Conservation is the careful preservation and protection of a natural resource. It is the planned and deliberate management of the resource using methods aimed at preventing the exploitation, destruction, or neglect of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Read on as we discuss several techniques that are essential to protect and conserve the resources on earth, create a deeper connection with our surroundings, and ultimately enable a more sustainable planet for future generations.

1. Reforestation and Habitat Restoration

Reforestation is the process of replanting trees, while habitat restoration involves actively restoring ecosystems in areas where deforestation, forest degradation, or alteration occurred. Deforestation is primarily due to human activities such as agriculture or construction of buildings. However, it could also be the result of disruptions caused by natural calamities like wildfires or disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, or avalanches.

When we plant native tree species to restore forests, it helps to combat climate change, prevents soil erosion, and increases habitats for various species. Birds, bees, and wild animals thrive with reforestation and lead to a better balance within the local environment, ultimately leading to macro-environmental benefits.

Habitat restoration includes actions to remove pollutants that hinder the growth of flora and reintroducing native species like local wild grasses and plants. It also involves modifying landscapes to recreate natural habitats, fostering biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.

2. Wildlife Corridors

Wildlife corridors are strips of habitat that connect habitats, enabling wildlife to move between isolated areas. These corridors facilitate migration, gene flow, and easier access to food, water, and breeding sites. They also help counter the negative effects of habitat fragmentation.

For example, U.S. Highway 93 in Montana was rebuilt in a way to not just improve north-south traffic between Arizona and Canada, but also to honor the land. This was carefully planned to help funnel wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, grizzlies, and cougars into safe areas. The architects designed specific routes using fences and crossing structures such as byways and bridges. This portion of the highway in Montana has been the site of one of the most extensive safe crossing efforts in the country.

3. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

MPAs are designated regions in oceans or seas where fishing, drilling for oil, diving etc. are prohibited or restricted to protect marine life and serve as refuge habitats for endangered species. By limiting activities like fishing and tourism, MPAs safeguard marine biodiversity. This allows ecosystems and depleting fish populations to recover and supports sustainable resource management.

Protection of these habitats helps to preserve the delicate balance of the local ecosystems. Conserving marine habitats also enhances the resilience of coral reefs. Many of which are fast disappearing in the face of threats of climate change and pollution.

The Marine Conservation Unit states: Scientific studies have confirmed that regulated and enforced MPAs can provide significant ecological benefits, increase tenacity to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and allow for ecosystem recovery.

Stronger marine ecosystems improve resilience to climate change since the oceans comprise more than 70% of our planet. Collaboration between nations is essential for effective marine conservation, especially in the face of activities impacting coastal economies.

4. Sustainable Harvesting

Sustainable harvesting involves extracting natural resources in a manner that maintains the health of ecosystems and allows for regeneration. Setting quotas, regulating seasons, and employing responsible practices ensures that resources such as timber, fish, or wildlife (as in hunting animals for food) are harvested without causing long term harm. Sustainably harvesting wood is a great way to balance the ecological and economic realities that are a part of logging.

The Forest Stewardship Council provides certifications and labeling to promote sustainable sourcing from forests. This enables individuals, businesses, and organizations who rely on natural resources to responsibly harvest raw materials from forests. The council is governed by a large global network of individuals and organizations representing environmental, social, and economic perspectives. The end result of initiatives like these is awareness and conscious consumption, enabling healthy and resilient forests in the long term.

5. Invasive Species Management

Moving to the San Francisco Bay area from the east coast, I was struck by the abundance of eucalyptus tree groves. However, I soon learned that these trees pose problems like high water usage, soil depletion, and fire hazards. The debate over their presence in a drought prone area highlights the challenges of accidental and human driven migration of this species.

Invasive species management involves controlling or eradicating non-native species that can harm local ecosystems. Through methods like biological control, physical removal, or chemical treatments, efforts are made to prevent invasive species from outcompeting native ones and disrupting ecological balance. Discouraging the growth of invasive species and introducing local flora creates a healthier, more resilient ecosystem that is harmonious for all inhabitants.

Summary

All these methods are not exclusive to each other but should be used in combination to combat climate change. Effective conservation requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the balance between human needs and environmental health.

Nonprofits, other governmental or international organizations, and community based efforts all play a huge role in safeguarding our natural resources. Community based efforts involve local communities in the planning and execution of conservation. Integrating local knowledge, ancient wisdom, and native practices promotes sustainable resource management, encourages community stewardship, and aligns stewardship goals with those of local populations.

ReWorld empowers climate NGOs to protect and conserve the Earth’s biodiversity. One of the projects that ReWorld works with is Proyecto Titi, which aims to restore thousands of acres in the Santa Helena Preserve. Through public education and engagement, community empowerment programs, and industry-leading field research this project also ensures the survival of critically endangered species like the cotton-top tamarin.

Conservation techniques to protect the earth

Summary

Afforestation vs Reforestation: What’s the Difference and Why Do They Matter?

Reimagining Conservation: ReWorld’s Impact on Nature in 2023