What is the primary aim of conservation efforts?

The primary aim of conservation efforts is to preserve biodiversity and natural habitats. This focus stems from the understanding that biodiversity, which includes the variety of life forms on Earth, is crucial for the stability of ecosystems and the services they provide to humanity, such as clean water, air, and food production. Conservation aims to protect endangered species, restore ecosystems that have been degraded, and safeguard critical habitats from threats like urban development, pollution, and climate change. By prioritizing biodiversity, conservation efforts work to maintain ecological balance, which ultimately supports human well-being and the health of the planet.

In contrast, while increasing economic output, exploiting natural resources more efficiently, and developing infrastructure may have short-term benefits or be components of economic growth, these goals can lead to negative impacts on the environment if they do not consider sustainability principles. They often risk diminishing biodiversity and disrupting natural habitats, which conservation seeks to protect and sustain.