In some circles, conserving biodiversity is synonymous with establishing reserves where nature operates relatively free of human interference. Many reserves are either too small to sustain genetic and species diversity or are located in high-elevation areas where species abundance and diversity are low. Some of the most biologically important lands are at lower elevations and in private ownership. Many are used for agriculture.
Reserves imply a separateness that makes political support difficult to generate and sustain.
Private lands support significant elements of biodiversity and so cannot be ignored. Given the proper incentives, private lands could play a much greater role in protecting biodiversity. Flexible and Dynamic Management Approaches Our existing system of land-use planning, state and federal laws and regulations, and tax policy was not developed with biodiversity conservation goals in mind. With the possible exception of management decisions made under the federal Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Acts, most decisions that affect managed lands are driven by markets and social interests, not by conservation goals. The challenge is to implement flexible and dynamic management approaches that integrate conservation goals with economic and social interests.