Loss of a natural ecosystem as a result of its replacement with agriculture or another land use, or due to a profound and sustained change in a natural ecosystem’s species composition, structure, or function.

• Deforestation is one form of conversion (conversion of natural forests).
• Conversion includes severe and sustained degradation or the introduction of management practices that result in a profound and sustained change in the ecosystem’s species composition, structure, or function.
• Change to natural ecosystems that meets this definition is considered to be conversion regardless of whether or not it is legal.