The Way Forward

Conservation biology is the science of analyzing and preserving existing biological diversity. Restoration ecology is the science of recovering degraded, damaged or destroyed ecosystems through active human intervention. The main philosophical difference can be framed simply as “conserving what is left” by establishing protected areas versus “restoring what once was” by creating natural areas.

Given the complementary nature of restoration and conservation, an ecosystem approach offers us the most effective toolbox for combating the loss of biodiversity and the ecological services that are so vital to human well-being.