What Is Ecosystem Conservation?

Ecosystem conservation is a comprehensive plan that seeks to maintain all species of plants and animals in a geographic area through the management of natural resources. Whereas many types of conservation may focus on one area, such as air or water quality, conservation of an entire ecosystem takes all of it into account. This approach often requires experts in many different fields working together for the common good. While it may present a difficult challenge, ecosystem conservation can also be one of the more productive forms of resource conservation.

This type of management or conservation strategy involves specific steps being taken to help protect the ecosystem. The first is identifying the problem and searching for possible causes. After those things have been identified, then a solution is formulated. The next step is often a public education to raise awareness, garner support, and raise funds for the proposal. Most of those involved in this conservation approach attempt to secure both public and private funding. Implementation may begin only once that funding, or at least a certain percentage of it, has been secured.

The basic idea behind the approach of ecosystem conservation is that all systems are interrelated. While water pollution may be different than air pollution or soil contamination, they all play a role in the lives of the plants and animals in a certain ecosystem. Therefore, in order to give the living organisms in that area the best opportunity for a healthy life, they all need to be dealt with and improved as much as possible.

The ecosystem conservation method is in direct contrast to methods that focus only on a single species. In such cases, the goal to save a particular species may overlook other important factors that affect that species. Those other factors could have been responsible for the species' decline in the first place. In some cases, even restoring a species may not yield a long-term benefit without a more comprehensive approach to ecosystem management.

One typical focus of ecosystem conservation is connecting the process to the needs and values of humans. While that may seem a little self serving, those involved in this conservation approach subscribe to the belief that people are more likely to help the environment when they see a benefit. These benefits could include clean air and drinking water for people in a particular area, an increase in or preservation of outdoor recreational opportunities, and even economic benefits. All of these could play a role in the acceptance and support a management project receives. After all, humans are a part of the ecosystem too.

Ecosystem conservation involves the protection and management of natural environments to maintain their health, diversity, and functionality. It aims to preserve the variety of life forms and their habitats, ensuring that ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling and pollination, continue to support the survival of species, including humans, for current and future generations.

Conserving ecosystems is crucial because they provide essential services to humanity, such as clean air and water, food, and medicine. Ecosystems also play a key role in regulating climate, preventing natural disasters, and supporting biodiversity. According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, over 60% of ecosystem services are being degraded or used unsustainably, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.

The primary threats to ecosystems include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation of resources. Habitat destruction, often due to agricultural expansion or urban development, is particularly damaging as it leads to loss of species and degradation of ecosystem services. Climate change further exacerbates these threats by altering temperature and precipitation patterns.

Individuals can contribute to ecosystem conservation by adopting sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting or volunteering with local conservation organizations. Making informed choices, like purchasing products from companies that follow sustainable practices, and reducing one's carbon footprint also have a positive impact on ecosystem health.

Protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, are vital for ecosystem conservation. They provide safe havens for endangered species and preserve critical habitats. According to the World Database on Protected Areas, over 15% of the Earth's land and around 7.4% of the marine environment are covered by protected areas, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Ecosystem conservation benefits the economy by ensuring the sustainability of resources that many industries rely on, such as fisheries, timber, and tourism. Healthy ecosystems also provide natural infrastructure and disaster risk reduction, which can save billions in potential damages. For instance, coral reefs provide an estimated $9 billion in coastal protection services annually worldwide.