Of Conservation and Mysticism, Democracy and Things

In its original concept this article was to be a review of events affecting conservation in the north in the decade since the Tundra Conference (Fuller. & Kevan 1970). Resolutions of the Tundra Conference urged international cooperation in research, inventory and management of resources in circumpolar regions; the setting aside of research areas; protection for threatened species of vertebrates; broadening and strengthening of ecological research in Canada; and attention to legitimate needs and aspirations of northern natives. In a message read at the opening session of the Conference the then Minister of Indian & Northern Affairs, the Honourable Jean ChrCtien, referred to new regulations pertaining to land and water, and to a “broad program of hydrological and ecological research”. He also expressed the hope that he would be able to establish new National Parks in northern Canada, set aside areas for long-term research (ecological reserves), and expand the research activities of the Canadian Wildlife Service. This, then, provides a framework for discussing recent developments in research on an