As human populations exceed limits of biological resources everywhere, natural systems and human civilization are threatened. The wide variety of living species that make up biodiversity is a critical factor in the health of the planet. Concerted efforts to protect and manage what remains of earth's natural heritage are based on accurate information from ecological and biological sciences. GIS serves as a platform for analysis, modeling, and management in ecology labs, planning departments, parks, agencies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide.

Before they had access to GIS, many nonprofit and other conservation organizations were at a disadvantage when trying to bring a conservation viewpoint into technological resource discussions in different communities. Using GIS, these organizations have been able to attend meetings, hearings, and court cases armed with powerful analytical tools that allow conservationists to illustrate the real extinction threats posed by developments of all sizes that are poorly planned and located. Integration of field research data from a variety of sources, analytical tools capable of storing and processing large volumes of data, attribute data linked to mapped features, and other GIS tools increase access to data for a wide variety of scientific disciplines.

For more information, visit the Esri Conservation Program at www.conservationgis.org.