A PHILOSOPHICAL ANAL YSIS 0 THE CO CEPT OF CONSERVATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS: THE CASE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SRI LANKA

Abstract

The broad objective of this stud) is to develop a philosophical analysis on the "Concept of Conservation" which is identified as a basic theoretical position of practical reasoning in environmental ethics. In order to achieve this objective. the current study was originated to revisit the concept of conservation in Environmental Ethics. Since this study was mainly engaged in both theoretical and practical domains. several research methods for collecting data and analyzing them were employed. Therefore. the qualitative data (through literature surveys) were used in gathering information and in theorizing the conceptual frameworks. Collected data were analyzed using (a) conceptual analysis, (b) content analysis. (c) phenomenological methods and (d) statistical tools. The present form of conservation through EIA retains a practice merely based on anthropocentric and extended individualistic ethical approaches. The extended approaches are Bio-centric ethics and Eco-centric ethical platforms. When conservation was based only on these three ethical approaches. leaving out the hiocultural and ethical appruachcs, which relates to the social and cultural facets, the process of environmental conservation confines itself into a "Iimited""a narrow" and "an anthropocentric" practice. This study examines gaps between Anthropocentricextended Individualistic approaches versus Bio-cultural ethical approach and attempt to uncover the limitations, \\ hich were created through technical conservation approaches or current forms of Environment Impact Assessments. This study urges to include the bio-cultural ethical approach into the concept of conservation with non-visible stake holders in relation to the given environmental management contents and it develops the "meaning" in the process of environmental - protection considering the sectors such as cultural responses, societal influences, economical and livelihood concerns into it. XI This study argues an inclusive conservation, instead of instrumental value format based on anthropocentric approach, an instincts value format for environmental policy making processes, instead of instrumental value judgments. The study further recommend the (I) new definitions for the process of conservation, (2) conceptual guidelines for conservation tool kits, (3) theoretical and ethical foundation for valuing the natural resources and (4) policy framework for regulating procedures.