Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in providing food and clean water, controlling infectious diseases, absorbing wastes, regulating climate and are the source of much of the cultural,
spiritual and recreational inspiration needed to maintain mental and physical health. Unfortunately human actions are putting increasing pressure on ecosystems. This, the seventh report in the Arguments for Protection series, takes as its starting place the health crisis caused by environmental destruction and discusses the role protected areas can play in promoting well-being. Most people think of protected areas like national parks and nature reserves as tools for wildlife conservation, but by protecting whole habitats and ecosystems the world