Conservation is the protection of natural resources such as forests, wildlife, and water supplies. It also includes the management of human uses of these resources so that they are not damaged or destroyed.
There are many reasons for conserving our natural resources. One is that they provide us with essential goods and services, such as food, clean water, and wood for fuel and construction. Another is that they support vital ecosystem functions, such as purifying the air and regulating the climate. And finally, they are simply beautiful to look at and experience – an important part of our quality of life.
Without conservation, many species would become extinct, habitats would be lost forever, and ecosystems would collapse. The planet would become a far less hospitable place for all life forms – including humans.
Fortunately, there are many things we can do to conserve our natural heritage. For example, we can reduce our consumption of natural resources; recycle materials instead of throwing them away; protect habitat by creating parks and reserves; restore degraded ecosystems; manage fisheries responsibly; practice sustainable forestry; support indigenous peoples in their efforts to conserve their traditional lands; etc.
Individuals can make a difference too – through their choices about what products to buy (e.g., those made from certified sustainable wood), how to travel (e.g., using public transport or taking holidays close to home), what energy sources to use (e.g., solar power), etc