Conservation protects natural resources and biodiversity. It includes national parks, wildlife reserves, marine protected areas, and laws that limit hunting, logging, and pollution. The goal is to keep ecosystems functioning and species alive for future generations.

The movement has a long history. Yellowstone became the world's first national park in 1872. The modern era brought the Endangered Species Act, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and thousands of protected areas. Today, about 17 percent of land and 8 percent of oceans are under some form of protection. Scientists argue that 30 percent is needed to halt biodiversity loss.

Conservation is not just about setting land aside. It also involves managing resources wisely. Sustainable forestry, fishing quotas, and watershed protection all count. Community-based conservation gives local people a stake in protecting the land. When conservation ignores local needs, it often fails. When it works with communities, it lasts.

Common approaches

• Protected areas
• Wildlife corridors
• Sustainable resource management
• Habitat restoration
• Community-based conservation