"The loss of even just one of the delicate plant varieties ensconced in the folds of the Kalalau cliffs could hamper the natural world’s resiliency and hinder its ability to provide food, climate stabilization, and shelter."

There are many ethical reasons for protecting these rare plants, but claiming that their loss could result in hampering the world's resiliency is a pretty big stretch.  No real ecologist would ever make this claim.