Global human influence maps reveal clear opportunities in conserving Earth’s remaining intact terrestrial ecosystems

Global Change Biology, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 26(8), С. 4344 - 4356

Опубликована: Июнь 5, 2020

Abstract Leading up to the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties 15, there is momentum around setting bold conservation targets. Yet, it remains unclear how much Earth's land area without significant human influence and where this located. We compare four recent global maps influences across land, Anthromes, Global Human Modification, Footprint Low Impact Areas, answer these questions. Despite using various methodologies data, different spatial assessments independently estimate similar percentages terrestrial surface as having very low (20%–34%) (48%–56%) influence. Three out agree 46% non‐permanent ice‐ or snow‐covered However, portions planet are comprised cold (e.g., boreal forests, montane grasslands tundra) arid deserts) landscapes. Only biomes (boreal deserts, temperate coniferous forests have a majority datasets agreeing that at least half their has More concerning, <1% grasslands, tropical dry most datasets, mangroves also identified all datasets. These findings suggest about relatively offers opportunities for proactive actions retain last intact ecosystems planet. though relative abundance ecosystem areas with varies widely by biome, conserving should be high priority before they completely lost.

Язык: Английский

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Vulnerabilities of protected lands in the face of climate and human footprint changes

Nature Communications, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 12(1)

Опубликована: Март 12, 2021

Protected areas (PAs) play a pivotal role in maintaining viable populations of species and minimizing their habitat loss. Globally, there are currently over 200,000 PAs that cover approximately 15% land area. The post-2020 global biodiversity framework aims to expand this coverage 30% by 2030. However, focusing only on the percentage without evaluating effectiveness may fail achieve conservation goals. Here, we use multidimensional approach incorporating species, climate anthropogenic vulnerabilities assess threat levels 2500 China. We identify nearly 10% as most threatened China about one-fifth hotspots vulnerabilities. also find high instability vulnerability hotspots, suggesting an elevated likelihood species' extirpation therein. Our could be useful assessing resiliency protected lands selecting near optimal for future expansion.

Язык: Английский

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Countries’ differentiated responsibilities to fulfill area-based conservation targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

One Earth, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 6(5), С. 548 - 559

Опубликована: Май 1, 2023

Язык: Английский

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Biodiversity loss reduces global terrestrial carbon storage

Nature Communications, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 15(1)

Опубликована: Май 22, 2024

Abstract Natural ecosystems store large amounts of carbon globally, as organisms absorb from the atmosphere to build large, long-lasting, or slow-decaying structures such tree bark root systems. An ecosystem’s sequestration potential is tightly linked its biological diversity. Yet when considering future projections, many models fail account for role biodiversity plays in storage. Here, we assess consequences plant loss storage under multiple climate and land-use change scenarios. We link a macroecological model projecting changes vascular richness different scenarios with empirical data on relationships between biomass. find that declines land use could lead global 7.44-103.14 PgC (global sustainability scenario) 10.87-145.95 (fossil-fueled development scenario). This indicates self-reinforcing feedback loop, where higher levels greater loss, which turn leads emissions ultimately more change. Conversely, conservation restoration can help achieve mitigation goals.

Язык: Английский

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Biodiversity conservation in the context of climate change: Facing challenges and management strategies

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 937, С. 173377 - 173377

Опубликована: Май 23, 2024

Язык: Английский

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Global shortfalls in documented actions to conserve biodiversity

Nature, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 630(8016), С. 387 - 391

Опубликована: Июнь 5, 2024

Abstract Threatened species are by definition that in need of assistance. In the absence suitable conservation interventions, they likely to disappear soon 1 . There is limited understanding how and where interventions applied globally, or well work 2,3 Here, using information from International Union for Conservation Nature Red List other global databases, we find at risk three biggest drivers biodiversity loss—habitat loss, overexploitation international trade invasive 4 —many appear lack appropriate types interventions. Indeed, although there has been substantial recent expansion protected area network, still 91% threatened have insufficient representation their habitats within areas. not implemented uniformly across different taxa regions and, even when present, infrequently led improvements status species. For 58% world’s terrestrial species, be notably absent. We cannot determine whether such truly neglected, efforts recover them included major databases. If indeed outlook many grim without more better targeted action.

