NatureServe and its network of more than 80 natural heritage programs envision a world where people recognize and value the importance of biodiversity, and where the information and expertise of the NatureServe network is relied upon to understand and effectively conserve the diversity of life on Earth. NatureServe believes that knowledge, well–applied, leads to better conservation decisions. Access to reliable information about species and ecosystems allows decision–makers — governments, corporations, landowners, and conservation groups — to do their best to protect these resources even while pursuing their business goals.