As they explore VCE Biology Unit 2, our Year 11 students learn about the importance of keystone species and how changes to these species can impact an ecosystem. The contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge and perspectives in understanding Australian ecosystems is considered and students are also required to develop an understanding of Bioethics to determine whether the outcome of a particular course of action is ethically acceptable. It is against this backdrop that our students have been challenged to research and learn about the proposal to reintroduce the dingo to the Grampians National Park and to view this emotive issue from various points of view. Last week we welcomed Michael Smith, the South West District Manager of Parks Victoria, who provided the students with a detailed background of the Grampians proposal. Michael challenged the students to compare the feelings they have when the words Dingo, Wild Dog and Wilkerr are used. He advised the students that language is very important and can prompt very different reactions. Michael reminded students of the importance of critically reflecting on the sources used for their fact gathering, especially when it comes to the point of view of the traditional owners of the land. The science behind the proposal of reintroducing the dingo was considered, linking it to the success of the reintroduction of the wolves into Yellowstone National Park in America. Michael reviewed risks associated with the proposal, such as opposition from land owners, visitor safety and ecological risks such as threats to the rock wallaby and impacts on fire management burning regimes. A large part of the discussion centred around the importance of the dingo (Wilkerr) as a totem animal of traditional owners. He explained that the traditional owners feel they have obligations to protect Country and that a bio-cultural landscape, having both the animals and plants present, makes Country healthy. While this proposal has been put aside for the time being, Michael said that part of his role will be to build understanding among the different community groups and to acknowledge and work through peoples’ concerns. Michael’s visit helped to promote some respectful discussion amongst the students, and while not all students have chosen a point of view on the issue, it certainly helped develop their understanding of how complex bioethical issues in the real world can be. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
April 2024
|