n.
   - preservation or restoration of the natural environment and wildlife. 
▸preservation and repair of archaeological, historical, and cultural sites and artefacts.
 - careful use of a resource.
 - Physics  the principle by which the total value of a quantity remains constant in a system which is not subject to external influence.
 
 
  Derivative
  
    - conservational adj.
  - conservationist n.
 
   
  Etymology
  ME: from L. conservatio(n-), from conservare (see conserve).