How ecoregions can be used as units for conservation
Ecoregions are defined in biological terms and, as such, are logical units for conserving biodiversity.
By moving from sites defined geographically or politically to biologically defined ecoregions, WWF can better assess what is necessary to maintain the full array of biodiversity – species, communities, ecosystems, and ecological processes (see a map of more than 200 of the globally important ecoregions).
Using ecoregions ensures no area is overlooked
An ecoregional approach helps ensure that we do not overlook areas that are particularly unique or threatened, allowing for smarter trade-offs and greater positive impacts that are more likely to endure over time.
Ecoregions force people to act beyond traditional boundaries
Because ecoregions often transcend political boundaries, managers, decision-makers, and other constituents, including in particular civil society (e.g. community groups, non-governmental organizations, labour unions), must enlarge their thinking and planning to act beyond their own borders.
Whether an ecoregion is made up of forests, grasslands, rivers and streams, or marine and coastal zones, the people who live in an ecoregion often share a common relationship with the land, water, and their other natural resources.
By encouraging ecoregional thinking, there is a greater chance that large-scale ecological processes will be recognized and maintained.
By moving from sites defined geographically or politically to biologically defined ecoregions, WWF can better assess what is necessary to maintain the full array of biodiversity – species, communities, ecosystems, and ecological processes (see a map of more than 200 of the globally important ecoregions).
Using ecoregions ensures no area is overlooked
An ecoregional approach helps ensure that we do not overlook areas that are particularly unique or threatened, allowing for smarter trade-offs and greater positive impacts that are more likely to endure over time.
Ecoregions force people to act beyond traditional boundaries
Because ecoregions often transcend political boundaries, managers, decision-makers, and other constituents, including in particular civil society (e.g. community groups, non-governmental organizations, labour unions), must enlarge their thinking and planning to act beyond their own borders.
Whether an ecoregion is made up of forests, grasslands, rivers and streams, or marine and coastal zones, the people who live in an ecoregion often share a common relationship with the land, water, and their other natural resources.
By encouraging ecoregional thinking, there is a greater chance that large-scale ecological processes will be recognized and maintained.
