Conservation: Sustainability.

What is it about?

Definition/Description The terms preservation and conservation are often confused and are used to mean the same thing. However, differences exist. Preservation aims to maintain as such the areas of the Earth what are so far untouched by humans. Environmental preservation is often regarded as a deeper form of environmentalism or ecocentrism (Enviropedia 2018). Conservation, on the other hand, means careful protection of something. Its goal is a planned management of natural resources, e.g., water and wildlife, flora and fauna to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect (Dictionary Merriam-Webster 2018). The term is gradually extended to cover human rights, industrial, and commercial context of environmental concerns (Dictionary 2018). Conservationists are persons who accept that change and progression are necessary for a better future, but only when the changes take place in ways that are not wasteful (Enviropedia 2018). They argue that environmental waste and pollution will cause problems and suffering not only for the present but also for future generations. Environmental conservation is often regarded as a more shallow form of environmentalism. Conservation and protection of many-sided biodiversity is fundamental for continuous life on Earth. The loss of species represents an unacceptable drop in the available gene pool and the potentially irreplaceable loss of species that could provide the bases for social wellbeing and economic development of human societies (UNCED 1993; UNESCO 2014). Conservation is one of the key action strategies that form a part of the philosophical and practical approach to implementing sustainable development.

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Photo by Benjamin L. Jones on Unsplash

Photo by Benjamin L. Jones on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Summary Environmental conservation and sustainable development are two interrelated branches. Conservation contributes to the conservation of ecosystems, species, genetic variation, and landscapes, but it also includes a planned management of natural resources and community reserves. Development fosters economic and human development which is ecologically and socioculturally sustainable. So, these terms focus on nature conservation on one side, and on the other environmental protection, social progress, and economic growth. Therefore also protected areas are various. They include both endangered natural areas and cultural landscapes with abundant biodiversity. The promotion of sustainable management of natural resources, sustainable fisheries, sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable grassland management are the main approaches for preserving cultural landscapes for long-term social, economic, and ecological benefits. Environmental conservation and sustainable development are important ways of thinking in natural resource management and policy. There are different approaches involving different groups of people and different strategies and timeframes for achieving similar goals. United Nations and governments have created various frameworks and guidelines for global, regional, and local conservation and preservation action. Biodiversity conservation practitioners should also take into account that the communities have traditional knowledge which may support conservation and sustainable development. Therefore, citizens should be encouraged to participate in conservation work.