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All that conservation work really does pay off
An analysis of global efforts found conservation actions are making a difference for biodiversity
Conservation work can seem like an uphill battle, but a recent study concluded that actions around the world—particularly those targeted at species and ecosystems—really are making a positive impact on biodiversity.
In a global meta-analysis of 186 studies, researchers found that in two-thirds of the cases, conservation efforts had a net positive effect, either improving the state of biodiversity or at least slowing declines. Efforts targeted at species and ecosystems, such as invasive species control, habitat loss reduction and restoration, protected areas and sustainable management, are the most effective and have the largest effect sizes.
But to truly address the global biodiversity crisis, the study published in Science concluded, those efforts must be scaled up, with “additional investment across many sectors of society, particularly beyond the traditional conservation sector.”
Header Image: Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) experienced improved nesting success after predator management efforts on two barrier islands in Florida—Cayo Costa and North Captiva. Credit: Lewis Burnett
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