From Ourselves to Future Generations

Abstract

Abstract This chapter defends the role of universal value in our thinking about conservation. It acknowledges the ways that the appeal to universal value has been abused in conservation contexts, but argues that a multifaceted approach to thinking about universality can avoid the concept’s historical associations with Eurocentrism and elitism. In doing so, it argues that the world is rich with universally valuable things, and shows how promoting conservation projects that allow people to confront change on amenable terms can aid in the collective project of preserving as many of these valuable objects, practices, and places as possible. It also argues that in saving these things for the future, we offer future generations the broadest set of materials out of which to fashion their own sense of identity on their own terms.