Conservation is the careful, long-term protection of Earth’s biodiversity—the variety of life on our planet, including species, ecosystems, and genes. It’s one of the most important challenges we face. Biological diversity keeps ecosystems healthy and functioning, protects us from disease, and makes our food supply safe and sustainable. Nature conservation is essential to our survival.
Biodiversity is under threat from the many ways humans are destroying wildlife habitats. The destruction of natural resources and habitats, pollution in air, water, and soil, and overharvesting have contributed to the decline or extinction of many species. In addition, human population growth has lead to unsustainable consumption rates and a loss of the global carbon sink—the vast areas of forest and ocean that take in and store a large portion of the world’s CO2 emissions.
Another major challenge is the continued loss of biodiversity due to the expansion and development of cities, towns, and rural communities around the globe. In addition, ongoing logging and poaching, the enlarging of agricultural tracts, and the removal of invasive species threaten wildlife populations.
The simplest solution is to protect wildlife habitats, which is the basis of nature conservation. Governments also play a critical role in protecting wildlife. They can implement laws that prohibit hunting or logging, establish protected areas, and regulate the trade of endangered animals within and between countries. They can also provide more funding for conservation programs and enforce stricter penalties for poaching or illegal animal sales.
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