Язык: Английский

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Transforming Protected Area Management in China

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2019, Номер 34(9), С. 762 - 766

Опубликована: Июль 10, 2019

We discuss institutional reforms to China’s protected area management. Currently (as elsewhere), areas suffer fragmented management, lack of a comprehensive classification, inadequate coverage biodiversity and ecosystem services, divided, inconsistent legislation. recommend establishing new system management that can address past difficulties by using ongoing as unprecedented opportunities. Establishing is the major strategy for conserving worldwide [1.Watson J.E. et al.The performance potential areas.Nature. 2014; 515: 67Crossref PubMed Scopus (1055) Google Scholar]. Global aspirations such United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals 14 15 (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) emphasise their importance inescapable connections. The International Convention Biological Diversity’s Aichis targets (https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/) specify quantitative (target 11), stopping loss natural habitats 5), species extinction 12), while underscoring vital services ecosystems provide 14). China has exceptional biodiversity: its range from permanent ice fields tropical moist forests [2.Liu J. al.Protecting China's biodiversity.Science. 2003; 300: 1240-1241Crossref (218) Scholar], it holds 15% world’s vertebrate 12% plant [3.Kram M. Biodiversity: A Guide Land Use, Tenure, Protection Tools. Nature Conservancy, Beijing2012Google Scholar] in about 6% Earth’s land surface. As with other countries [4.Joppa L.N. al.On protection “protected areas”.Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2008; 105: 6673-6678Crossref (352) encounters obstacles this biodiversity, limiting ability meet international commitments. experiences have important implications rest world, particularly given upcoming 15th Conference Parties (COP 15) on Diversity 2020. By 2017, had established 2750 nature reserves (the strictest type area) covering 1.47 million km2. Since establishment first reserve 1956, total increased rapidly, especially between 1990 2000. global Scholar, 5.Lewis E. al.Dynamics protected-area estate since 2004.Conserv. Biol. 2017; 33: 570-579Crossref (40) plateaued or even decreased slightly then. 2000, also numerous types areas. These multiple goals ecosystems, landscapes, resources, relics, others, yet combined small. In total, over 12 000 areas, 20% surface [6.Ouyang Z. al.Research Overall Spatial Planning National Park System. Environment Press Corp, Beijing2018Google (see Figure S1 supplemental information online). central problem been these different One more departments agencies within corresponding district county government (Table online) manages each area. According designated responsibilities, entities set rules under jurisdiction. Three problems arose this. First, there no classification Different created categories, including scenic spots, forest parks, water own, varying online materials Table S1). disjointed categories may similar functions, those generating direct economic returns, tourism recreation, overlook ecological functions (e.g., services). Thus, cannot national requirements, example, ones achieve Aichi targets. Furthermore, they clear correspondence so readily be aligned schemes, Union Conservation (https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/about/protected-area-categories). Second, quantity spatial allocation fall short meeting needs conservation provisioning [7.Li B.V. Pimm S.L. endemic vertebrates sheltering protective umbrella giant panda.Conserv. 2016; 30: 329-339Crossref (83) 8.Xu W. al.Strengthening China.Proc. 114: 1601-1606Crossref (333) Each department own agenda. Even when applied category reserves, overall plan meets Besides, many were ‘bottom-up’, places suffered serious threats where local governments strongly motivated do so. For instance, prefer attract tourists parks wetland parks) strictly regimented reserves. Without planning, current does not match key services. largest are western China, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Many (such retention) eastern southern seriously underrepresented [8.Xu Conversely, ‘overprotects’ some Several administrative bodies overlapping elsewhere [9.Turnipseed al.Legal bedrock rebuilding America’s ocean ecosystems.Science. 2009; 324: 183-184Crossref (34) putting administrations into conflict. Protected Hainan Sichuan examples (Box 1).Box 1Management ProblemsOverlapping Management ProvincesAmong 118 terrestrial coastal categorised six Province, at least 50 (16.6% amount) experience administration overlap. spots show extent overlap S2 online).Since 1978, State Forestry Administration managed famous Jiuzhaigou Province pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). 1982, Ministry Housing Urban-Rural spot. It became geopark 2004 geological landscape was entrusted Resources. three names manage it. practice, same staff, but responsibilities When clashed development, easily chose latter. Tourism brought greater benefits likely harmed effectiveness. At seven 1988, only two 2000 2013 based panda surveys. contrast, population size surrounding mountain ranges [10.Administration Third Survey Report Giant Panda China. Science Publishing House, 2006Google Scholar].Law Policy Conflicts Sanjiangbingliu YunnanThe (Three Parallel Rivers) region spot 1989 world heritage site 2003. Simultaneously, reserve, geopark, park large spatially ‘Nature Reserve Regulation Rules People’s Republic China’ prohibit development commercial activities buffer core zones, ‘Regulation Scenic Spots’ allows herding, logging, hunting, benefit villagers economically. Consequently, related allowed claims deforestation. They approved construction roads cross reserve’s buffer-zone activities, though giving rise landslides, soil erosion, degradation wildlife habitat, legal rules. If continues, difficult punish accountable parties actions lead erosion comply [11.Wang H. analysis interest conflicts parallel rivers Yunnan (in Chinese).Ecol. Environ. 12: 155-158Google Overlapping Provinces Among Law Third, effective mechanism determines roles, benefits, authority stakeholders Under mechanisms, regulations policies rules) incomplete, disjointed, coordination, thus less accomplishing relevant Challenges accountability arise if players judges. What should what issues? How area’s monitored? Who blamed rewarded? example several substantially, contradict, offset, cancel one another 1). now implementing reforms. Some closely relate protection. Four critical highly efficient standardised number ministries branches Council 79 March 2018, merged subordinated an upper (http://sg.weibo.com/user/rmrb/4217176971870338). Upon completing nationally, will locally. re-establishment uniform, normative, This change Fewer agencies, better reduce functional ownership all state-owned resources assets transferred ministry: newly Natural ministry consider both simultaneously plans. shift help solve relating overlapping, conflict rules, arising previous administrations. body, Resources forests, wetlands, grasslands. Managing previously reported departments, responsible reform. aims protect integrity ecosystems. promote area, [12.Zhang habitat services.Biol. Conserv. 2018; 227: 1-8Crossref (18) original small inside repealed once (Figure offer great opportunity second adjusted department, Ecology Environment, released managing charged monitoring supervising overseas efforts, independently. reform addresses mechanisms. longer judges, assessment status objective. mentioned above led changes. September responded quickly mismanagement mining, real development) conserve endangered species, Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis), Manchurian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). mandated (http://dy.163.com/v2/article/detail/DSN22NTG0530SM99.html). Although discussed above, issues need further attention. following:(i)Recategorise requirements ensure security neighbouring countries. With reforms, restructuring governmental challenge ensues. merge, how deal goals, bring? speaking commitments, translate concepts understand? must relationship categories. proposed concept (i.e., parks). propose detailed germplasm New systematic objectives, intensity practicality enable conservation.(ii)Establish planning considers nation’s diversity representative landscapes. establish quantities boundaries various our recommendation above. action identify unique reassignment cautious reassigning strict ones. Subsequently, foundation delineating exist paper, gaps distribution.(iii)Create integrated law years ago failed mainly due disagreement amongst charge recent opportunity. contain law, specific Our recommendations enhance balancing pave way green efforts substantially move forward towards achieving response 2020 Biodiversity Targets [13.Xu al.Assessing progress toward targets.Acta Ecol. Sin. 36: 3847-3858Google significantly, confirm leadership COP15. event comes time ambitious fractions (up half) [14.Dinerstein al.An ecoregion-based approach protecting half realm.BioScience. 67: 534-545Crossref (631) 15.Wilson E.O. Half-Earth: Planet’s Fight Life. WW Norton & Company, 2016Google oceans, challenging debates globally itself [16.Pimm al.How Earth protects sufficient biodiversity.Sci. Adv. 8eaat2616Crossref (100) research supported Strategic Priority Research Program Academy Sciences ( XDA23080100 ), Foundation (Grant 41671534 Grassland , U.S. . Download .docx (.33 MB) Help docx files Supplementary material

