Conservation policies in Brazil and the European Union: same objectives, different problems

Abstract

Nature’s conservation has been associated with the dispute of territory from its origins till today. Reducing the limits of property rights and dynamics of use and occupation have been the most widely used techniques to achieve a clear objective as is the preservation of areas with high environmental value. The concept of ecology and conservation has evolved along the last years, starting from the elimination of the human presence in delimited areas. Therefore, it has passed from limiting human presence in delimited areas to coexistence between humans and environment. The most used tool for nature’s preservation is the creation of conservation areas, though these have always been associated with the generation of conflicts and problems. In this paper, two conservation models possessing the same objective although using different methods, such as conservation areas of sustainable use in Brazil and the European Union, were compared. Consequently, it explains what they are and describes the problems and conflicts they generate or may generate. Subsequently, a comparison of the two models was made, where the advantages and disadvantages of each one were obtained. Finally, it is concluded that environmental policies should be based on the participation of key players and the existence of lack of information may lead to a rejection of environmental policies.