Killing for Conservation

Wildlife conservation policy is often discussed within the braoder debates of sustainable development. The case study of Zimbabwe illustrates how the politically controversial policy agenda of wildlife utilization is part of the wider realm of global environmental politics. Is African wildlife under threat from African people? Large-scale poaching feeds an international demand for ivory and rhino horn Is there a conflict between theideologies of preservation and conservation? 'Preservation' is concerned with protecting a habitat from any use; 'conservation' allows for managed use. Are conservation strategies politically neutral? Theway that wildlife issues are presented masks the inherently political nature of conservation policy-making at the local, national and international levels. Does Campfire live up to its reputation? Does Zimbabwe's much-vaunted community-based Campfire programme, which permits animal culling profits to be used for community development , live up to its reputation? ROSALEEN DUFFY is Lecturer in Politics at Lancaster University Published in association with the International African Institute North America: Indiana University Press; Zimbabwe: Weaver Press