Conservation and Sustainability

Biodiversity, the variety of life at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, underpins the stability and productivity of ecosystems and provides resources and services on which humans depend. Yet biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate. Conservation is the protection and careful management of biodiversity, while sustainability means using resources in ways that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Causes of Biodiversity Loss

The major drivers of biodiversity loss can be remembered with the acronym HIPPO: - Habitat destruction: Clearing land for agriculture, cities, and roads is the single largest cause. Fragmenting habitats isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity. - Invasive species: Non-native species introduced to