Sustainable Ecology Definition, Principles and Importance Explained
Sustainable ecology is a branch of ecology that deals solely with the evaluation of sustainability, of an ecosystem.
This article discusses sustainable ecology definition, principles and importance, as outlined below;
-Sustainable Ecology Definition: 3 Ways to Define Sustainable Ecology
-Principles of Ecosystem Sustainability
-Importance of Sustainability in Ecology
Sustainable Ecology Definition: 3 Ways to Define Sustainable Ecology
Sustainable ecology is one of the core goals of sustainable development, which describes a state whereby the conditions of the ecosystem and environment do not pose any significant risk to current or future generations [2].
As a sustainable development objective, sustainable ecology is usually evaluated alongside other core objectives like sustainable economy and sustainable society.
The following sustainable ecology definition describes the concept from a slightly different perspective;
Sustainable ecology is the study of ecologic systems within the context of sustainability, which is measurable in terms of environmental impacts and socioeconomic conditions.
The definition above clarifies the difference between sustainable ecology and ecologic sustainability; by showing that the former is more conceptual or abstract, and less definite than the former, especially in real-life scenarios.
Sustainable ecology is sustainability based on the study of the ecosystem, while ecologic sustainability is based on actual measurable conditions in a given ecosystem.
A final alternative sustainable ecology definition is given below to further emphasize this point;
Sustainable ecology is an aspect of ecology that studies ecosystems in which the existing conditions tend toward, or are designed to achieve, a state of sustainability.
Principles of Ecosystem Sustainability
Principles of ecosystem sustainability are;
1. Biodiversity conservation [1]
2. Environmental impact mitigation
3. Biogeochemical cycling
4. Biological productivity
5. Ecologic sustainability
Importance of Sustainability in Ecology
Sustainability is important in ecology because the long-term continuity and survival or biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem, depends on the sustainability of ecologic conditions and processes.
Benefits of sustainability are;
1. Conservation of bioenergy
2. Mitigation of resource depletion
3. Optimal soil, water and air quality
4. Socioeconomic and biologic productivity
5. Mitigation of climate change
Conclusion
Sustainable ecology is the study of ecosystems with a focus on the sustainability of natural and anthropogenic processes, and resources.
Principles of ecosystem sustainability are; biodiversity conservation, environmental impact mitigation, biogeochemical cycling, biological productivity, and ecologic sustainability.
Sustainability is important in ecology because of its benefits, which include; energy conservation, optimal environment quality, improved productivity, and climate change-mitigation.
References
1). Chapin III, F. S.; Tom, M. S.; Tateno, M. (1996). "Principles of Ecosystem Sustainability." The American Naturalist 148(6):1016-1037. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1086/285969. (Accessed 28 February 2023).
2). Du Pisani, J. A. (2006). "Sustainable development historical roots of the concept." Environmental Sciences 3(2):83-96. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/15693430600688831. (Accessed 28 February 2023).
