In the last chapter of the book, Marris talks about the seven goals that we should take to help protect this world.
The first goal is to protect the rights other other species. Harmonious coexistence needs to be maintained about all the species on the planet. Even though it is important for species to live together, species do become extinct if they aren’t meant to coexist at a certain ecological system.
Marris’ second goal is to protect the species of animals named “charisma megafauna”. These animals are more preferred by people. Thus, humans have a tendency to care for them much more than they do others.
Decreasing the rate of extinction voices the third goal. People should put in the effort to conserve species that are more sensitive. Such goal is hard to achieve since we never have complete judgment over the cause of their extinction.
The fourth goal is to protect genetic diversity. Greater biodiversity in species spells better ecological system.
The fifth is to maintain that biodiversity, the hardest goal to accomplish. Like the fourth goal, it is quintessential to keep the types of species varied.
Then it is important to nurture ecosystems for better ecosystem services, many of which are usually taken for granted. Marris’ idea is to make it loud and clear so that humans realize how important the benefits these resources present to us.
The last goal is more romantic: to change the way people embrace nature. In a way, humans are attracted to nature. Every person enjoys the majestic sights that appear across the world. Thus humans are more inclined to preserve these locations for the sake of their aesthetic and spiritual enjoyment.
These goals are what Marris believes to work toward the best future for conservation. Even though it sounds nice on paper, a lot of these goals require money and effort. Unfortunately, human selfishness sometimes works against efforts to preserve the ecosystem humans live in. Preserving nature the way it is is almost impossible though. Like humans, nature constantly changes and adapts to the environment, therefore forcing it to change one way when it will do another is unrealistic. Many people want to protect the animals and wilderness that exist in their dream. Maybe these locations are not meant to be filled with any particular type of plant or animal. I believe the idea of conservation is truly lofty, yet it is undertaken in a very forcing nature, bringing all the responsibility of it upon human’s shoulder. If nature ends up disappearing altogether, humans are to blame.
