Are the nature conservation actions developed in recent decades effective in halting the decline of biodiversity?
In a study published in Science, an analysis is carried out on nature conservation measures, highlighting how effective they have been in counteracting the loss of biodiversity.
How effective have the measures implemented in recent decades to combat the loss of biodiversity really been?
A study recently published in the journal Science carried out a comparative meta-analysis on 186 conservation projects carried out around the world, which included 665 case studies, trying to answer this question. What emerges is that the projects analyzed have been effective in counteracting the loss of biodiversity understood as the loss of species, deterioration of habitats and impoverishment of genetic variability within a species. The establishment of protected areas, the fight against the spread of invasive alien species, the restoration of habitats, the sustainable management of ecosystems are indicated as successful actions in 66% of the cases analyzed to slow down or counteract the loss of biodiversity. The eradication and management of invasive alien species was by far the most effective conservation intervention.
More than half of the world's GDP, around 44 trillion dollars, is directly or indirectly linked to nature and the proper functioning of ecosystems. Currently, 121 billion dollars are invested in nature conservation projects compared to a figure, which some studies estimate between 178 and 524 billion dollars per year, necessary to slow down the ongoing loss of biodiversity.
The research group that published the article includes an ISPRA researcher.
Read the complete article and further information on methods and results