Natural History – why its important

Natural History is the experience of nature that allows humans to relate to the rest of the world. The knowledge was historically used for survival, finding food and shelter, avoiding danger, and locating the other resources our ancestors needed to survive. Natural history knowledge was learned and passed to the next generation through actions and stories. Natural history’s scope ranges from the organism to the landscape. Natural history knowledge is the connection between us and the biosphere. The biosphere is our life support system. Biological diversity is in decline, a decline that is primarily due to us altering natural communities well beyond their ability to regenerate. We are now living in the sixth extinction. The answer to slowing this seems to be modifying human behavior, delaying human reproduction, and doing what we can to conserve biological resources. First-world humans have lost sight of the importance of natural history knowledge, the knowledge that needs to be restored and elevated in importance if humans are going to survive. Photography can provide images that inform, educate, and generate emotions and appreciation. People do not destroy what they understand and appreciate.