Conservation and preservation

Question 1

What is conservation?

Answer 1

Conservation is maintaining biodiversity (of species, and genetic diversity within species) and maintaining ecosystems and habitats through active intervention.

Question 2

What is preservation?

Answer 2

Preservation is minimising human impact on an ecosystem or habitat by maintaining them in their present state.

Question 3

What are the economic reasons for conservation and preservation?

Answer 3

• Natural spaces often attract tourism.
• Many natural resources come from sensitive ecosystems (e.g., rainforests). By conserving them they can be used sustainably.

Question 4

What are the social reasons for conservation and preservation?

Answer 4

• Ecosystems are not fully understood and there is still a lot to discover.
• Natural spaces are important for well-being.
• People can rely on these ecosystems to live.

Question 5

What are the ethical reasons for conservation and preservation?

Answer 5

• We have a duty to protect species in unique ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.
• We have a moral duty to preserve ecosystems for future generations to use and benefit from.