Geography Action! Rivers 2001 @ nationalgeographic.com

Sustainable use, preservation, and restoration are ways we can conserve the natural and cultural environment. A conservation project can use one, two, or all three of these methods.

Sustainable Use: using resources in such a way that they will be available for the future. Conservation of rivers strives to maintain the quality of river systems and adequate quantities of fresh water, to ensure the sustainable use of rivers.

Examples of sustainable use include:

reducing use of renewable resources (water, forests, fisheries)
reducing use of nonrenewable resources (fossil fuels, minerals)
recycling or reusing resources (paper, plastic, glass, aluminum)

Preservation: protecting resources, ecosystems, and structures for present and future generations. For example, people are protecting rivers by stenciling “Do Not Dump” signs near storm drains, to prevent stormwater pollution.

Examples of preservation include:

preserving the quality of natural resources (air, water, soil)
setting aside land (national parks, city parks)
protecting endangered animals and plants and their habitats

Restoration: returning resources, ecosystems, and structures to their original (or near-original) condition. Restoring wetlands adjacent to a river can improve the water quality of the river.

Examples of restoration include:

restoring an area that’s been developed by humans to its natural state
restoring a historic building or cultural landmark
helping endangered species, such as the bald eagle and the California condor, make a comeback

Why should we practice conservation?

for the health of people and the planet, and for quality of life
to sustain the use of resources
to preserve ecosystems that may hold a cure for cancer or other diseases
to preserve places for outdoor recreation

We are all stewards of the planet. We should try to make choices that will enhance the quality of life for individuals and families now and in the future.