This difference is most clearly visible in the sciences and ethics the two societies have developed. In our early days Western science appeared to need no ecological constraints, and it quite naturally expanded along all the directions which improved our potential to exploit the physical world for our comfort and wealth. The absence of ecological constraints meant that Western management of land inevitably led to land degradation and extinction of species either through direct eradication or through whimsical introduction of exotic ones. Her father tried to preserve at least part of the Aboriginal emu sanctuary in Wagga Wagga, but his efforts were lost to developers. The 'land ethic' is an extension of ethics that prompt individuals to co-operate with fellow members of their community to include soil, waters, plants and animals in the boundaries of the community.
Ethics are essential for any community to function peacefully and therefore exist.
The existence of land ethic within Aboriginal society meant that the overwhelming majority would respect and protect the variety of all life forms, that is biodiversity, on their lands. Policing to protect the environment was therefore possible. In Western society people with a land ethic are a minority, that is why it is difficult to protect the environment and police the existing environmental laws. The difference in approach to the environment means that the two societies developed different forms of management of land. Stan Pelczynski 11 th of April, 1996.