Why we protect biodiversity
Definition
Conservation
The protection and careful management of species and habitats to maintain biodiversity.
- Many human activities are reducing biodiversity, so conservation programmes try to protect and restore it.
- Conservation means protecting and carefully managing species and habitats.
- Because biodiversity supports stable ecosystems and human wellbeing, maintaining it has become a priority.
Key Idea
Conservation works by protecting species and habitats and by reducing the human activities that harm them.
Ways to maintain biodiversity
- Breeding programmes keep populations of endangered species going, often in zoos, so they are not lost.
- Protecting and rebuilding habitats, such as replanting hedgerows and leaving field margins on farms, gives species places to live.
- Reducing deforestation and planting new trees protects forest species and takes in carbon dioxide.
- Recycling resources rather than dumping waste in landfill saves habitats and reduces pollution.
- Governments set targets and laws to protect species and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Note
Many of these measures also cut carbon dioxide, so protecting biodiversity and slowing global warming often go together.
Conflicting pressures
- Conservation can conflict with other human needs, such as jobs, food and money.
- For example, protecting a forest may prevent logging that provides local jobs and income.
- Decisions about biodiversity often mean balancing these conflicting pressures.
Self review
- What is conservation?
- Give three programmes used to maintain biodiversity.
- Why do farmers leaving field margins and hedgerows help biodiversity?
- Give one example of conservation conflicting with human needs.
