The future: how can biodiversity be protected?

You probably accept that biodiversity is important, but you might be asking: what can I do to protect it?

In general, you can think about how decisions are made when it comes to using the environment. We need to work with governments and industry to discuss not just economic principles, but also ethical and spiritual values. What do we want for our children and their children?

We can continue to study animals and plants to discover first, what exists, and then, what needs protection. We can try to improve the scientific understanding of the public.

We can set aside areas like parks and ecological reserves where ecosystems and wildlife are not disturbed. We can look at the big picture and concentrate on preserving entire habitats and ecosystems rather than single species. Species cannot exist without a place to live.

We can act thoughtfully and with respect for those around us and those who follow us. Part of this would be to assess possible effects on the environment (now and in the future) before large-scale projects, such as dams and forest clearing, are allowed to proceed. Partnerships such as the one in Nova Scotia between N. F. Douglas, Kejimkujik National Park and the Smithsonian Institution give us great hope for the future, and our ability to achieve sustainability.

We can learn to make more conservative, even frugal, use of the environment for such things as shelter, food and medicines. That is, we can learn how to use resources in a sustainable fashion. We can foster an attitude of stewardship of our world's resources.

If we can do that, we will have protected Earth's richness and diversity for future generations.

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