Practise evaluating intrinsic value in development and conservation by weighing species rights, habitat protection and biodiversity against subjectivity, economics and human needs.
To what extent is an ecocentric value system more appropriate than other value systems in addressing issues of sustainability?
Answers may demonstrate:
- understanding concepts \& terminology of ecocentrism/anthropocentrism/technocentrism; social/economic/environmental sustainability; biorights; intrinsic value; renewable resources; sustainable yield; recycling; circular economy; low technology; local governance; food miles; vegetarianism/veganism; subsistence living; etc
- breadth in addressing and linking range of ecocentric values/strategies with different aspects of sustainability.
- examples of ecocentric values and strategies and aspects of sustainable living/development etc
- balanced analysis evaluating extent to which an ecocentric value system is more or less beneficial in addressing sustainability than other value systems .
- a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by analysis and examples given e.g. With the high regard in which it holds nature and the environment it is inevitable that ecocentric values and strategies for living are bound to be non-destructive and sustainable.
Please see markbands on page 17.
Ecocentrics recognise that all species have an intrinsic value.
Explain the strengths and weaknesses of using intrinsic value when making decisions about development and conservation.
Definition [1 max]:
intrinsic value of a species refers to its aesthetic/ethical/spiritual/ecological/intangible importance;
The use of detailed examples of species to support the answers should be credited in the Eol, not as a marking point.
A definition is not required and may be found within the rest of the answer.
Strengths:
attaching intrinsic value to species that have no economic value can prevent them being overlooked in decision making;
deep ecologists argue that all species have rights and attributing intrinsic value supports this principle;
...and prevent collapse of ecosystems/loss of biodiversity/aesthetic degradation;
Intrinsic value is likely to promote ecosystem/in situ conservation so preserving whole habitats and many species; public perception of intrinsic value is often crucial to the success of conservation efforts; some argue that all species have rights and their intrinsic value needs to be considered;
a wide variety of ecosystems can be conserved as each species has intrinsic value rather than just charismatic species; educating people with respect to intrinsic value will encourage people to respect even species considered a pest which would help in conservation efforts;
Weaknesses:
Decisions usually have an economic aspect and intrinsic value has no economic value;
intrinsic value is not recognised by some value systems/ anthropocentric / technocentric causing conflicts in decision making;
intrinsic value given to a species may vary amongst social groups according to their aesthetic/ethical/spiritual values / different tribal groups have different totems; animal rights activists/environmental NGOs may hinder economically important projects (animal husbandry/testing/construction of buildings) on the ground of species' intrinsic value; applying the ideals associated with intrinsic value may overlook significant human needs (e.g. where human rights may be overlooked / spread of disease/pest organisms);"
Marking guidance:
Award [4 max] if only strengths, or only weaknesses are given.