Conservation for human well-being
Marine scientist, Dr Michelle Cazabon-Mannette, introduces the idea of conservation for human health and well-being, and suggests activities that the average citizen should engage in, to keep Tobago green and serene. First published in Tobago Newsday on Thursday, April 20, 2017 Parrot fish have an important role in healthy coral reefs, grazing on algae, photo by Ryan P. Mannette Previous articles in this column have touched on some of the ways we benefit from the environment. This week I’ll focus on the link between healthy marine ecosystems and human well-being, to illustrate why conservation is important. I’ll also talk about the keys to a successful conservation strategy, and what we can all do to help conserve the environment. Healthy, functioning ecosystems perform a range of services that tend to go unnoticed, but upon which we heavily rely for all facets of our well-being including security, shelter, food and water, health, recreation and culture. These ecosyste...