Conservation studies involve sustainable use of natural resources to preserve biodiversity and protect resources for the future. It includes natural resource management, ecology, biology, land use planning, and energy use. Conservationists need a background in environmental law and policy. Schools offer programs with specific career tracks.
Conservation studies span a wide range of classes and learning opportunities, but it all comes back to the central idea behind conservation, which is the sustainable use of natural resources. Theoretically, the sustainable use of resources is not only beneficial for humans, but it helps to preserve biodiversity and protect resources and land for the future. Natural resource management is a common aspect of conservation studies; ecology and biology are also significant areas. Land use planning and management of public resources, such as the management of protected parks and state forests, can also form part of conservation programs.
Most programs in conservation studies begin with a history of environmental movements, their central figures, and their philosophies. Depending on the course being taken, courses in environmental law and policy are also common. This often includes information about administrative laws, such as those protecting water and air on a national or international scale, as well as local environmental policies, such as decisions about land use and zoning. It’s a good thing anyone working in conservation has a background on these topics, because they’re likely to come up again and again.
Natural resource management is often one of the biggest aspects of conservation studies. Forestry is one of the most common examples of natural resource management, although there are others. This often accompanies ecological and biological studies that determine the components of ecosystems and how these various components need to work together. For example, it is not possible to manage a forest for biodiversity if the forest engineer does not understand the complex interactions between organisms, such as the flora and fauna that call the region home, and what impact certain actions can have; everything is interconnected.
Conservation studies can also focus on energy use. The importance of developing pragmatic renewable energy solutions is recognized by many to slow or reverse climate change; many conservationists focus on this in their work. This could include working to develop new ideas for solar, wind or hydropower, as well as understanding how geothermal and biomass energy can be used.
There are a number of different career paths for people interested in working in conservation. Schools around the world offer programs in conservation studies, many with specific tracks to allow individuals to start planning their careers as early as possible. For those who want to protect the planet’s land and water and help fight climate change, conservation studies can be a good place to start.
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