Definition

Active management of the biosphere to ensure the survival of the maximum diversity of species and the maintenance of genetic variability within species. It includes the maintenance of biosphere function e.g. nutrient cycling and ecosystem function. The term also includes the concept of sustainable resource use so that the environment may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to current generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. Conservation of species and biological processes must be simultaneous with conservation of abiotic resources or it is unlikely to succeed.

Adapted from Oxford Dictionary of Ecology 2010 ¹ and World Resources Institute (WRI), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) & United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 1992 ²