Abstract
Why conserve nature ? This question is far from simple. While the first nationwide conservation initiatives can be datedback to the 17th century, initially focusing on forest management, the methods and motivations behind nature conservation have undergone profound changes. Today, several currents of thought coexist, and sometimes clash, in this field. And it's only recently that biological invasions have been taken into account in conservation strategies. In this seminar, I'll be giving you an overview of the different approaches to conservation that exist in the Western world, and their underlying practical or philosophical principles. This will enable us to better understand the place of biological invasions in these different perspectives. Finally, I will outline the strategies employed to control or eradicate an invasive species when deemed necessary.
