Compassionate Conservation is a proposed framework for conservation science and practice, seeking to encourage greater compassion and respect for individuals. However, the understanding of compassion and its four principles has caused confusion. This paper argues for a revised framework of compassionate conservation, proposing that it also include the virtue of respect, which compassionate conservationists already refer to, and argues for a revision of the corresponding principles.

In the second half of the article turns to its practical implications. Given the prevalence of suffering even in well-conserved ecosystems, it is argued that genuine compassion and respect motivate a more active management of natural environments in order to reduce the harms (both natural and anthropogenic) that wild animals face. This reveals the need to identify new approaches to conservation that better promote animal welfare while still seeking conservation objectives.

the whole paper can be read here.