What is the difference between conservation and preservation?

Conservation and preservation are two closely related terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are actually some important distinctions between the two concepts.

Conservation is the management and protection of natural resources to prevent their depletion or degradation. It focuses on the sustainable use of resources, such as water, soil, and forests, so that they can continue to be used by future generations. Conservation also includes the protection of endangered species and their habitats.

Preservation, on the other hand, is the protection and maintenance of something in its original or existing state. It is often used in reference to historical buildings, monuments, and other cultural artifacts. Preservation aims to keep these items in their current condition, often by preventing changes or alterations.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between conservation and preservation:

| Feature | Conservation | Preservation |

|---|---|---|

| Focus | Sustainable use of natural resources | Protection of something in its original state |

| Goal | Prevent depletion or degradation of resources | Keep something in its current condition |

| Examples | Water conservation, soil conservation, forest conservation, endangered species protection | Historical building preservation, monument preservation, cultural artifact preservation |

In summary, conservation is focused on the sustainable use and management of natural resources, while preservation is focused on protecting and maintaining something in its original state.