In ecology, what does stewardship mean?

Stewardship in ecology refers to the responsible management and care of natural resources, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the health of environments for both current and future generations. This concept is rooted in the idea that humans have a duty to protect and preserve the ecosystem's integrity, ensuring that resources are used sustainably and are available for future use. Effective stewardship involves making informed decisions that balance ecological health with human needs and desires, reflecting a long-term perspective on resource management.

The focus on sustainability and care for the environment distinguishes stewardship from practices that prioritize short-term gains, such as exploitation for immediate profit or unrestricted agricultural land use. These latter approaches can lead to ecological degradation, resource depletion, and damage to biodiversity. In contrast, stewardship promotes practices that not only allow for human development but also ensure the resilience and sustainability of natural systems for years to come.