What term refers to the practice of protecting the environment and natural resources?

The term that specifically refers to the practice of protecting the environment and natural resources is conservation. Conservation involves responsible management of natural resources to prevent depletion and to maintain biodiversity. It encompasses various strategies aimed at preserving the environment, including the protection of habitats, managing wildlife populations, and ensuring that natural resources are utilized in a way that does not hinder their availability for future generations. By prioritizing conservation, individuals and organizations work to safeguard ecosystems, reduce pollution, and mitigate the impacts of human activities on the environment.

While sustainability also involves protecting the environment, it is broader and includes the idea of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Renewal refers to processes that restore or recreate resources, while restoration focuses on returning ecosystems to their original state. Conservation is a fundamental practice that supports both sustainability and the principles of renewal and restoration but is distinct in its specific focus on environmental protection and resource management.