<P> Conservation biology matured in the mid-20th century as ecologists, naturalists and other scientists began to research and address issues pertaining to global biodiversity declines . </P> <P> The conservation ethic advocates management of natural resources for the purpose of sustaining biodiversity in species, ecosystems, the evolutionary process and human culture and society . </P> <P> Conservation biology is reforming around strategic plans to protect biodiversity . Preserving global biodiversity is a priority in strategic conservation plans that are designed to engage public policy and concerns affecting local, regional and global scales of communities, ecosystems and cultures . Action plans identify ways of sustaining human well - being, employing natural capital, market capital and ecosystem services . </P> <P> In the EU Directive 1999 / 22 / EC zoos are described as having a role in the preservation of the biodiversity of wildlife animals by conducting research or participation in breeding programs . </P>

What is the study of the methods for protecting biodiversity called