Ecological systems underpin human well-being in many ways from art and culture to food security. Conservation professionals work to ensure that ecosystems will continue to provide these values for future generations. However, we are facing an increasingly complex set of challenges as human populations and resource development increase and the global climate changes. Meeting these challenges requires an integration of human and ecological values across a broad range of ecosystems at increasingly larger spatial and temporal scales.
Conservation scientists recognize the importance of integrating ecological and human systems. Even where humans are absent from particular landscapes or regions their activities will have some influence on the ecological functioning of those places. Thus, conservation science involves the study of both natural and social sciences and their inherent linkages.
The practice of conservation can take many forms, from research focused on the biology of endangered species to community-based activities that help people develop sustainable economies. Regardless of the focus of the work, conservation scientists agree that humans and their activities need to be the leading consideration in any effort to conserve or recover biodiversity.