Forests are ecosystems dominated by trees that cannot be separated from their natural environment. Conservation forests specifically aim to preserve animal and plant diversity and ecosystems. They directly protect people, buildings, and infrastructure from natural hazards. Conservation forests also prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and are important for air quality as the "lungs of the earth." While fires, weak enforcement, low investment, and corruption threaten conservation forests, better regulation, education, and awareness can help protect and invest in these important ecosystems.