Protected Area

The biodiversity of Earth is in a fragile state. An incredible number of plant and animal species are becoming endangered, while many others have recently become extinct. These devastating ecological changes result almost entirely from human activities. The primary cause of widespread endangerment and extinction of biodiversity is the conversion of natural ecosystems into city, industry, and agricultural land. The harvesting of species and ecosystems as natural resources, such as forestry, fisheries, and hunting, is also harmful. Global environmental changes may also prove devastating to biodiversity. Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting in a gradually warming climate, is an example of this type of change.

One way of mitigating the biodiversity crisis is to establish protected areas of land and water. In these areas, native species and natural ecosystems are maintained without exposure to severely threatening human influences. Protected areas are essential to conserve the habitat of endangered species, and ensure the existence of rare ecosystems.