Of tigers and humans: The question of democratic deliberation and biodiversity conservation

Abstract

DEMOCRATIC LEGITIMACY is not necessarily related to the success of conservation policies. Examples include the creation of East African parks by undemocratic colonial governments, as well as evidence of success of environmentally benign authoritarian regimes in Gabon or the Dominican Republic, in promoting environmental policies and regulation. Paleontologist and conservation activist Richard Leakey became celebrated for his successful fight to preserve wildlife in Africa. In order to address the poaching of elephants, Leakey created well-armed anti-poaching units that were authorized to shoot poachers on sight. While successful in protecting elephants, this approach earned Leakey a critique of his human rights credentials.