I think that it is…

I think that it is imperative that we protect species and their habitats. All living things are interconnected;
harming, or worse causing the extinction of, a species upsets the ecological balance. Many habitats, and thus species, are in precarious positions in large part due to human activities - over-development, producing toxic waste, causing climate change, etc.

Protection of species should trump development. However, I believe the two can co-exist if humans aggressively pursue innovative ways of building sustainable housing, and taking all environmental concerns into account when designing facilities.