Earth's natural heritage

Earth is a unique planet. It is in the interests of humans and all other species on Earth that its intrinsic values are understood, respected, and its life-support systems are protected and sustained. Securing Earth’s natural heritage reinforces the role and importance of protected areas and conservation practice on Earth at a global scale. These areas and such action help to conserve Earth’s natural heritage and the essential ecosystem processes, habitats and species that help support life. The moderating influence provided by protection and conservation is essential, given the voracious capacity of Earth’s expanding human population to consume and alter natural resources at a rate that threatens the very planetary life-support systems (MEA 2005)