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Science 29 June 2007:
Vol. 316. no. 5833, pp. 1866 - 1869
DOI: 10.1126/science.1140170
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Review

Domesticated Nature: Shaping Landscapes and Ecosystems for Human Welfare

Peter Kareiva,1,2* Sean Watts,2 Robert McDonald,3 Tim Boucher1

Like all species, humans have exercised their impulse to perpetuate and propagate themselves. In doing so, we have domesticated landscapes and ecosystems in ways that enhance our food supplies, reduce exposure to predators and natural dangers, and promote commerce. On average, the net benefits to humankind of domesticated nature have been positive. We have, of course, made mistakes, causing unforeseen changes in ecosystem attributes, while leaving few, if any, truly wild places on Earth. Going into the future, scientists can help humanity to domesticate nature more wisely by quantifying the tradeoffs among ecosystem services, such as how increasing the provision of one service may decrease ecosystem resilience and the provision of other services.

1 The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203, USA.
2 Environmental Studies Institute, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA.
3 Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: pkareiva{at}tnc.org

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