Язык: Английский

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Predicted climate shifts within terrestrial protected areas worldwide

Nature Communications, Год журнала: 2019, Номер 10(1)

Опубликована: Окт. 21, 2019

Protected areas (PA) are refugia of biodiversity. However, anthropogenic climate change induces a redistribution life on Earth that affects the effectiveness PAs. When species forced to migrate from protected unprotected track suitable climate, they often face degraded habitats in human-dominated landscapes and higher extinction threat. Here, we assess how conditions expected shift within world's terrestrial PAs (n = 137,432). temperate northern high-latitude biomes predicted obtain especially high area proportions novel PA network at local, regional global scale by end this century. These predominantly small, low elevation, with environmental heterogeneity, human pressure, biotic uniqueness. Our results guide adaptation measures towards strongly affected change, adaption capacity conservation value.

Язык: Английский

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Effectiveness of protected areas in conserving tropical forest birds

Nature Communications, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 11(1)

Опубликована: Сен. 14, 2020

Abstract Protected areas (PAs) are the cornerstones of global biodiversity conservation efforts, but to fulfil this role they must be effective at conserving ecosystems and species that occur within their boundaries. Adequate monitoring datasets allow comparing between protected unprotected sites lacking in tropical regions. Here we use largest citizen science dataset – eBird quantify extent which eight forest hotspots retaining bird diversity. We find generally positive effects protection on diversity forest-dependent, endemic hotspots, or threatened Near Threatened, not overall richness. Furthermore, show most examined benefit is driven by preventing both loss degradation. Our results provide evidence that, average, contribute measurably some world’s diverse terrestrial ecosystems.

Язык: Английский

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Cost-effective priorities for the expansion of global terrestrial protected areas: Setting post-2020 global and national targets

Science Advances, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 6(37)

Опубликована: Сен. 9, 2020

Cost-effective zones for the expansion of global terrestrial protected areas are identified.

Язык: Английский

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