Boreal forests account for nearly one quarter of the total carbon storage in Earth's biosphere. Protecting them is a key tool in the mitigation of global climate change. Beautifully illustrated and easily accessible, Maintaining Whole Systems on Earth's Crown provides an introduction to all aspects of ecosystem-based conservation planning for any environment, including: Protecting and restoring biological diversity, carbon storage, and water purification functions Developing diverse, sustainable community economies Preserving cultural integrity Practicing adaptive ecosystem management and land-use planning Maintaining Whole Systems on Earth's Crown is essential reading for anyone concerned with conservation and sustainable land use now and for future generations. Herb Hammond is a forest ecologist, researcher, teacher, consultant and the award-winning author of Seeing the Forest Among the Trees.