Envirnonmental preservation is the strict setting aside of natural resources to prevent the use or contact by humans or by human intervention. The distinct difference between conservation and preservation, is that conservation allows for the sustainable development paradigm, whereas preservation is complete restriction.

One major drawback of preservation areas is the problem of unhealthy overpopulation of a single species in that area. Rather, conservation areas or refuges are more typically found today largely due to the responsible human involvement factor.

See also

• Conservation movement
• United States Forest Service
• US NWR
• New Zealand Forest Service
• Canadian Forest Service