Anthropology and the conservation of biodiversity

Conservation programs for protected areas and plant genetic resources have evolved in similar ways, beginning with a focus on single species and expanding to ecosystem strategies that involve the participation of local people. Anthropologists have described the increasing importance of the participation of local people in conservation programs, both of local populations in protected area management and of farmers in plant genetic resources. Both protected areas and plant genetic resources link local populations, national agencies, and international organizations. Anthropological research (a) documents local knowledge and practices that influence the selection and maintenance of crop varieties and the conservation of rare and endangered species in protected areas, and (b) clarifies the different concerns and definitions of biodiversity held by local populations and international conservationists. In addition, anthropologists operate in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies, participating in policy debates and acting as advocates and allies of local populations of farmers and indigenous peoples.