In the final chapter of the Rambunctious Garden, Marris lists alternative goals of conservation. These goals are not meant to be used all together, but to be used in different situations and events.
The first goal is to preserve and protect the rights of other species. Just as humans have rights, so do other species and ecosystems. This goal, however, leads to contradictions and disagreements. There are some species that are placed over others and some disagree that nonliving things, such as mountains, do not have rights.
The second goal is to protect the megafauna. The megafauna are those that can have great impact on the ecosystems, and they can become extinct the fastest. These species will leave a lasting effect on the ecosystems, whether for the greater or worse. And because these megafauna are more attractive at the human eye, people will be more likely to comprehend in conserving these species rather than other smaller faunas.
The third goal is to slow down the rate of extinction. This goal, like the first two, revolves around human bias. To slow down the rate of extinction, each and every species must be seen and protected equally. However, this is impossible because people have their biases as to which species is more important, and it would be nearly impossible to protect species in the same amount.
The fourth goal to protect genetic diversity. Protecting genetic diversity will protect species. As selections of species increase, it will increase the survival of that particular species. Having a more diverse population is more desirable than a homogeny population.
Like the fourth goal, the fifth goal is to protect biodiversity. The evolution and creation of new species will create a better ecosystem for all. The web of species that are created is favorable.
The sixth goal is to maximize ecosystem services. The problem with this goal is that negative effects will follow the positive effects. People use ecosystems for selfish desires and resources, which killed off a lot of our ecosystems. This might decrease the biodiversity that we are trying to protect from the fifth goal.
The seventh goal is to protect the beauty of nature itself. Everyone at one point needs a bit of nature in their system to get away from the urban life. It’s the change that is needed to provide change in the everyday schedule that we follow.
These goals show many things. One, that dealing with nature is not easy. Two, that these goals itself are not perfect because they are to be used in different occasions. And three, that these goals are possible. Because these goals are possible, the future with a better environment and ecosystems are possible as well. Marris, throughout this book, explains that we must be open-minded when it comes to nature and to not follow a single function. Although nature is hard to deal with because it is ever changing, we should always be ready to adapt our methods to nature.
