The Białowieża Forest controversy in the light of the world dispute in conservation biology

The Białowieża Forest controversy highlights a global divide in conservation biology, pitting biocentrists against anthropocentrists over the primary goal of nature preservation. Biocentrists advocate for the protection of natural processes and endangered species as the sole objective, while anthropocentrists prioritize sustainable ecosystem services with species protection as a secondary benefit. A key point of contention involves the management of bark beetle outbreaks, where foresters' practices of removing infested trees clash with naturalists' objections. The study reveals that both sides lack familiarity with EU guidelines on wilderness in Natura 2000, which could resolve this dispute. Additionally, the forest's complex governance structure—comprising six different national and two international legal forms—creates chaos, hindering effective conservation efforts. This research underscores the need for clearer organizational frameworks to protect such valuable sites.

Witkowski, Z. (2017). The Białowieża Forest controversy in the light of the world dispute in conservation biology. Forest Research Papers, 78(4), 347–356. https://doi.org/10.1515/frp-2017-0039