The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The concept of "wilderness" in environmental conservation refers to large areas of land that remain in a natural state, significantly unmodified by human activity. This perspective, often termed "fortress conservation," views nature as pristine and separate from human society, prioritizing the protection of biodiversity and landscapes by excluding human exploitation and habitation.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The wilderness perspective is historically and culturally predominant in developed nations with vast landscapes and relatively lower population densities in specific regions, such as Australia, Scandinavia, North America, and New Zealand. In these regions, conservation often focuses on setting aside large tracts of land (e.g., National Parks) for recreation and aesthetic preservation, distinct from human settlements.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The wilderness perspective typically advocates for the exclusion of human habitation to maintain the "pristine" character of nature. It does not emphasize the integration of dense human habitation; rather, it often views human presence as detrimental to the ecological integrity of protected areas.
- Statement 3 is Correct: This perspective is distinct from the environmental movements of the Global South (often termed "environmentalism of the poor"). In the Global South, forest movements (e.g., the Chipko movement in India or rubber tappers in Brazil) are generally rooted in questions of survival, livelihood, and the sustainable use of resources. These movements emphasize the coexistence of humans and nature, contrasting with the preservationist "wilderness" approach of the Global North.
Key Takeaway: The "wilderness" perspective (Global North) focuses on pristine nature and human exclusion, whereas Global South environmentalism emphasizes the interdependence of human livelihoods and ecosystem conservation.