Definitions of Conservation, Restoration, Mitigation, and Management
Environmental conservation refers to the practice in which man protects and saves the environment and the ecosystem from collapse because of the degradation of habitats by pollution and human activity. The recovery and acceleration of an already degraded, contaminated, or damaged environment by human agents is known as environmental restoration.
Ecological mitigation can be defined as the remedies or activities employed to counter the negative effects on the environment. Finally, environmental management is the system that incorporates the processes involved in monitoring, summarizing, reporting, and executing environmental policies.
The Four Activities in California: Examples
All four environment-related activities are pursued in California to improve the population’s holistic health. As for conservation, the California Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy acquires lands in mountainous areas to preserve and protect over 27 rare animal and plant species.
Regarding mitigation, the Urban Forestry Initiative in Stockton, CA, supports planting trees in urban areas to mitigate the harmful effects caused by the development of urban centers. Next, an example of restoration activities is the Encinal Beach restoration event organized by the California Society for Ecological Restoration in Alameda, CA.
As for management, the California Department of Transportation is an example of an ecological management agency that promotes stewardship in transportation projects in California. It offers support, guidance, and policies on a wide range of issues related to transportation projects relating to the environment.
A California Project
The Pacific Flyway project exemplifies environmental conservation in California and is executed at several locations in the state. Within its frame, Ducks Unlimited and its partners pursue the goal of making migratory bird water habitats in California in the San Francisco Bay, Great Basin habitats, and other areas healthier to support bird migration.
The involved parties are Ducks Unlimited, the Bird Rescue Center, the Pacific Flyway Fund, and scientists and volunteers from the Pacific Flyway Center. The strategies are diverse, including the removal of invasive plant species capable of affecting migrating birds and the construction of pump stations to improve water delivery channels. The project is a success because it has been able to conserve wetlands and uplands against destruction and pollution.