Conservation is the care and protection of Earth’s natural resources. These include plants, animals, soil and water.
Our over-exploitation of natural resources has damaged our planet in many ways, including deforestation and habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which trap heat from the sun and cause global warming. Industrial activities like mining, logging and agriculture pollute the environment with chemicals and waste. Air pollution from vehicles, factories and homes causes environmental and health problems. Waste, pesticides and other pollutants enter waterways and can cause severe damage to wildlife.
The loss of biodiversity threatens our own survival. Biodiversity helps to sustain the food chain and provides ecosystem services such as clean water and oxygen. It is also an important part of cultural heritage. Conservation of species is vital to protect the genetic variation that underpins evolution and allows humans to adapt to changing conditions.
Often, protecting nature means that people won’t support protected areas or traditional ways of life in surrounding areas. That’s why it is important to incorporate sustainable community livelihoods into conservation programmes. Enabling indigenous peoples to manage their own lands for conservation and to create community-led conservation enterprises will empower them to protect nature, celebrate their culture and build political support for protected areas.
Wild animals need space for themselves and to find mates, food, shelter, and water. But roads, fences, buildings and other human development can reduce the size of their territories. When wildlife cannot find enough food, water or mates they may suffer from diseases or even go extinct. To prevent this, conservationists need to take into account the different spatial needs of wildlife and plan habitats accordingly.
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