Conservation is the care and protection of Earth’s natural resources, including air, water, plants, wildlife and their habitats. It also includes ensuring that natural processes continue to function and deliver services, such as soil formation, water purification, coastal defence, carbon sequestration and recreational enjoyment (known as “cultural services”).
Conservationists are people who choose to dedicate their lives to saving and improving the world’s natural places and creatures. They work in a wide variety of sectors and organisations, including government, industry, education and research, non-governmental organisations, charities, private practice and business. They are usually called “conservationists” or “conservators,” although some prefer to be known as “wildlife conservationists.”
While the word ‘conservation’ might imply an overtly value-free science, most conservationists recognise that the values underlying their work are profound and contested. They are concerned with avoiding ecological loss, but are tolerant of temporary damage and harm, so long as it is truly limited in scale and scope. Excessively narrow articulations of what constitutes conservation tend to exclude people who might otherwise be considered conservationists – such as indigenous hunters, farmers or those involved in international development.
In addition to preventing the extinction of species and protecting ecosystems, conservationists often aim to improve human-nature relations through education and outreach. They publish successful cases and personal testimonies to inspire others to get involved in their work. They also support and promote initiatives that have the potential to make a difference, such as land purchases, ecotourism and habitat improvement projects. They may also write articles to communicate their research findings and explain the reasons for their conservation activities to wider audiences.