Conservation & Preservation

Conservation

Maintenance of biodiversity thru human action or management

• Maintain genetic diversity within species, maintenance of habitats and maintaining diversity between species

Conservation & Ecosystems

Conservation involves management of ecosystems so natural resources in them can be used without running out

• AKA sustainable development

Conservation & reclamation

• Process of restoring ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed

  • e.g. habitats may be destroyed by floods

• Involved techniques such as controlled burning areas of a forest

  • Halt succession & increase biodiversity

Preservation

Protection of an area by restricting or banning human interference, so that the ecosystem is kept in its original state

When is preservation most commonly used?

• When preserving ecologically, archaeologically, or palaeontologically sensitive resources, which can easily be damaged or destroyed by disturbances.

• Visititation isn’t allowed apart from those who manage & monitor the area

What are the 3 reasons for conservation?

1. Economic

2. Social

3. Ethical

Economic reason explained

• Conservation needed to provide resources humans need to survive & to provide an income

Social reason explained

• Many people enjoy the natural beauty of wild ecosystems

• Use them for activities which are beneficial to health by providing a means of relaxation and exercise.

Ethical reason explained

• All organisms have a right to exist

• Most play an important role within their ecosystem

• We also have a moral responsibility for future generations to conserve the wide variety of existing natural ecosystems.