paper will attempt to demonstrate both the value and some of the limitations of this framework with respect to the problem of anthropocentrism.
This paper reviews and examines Donald Hughes' book "North American Indian Ecology" which focuses on a wide range of ecological and environmental issues faced by Native American Indians in the 20th century.
Abstract This paper explores and details North American Indian life and culture as portrayed in Donald Hughes' book "North American Indian Ecology." This paper discusses the land issues facing the North American Indian tribes including overgrazing, erosion and assessments of appropriate land usage. The writer of this paper finds Hughes' book to be straightforward and concise in clarifying the characteristics of Indian life such as hunting, food growing and rituals.
From the Paper "Tribes are having to mediate the disparate demands of their members and the industrial mindset of the BIA to balance forest use for economic need and preservation for cultural need. Tribes face many of the same problems as non-Native communities held hostage by the timber industry. Replanting has not always kept pace with harvesting on public or trust lands. The push to harvest old-growth timber is constrained by federal mandates to protect endangered species habitats, putting people out of work. Few local communities gain the "value-added" benefits of processing their own timber especially jobs and new businesses and when they do the environmental impact of mill sites has to be factored into any cost-benefit analysis."
Abstract This paper examines the role of women in Restoration comedy and what it expresses about the relations between men and women of the era and in modern society.
Abstract For many Torontonians few things are as vexing as the ongoing debate surrounding the restoration of Toronto's much maligned waterfront. This paper examines the most pressing issues driving the Toronto waterfront debate and explores, where possible, the origins of these issues and where they appear headed. In the process of so doing it is hoped that this paper will illuminate the stark reality that the imperatives of the situation fairly demand that past hard feelings and acrimony should no longer be used as an excuse for failing to act.
Abstract This paper relates the importance of mangrove forests as an important part of the Florida coastal ecosystem and pays particular attention to the Indian River Lagoon as it is the only mangrove system in North America where tropical waters meet temperate waters. The author explains how natural events such as storms as well as human activities are destroying mangrove forests and proposes measures to oversee major replanting efforts in the area of the Indian River Lagoon. A cost and benefit analysis is also included in the paper as well as the risks to be expected.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction/Background
Climate Change and the Solution to Lagoon Restoration Proposed Solution
Cost/Benefit Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Indian River Lagoon is a federally protected estuary and home to numerous threatened and endangered species. Legislation is already in place to help prevent further human destruction of the lagoon and its valuable resources. Several replanting programs are already underway, with varying degrees of success. Efforts thus far are not enough to offset the rate of destruction. In addition, many plantings suffer heavy losses as young saplings fail to thrive."
Abstract This paper examines Julian Steward's theory of cultural change, which is also referred to as cultural ecology. This is the theory that environment and culture exist in a dialectical relationship, at least with regard to resource use and production. The paper provides an overview of the theory, examples of the theory at work, and concludes with a critique of the theory's weaknesses.
From the Paper "Perhaps it is no more than a biological necessity to find order in the world that drives the human mind to develop all manner of theories by which seemingly unrelated events can be explained. Perhaps the drive is more cultural in nature. However, if that were the case, then proponents of Julian Steward's theory of cultural ecology would no doubt attempt to explain the drive as the result of a complex interaction between cultural and environmental factors. Whatever the case on that score, it is nonetheless apparent that in all academic disciplines there is a push to develop theoretical-methodological approaches to study that can explain the nature of the discipline and also provide avenues for further research. The cultural ecological perspective is one such approach that attempts to explain the origin and development of cultural elements to interactions and adaptations..."
Abstract This paper discusses the flaws with restorative justice programs and presents some of the major criticisms of these programs in order to gain a better understanding not only of the implications of restorative justice, but the larger criminal justice system as well. In particular, the paper explores seven criticisms of restorative justice programs, such as problems of identifying the real victims, cultural differences and accountability. For all of the good intentions of restorative justice programs, the paper concludes that, from many points of view, they are flawed and do not belong in the realm of the court system.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Restorative Justice in Historical Context
Criticism 1- Identifying the Real Victims
Criticism 2- What Process Should be Used?
Criticism 3- Which Outcomes Should be Pursued?
Criticism 4- At What Price Restoration?
Criticism 5- Cultural Differences Can Cloud Restorative Justice Efforts
Criticism 6- Some Offenders Cannot be Rehabilitated
Criticism 7- An Escape from Accountability
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another important point needs to be made at this time- restorative justice is typically associated strictly with criminal situations or civil situations. Perhaps one of the answers to the criticisms of restorative justice is to in fact remove it from the realm of the courts and place it in the civilian realm. For example, there may be some overriding interest to be served by making restorative justice a separate branch, aside from organized courts of law. This may unburden court systems and put much of the controversy to rest."
This paper compares Norwegian philosopher Arme Naess' ecology philosophy called "deep ecology" with Indian author Ramachandra Guha's ecological philosophy of "anthropocentrism".
Abstract This paper explains that Arme Naess' philosophy of "deep ecology" encourages respect for the environment, not because humans depend on nature, but because nature and its inhabitants have inherent value. The author points out that Ramachandra Guha's ecological philosophy of "anthropocentrism" declares that all environmental responsibility is derived from human interests alone, which challenges this "deep ecology" philosophy. The paper concludes that Ramachandra Guha, who alleges that "shallow ecology" is sufficient for providing a satisfactory ethic of obligation and concern for the non-human world, is not rational; rather the concept of "deep ecology" needs to be extended especially toward non-human individuals, wilderness areas and across time and species.
From the Paper "Assuming characteristically anthropocentric perspectives and values is a defect, we should, instead, assume a biocentric perspective. We should certainly abandon crude conceptions of human needs that equate them with the sort of needs that are satisfied by extravagant resource use. One of the problems with shallow ecology lies in anthropocentrism, specifically the fact that they are characteristically short-term, sectional, and self-regarding. Suppose that astronomers detect a modest asteroid on collision course with Earth. The impending collision would be perfectly natural. Such periodic disruptive events are natural, though they probably destroy most of the then extant large life forms. These times of renewal provide opportunities for smaller, flexible organisms to radiate opportunistically into vacated niches, and life goes on. There is little doubt that our demise would provide comparable opportunities for development that we currently prevent. Even then, we should step aside so that evolution can continue on its majestic course."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the concept of restorative justice. According to the paper, restorative justice is an approach towards providing justice that concentrates on removing harm caused by an action, holding the offender responsible for the personal action, and providing the victims with an opportunity to identify the crime and criminal.
Outline:
Introduction
Restorative System and Mainstream Judicial Laws
Restorative System: Fundamentals
Restorative System: Serving Society Better
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are certain clauses in the Restorative law that recognizes the need to adopt different and partially tougher course of action if the offender is not found cooperative. However the law demands that the course of action should be experimented, and evaluated on the grounds that if they are reasonable, restorative, and respectful. The offenders should comply by the standards of safety, values, ethics, responsibility, accountability and civility. The offenders should be exposed to the same nature of crime experienced by the victims, and should be provided with the chance of learning empathy. Such an offender should be provided with opportunities to be productive member of society. The participation of the offender into social and community affairs should be well received and acknowledged. The offender should be equipped with the values and fundamentals required to be productive member of the society."
Tags: offender, victim, justified, fair, society, crime, community
