In chapters 8 and 9, Marris discusses methods of conservation called designer ecosystems and conservation in areas we may not have thought of before. Essentially she tells conservationists to begin looking into the future and creating something that will be valuable instead of aiming for some point in the past. She explains that designer ecosystems will embrace current conditions and work to better the present state. For example, old ships will be sunk to create habitat for coral reefs and numerous fish species. “But the most radical kind of designer ecosystem is not emulating any baseline at all but building de novo to achieve a particular goal.” Such goals include nitrogen reduction, sediment capture, and maintenance of an endangered species. For example, the Galapagos penguins had trouble surviving because an introduced specie of rats ate the chicks. Ecologists argued that removing all the rats would be nearly impossible and incredibly inefficient, so they drilled nesting holes in rocks for the chicks to hide. Finally, instead of returning the penguin habitat to a particular baseline, they simply improved the current conditions.
Along with designer ecosystems, Marris suggests conservation should be broadened to places we have never though of. As the title of the chapter suggests, “Conservation Everywhere,” conservation should essentially spread everywhere beginning with privately owned ranches and farms. Farms and ranches are essential because they cover roughly have of the ice-free land and they supply perfect conditions for various plant and animal species. Marris suggests farmers get paid for letting several bird species fly on their land and live on their plantation. Another are of interest is industrial space, which can be infused with a ton of green. This will allow for water to be absorbed by the plants and reduce the heat island effect by absorbing sunlight. Lastly, she suggests people begin to plant their own private, rambunctious gardens wherever possible. Planting endangered species will allow for a more fruitful existence and pollinators will be able to spread said species.
I believe that both designer ecosystems and conservation everywhere are excellent methods of conservation. People and governments have spent too much money on attempting to bring back the past when they could have simply allowed for a better future such as in the case of the Galapagos penguins. Of course, there are always hidden variables and possible outcomes that have not been accounted for, but the failures and undesired outcomes of restoring ecosystems to their baseline far outweigh those of designer ecosystems. Second I believe that conservation everywhere especially by people planting any chance they get is essential for preserving nature and making aesthetically pleasing environments. Green roofs are probably the best solution in giant urban environments, which could not only have positive effects of conservation but can also introduce numerous economical benefits. One of which is that people can grow produce on roofs and amount to some economical gain.
