No sustainable future without conserved natural areas

Latin America and the Caribbean is recognized as one of the richest regions on the planet in terms of biodiversity. 
Great efforts have been made for the conservation of its natural areas, which include 24% of terrestrial areas and 18.9% of marine and coastal areas. But why is the conservation of natural areas important?

In a future full of uncertainty, it is important to recognize that conserved areas are the primary mechanism for the conservation of nature and ecosystem services essential for human well-being. 
Thus, for the integral conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, it is necessary to rethink development models in order to find new ways of integrating nature and development, for mutual benefit and for the benefit of their communities. 

It is therefore essential that these areas be managed more efficiently and that they be recognized as areas that contribute to slowing biodiversity loss.