The Role of Journals in Promoting Ethical Conservation Technology Use

What is it about?

The emergence of digital technologies has transformed conservation and ecological research, enabling the collection of vast amounts of data through hardware such as camera traps, drones, and mobile phones. This data can be used for conservation management, monitoring, surveying, detecting rare species, and law enforcement, as well as providing novel opportunities for public engagement. While the benefits of digital technology are clear, there are potential risks and concerns, including invasion of privacy, the creation of a landscape of fear, and the chilling effects of surveillance on legal behaviors. To address these concerns, researchers have suggested ways to encourage socially responsible use of digital technology, such as adopting principles and guidelines. Journals play a crucial role in shaping the conduct of research by establishing guidelines regarding the ethical use of digital technologies. Ten leading conservation and ecology journals have adopted a new guideline to ensure the socially responsible use of digital technologies in research, and others are urged to follow suit.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it highlights the growing role of digital technologies, such as camera traps, drones, and mobile phones, in conservation and ecological research. The collection of vast volumes of novel data has led to new insights for conservation management, monitoring, surveying, and detecting rare species. However, there are potential risks and concerns associated with the use of these technologies, particularly regarding their impacts on people. The study emphasizes the importance of socially responsible use of digital technology in conservation research to protect human rights and well-being, as well as the long-term success of conservation efforts. Key Takeaways: 1. Digital technologies have transformed conservation and ecological research, generating new insights and opportunities for various applications. 2. While digital technology offers benefits, there are potential risks and concerns, including impacts on people's privacy, safety, and well-being. 3. Journals can play a crucial role in shaping the conduct of research by establishing guidelines for the use of digital technologies and the potential social impacts of ecosurveillance. 4. Researchers, funders, ethical review boards, government regulators, and journals should adopt and enforce guidelines for the socially responsible use of digital technology in conservation research.