Athira nandan
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PROTECTING NATURE SO WE CAN PRESERVE LIFE
From coral reefs to
deserts, we work to protect the lands and waters that plants and animals need
to survive for us and for future generations.
Learn more about where
we work, and see how we’re protecting nature to preserve life.
Freshwater ecosystems
rivers and lakes provide us with drinking water, food, energy, transportation even
joy. But a staggering amount of fresh water is wasted or spoiled every day, and
experts warn that in the next 20 years, half of the world’s population could
face water shortages. There are practical solutions to freshwater conservation solutions
that ensure we meet our current needs and conserve this precious resource for
future generations but we must take bold action now.
The ocean contains 99
percent of the planet’s living space and supports nearly 50 percent of all
species on Earth. Marine ecosystems provide us with medicine, food, oxygen and
more, but our oceans and coasts are imperiled by human activity. We are working
towards protecting oceans and coasts and keeping them healthy now and for
future generations.
Forests give us shade
and shelter, refuge and refreshment, food and water. But the world’s forests
today are at risk for widespread degradation and deforestation thanks in large
part to invasive species, a decrease in natural fire and poor forest
management. We are advancing innovative and sustainable forest management
solutions for the benefit of both people and nature.
Grasslands which boast
rich plant diversity and awe-inspiring wildlife are under siege. Half of their
original range has been lost to development and over-use which means less area
for grassland-specific species like lizards and foxes to roam. But seemingly
unlikely partnerships like those with ranchers are shining light on a way to
save the biodiversity of these regions: what is good for livestock seems to be
good for biodiversity, as well.
Deserts are among the
harshest habitats on Earth. And while it may seem to be hospitable to nothing,
look a little closer: the desert is teeming with life. The hardiest and most
adaptable of species are often found in desert habitats, but even they need
protection from threats such as encroaching development and invasive species.
We’re working on a variety of solutions to ensure this habitat and its species are
around for future generations.
Protecting Natural
Resources
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Preservation of the
natural environment is essential for maintaining community sustainability.
This section presents various approaches and techniques used successfully in
different communities to protect and restore their natural resources.
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Water
Adequate water supplies of high quality are necessary both for community use
and local ecosystems. Communities and jurisdictions must work together to
assure an adequate water supply to meet future needs. This section presents
resources to aid in that effort.
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Energy
Communities require energy. Nonrenewable sources for power generation, home
and workplace, and transportation cause pollution and its harmful impacts.
Energy conservation and the use of renewable fuels provide cost-effective and
more sustainable alternatives. This section contains resources available to
make energy use more efficient.
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Air
and Climate
Both the natural ecosystem and human health can be adversely impacted by
declining air quality and climatic change. Communities can preserve air
quality by limiting or eliminating the discharge of harmful chemicals into
the air and by minimizing the sources of air pollution. This section contains
resources and approaches that address air quality and climate change.
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Biodiversity
Biodiversity is particularly important for creating sustainability because of
the specialized roles each species plays in maintaining ecological balance.
Communities can promote healthy wildlife by supporting integrative approaches
for managing, protecting, and enhancing wildlife populations and habitats
appropriate to their area. Some examples are given here.
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Land,
Forests, and Ecosystems
While providing a protective covering for soil, water, and the atmosphere,
forests are also renewable sources of an endless variety of products. In a
healthy ecosystem, policies and programs must balance economic and
conservation needs. This section highlights cases where communities have
developed land use practices and businesses that both conserve ecosystems and
enhance local economies.
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Applying the necessary changes will allow
everyone to witness the beauty in Mother Nature. Clean air and fresh water
will be major effects that everyone will love. Plants will blossom and grow
into beautiful sights to behold. People will become happier with the
spectacular views surrounding them. Food and other resources will be
plentiful as long as it is replaced. All this sounds better than an ashy gray
world. The changes made will help preserve and expand nature.
Nature has always been important to everyone and everything in the world. It
provides nourishment and beauty for life. Simple changes can be made to
better Mother Earth, so start taking responsibility to make a difference or
else it may descend into nothing.
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