What term refers to the practice of managing resources in a manner that supports ecological balance?

The term that best describes the practice of managing resources in a manner that supports ecological balance is sustainability. Sustainability focuses on the ability to maintain processes in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses a holistic approach to resource management that includes environmental health, economic viability, and social equity.

Sustainability emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of maintaining the health and vitality of these systems in order to preserve them for future use. Practices associated with sustainability include reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and promoting renewable energy sources, all of which help maintain ecological balance.

In contrast, conservation generally refers to the protection and preservation of natural resources, which is a component of sustainability but does not encompass the broader idea of managing resources in a way that considers future availability. Efficiency pertains to the effective use of resources to minimize waste but does not specifically address the long-term ecological balance. Renewability refers to the ability of resources to regenerate, which is certainly important in sustainable practices but is not synonymous with ecological balance itself.