Drawing refined road maps for the future of bears is complex because, as the context for bear conservation changes, new threats emerge. But explosive population growth and massive changes in the social and political landscape in Asia and South America during the last 50 years make this impossible. Parks and reserves will never be large enough, so the task is much more complicated than pursuing a simple set-aside of land. We need to see protected areas and zoos not as islands, but as vital core areas in networks of local, regional, national, and international bear conservation efforts. Conservation does not occur in a vacuum.
Bears are at risk because of a conflict over values.
To understand the root causes of declining bear populations, we must look at how different people, especially the people who live near them, value bears. Local human needs must be identified so the presence of bears contributes to fulfilling those needs. Political will for conservation is accrued by building local support through the provision of cultural and economic benefits. Environmental education, letting people get to know and love bears, is essential. I know a good place to start.