Investigations on the topic of destructive preservation started as a review of numerous research projects involving preservation practices associated with the stabilization, processing, storage, and maintenance of osteological materials. The study expanded into other areas of natural history, specifically geosciences, botany, and physical anthropology. Collectively, this work left little doubt that destructive preservation does exist and that it has been common among natural history collections for a long time. Furthermore, the observed damages could be categorized into eight different types, most of which were preventable. The cumulative damage experienced by natural history specimens negatively impacts on the value and possible use of such specimens, and ultimately compromises the future of entire collections. Situations that have perpetuated this issue include collection disuse and obsolescence, the need to apply proper management principles to collections, and the need to clarify the status of personnel responsible for the management, care, and use of collections. The solutions that seemed to have the greatest potential in addressing these challenges as well as advancing the conservation of natural history collections included: 1) recognizing the problem; 2) developing awareness for the strengths and weaknesses of natural history collections; 3) maximizing the use and value of existing collections; 4) researching preferred preservation treatments; 5) developing high standards of practice; 6) expanding education and training relevant to collection related positions; and 7) promoting professionalism among individuals directly affiliated with collections. -- ICCROM