Biodiversity, conservation works:a study confirms it

A new study recently published in the prestigious journal Science confirmed that the strategies of conservation they work in protecting biodiversity.In particular, the analysis considered 186 case studies to evaluate the impact of the interventions conservation globally over the last century.Specifically, the research highlighted the effectiveness of various strategies conservation, such as controlling invasive species, restoring habitats and creating protected areas, in different geographic locations and in different ecosystems and political systems.The actions of conservation, it turns out, have improved or slowed the decline of species in over two thirds of the cases analyzed.“Our study shows that when conservation actions work, they really work – said Jake Bicknell, co-author of the work and conservation scientist at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom – in other words, they often lead to outcomes for biodiversity that they are not just a little better than doing nothing, but many times better."Among the most virtuous cases by far are agricultural management that has favored new nesting of an aquatic bird, the wader, and the creation of protected areas and indigenous lands that has reduced deforestation in the Amazon.

Despite the overall positive impact of conservation, the study also found that, in 21% of cases examined, biodiversity declined with conservation efforts compared to no interventions.In this regard, however, the researchers underlined that conservation strategies are sometimes learned through trial and error and require continuous improvement and adaptation.Not surprisingly, the study also found a correlation that, as strategies and techniques improve, conservation has become increasingly effective over time.“Even when conservation interventions didn't work for the target species, other species often unintentionally benefited, or we learned from the outcome, ensuring that our next conservation project or action would be successful,” added the first author. of the studio, Penny Langhammer.In other words it is never a waste of money.Yet, the money spent on conservation actions is still far less than other less-than-beneficial investments, such as those impacting fossil fuels.By some estimates, a global conservation program it would cost between 178 and 524 billion dollars, nothing compared to the 7,000 billion dollars spent for fossil fuel subsidies in 2022 only.

Overall, the economic reasons for investing in nature conservation, beyond these recent confirmations, are still quite decisive.Suffice it to say, for example, that more than half of the world's GDP, almost 44 trillion dollars, depends to a moderate or high extent on nature.That's because for every dollar we invest in conservation, we receive 100 in ecosystem services, that is, all that set of benefits that humanity derives from nature.In essence, although the benefits are not immediately visible, it is an excellent investment, fundamental for the health of ecosystems, human societies and the planet.To date, however, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 44,000 species are classified as at risk of extinction.Of these, 41% are amphibians, 26% mammals and 12% birds.The authors therefore hope that their research will serve to inform global biodiversity goals, as well as give governments, individuals and companies a push to invest more in conservation.In all of this, however, we must not forget to address the causes of biodiversity loss upstream, such as unsustainable consumption and production.

[by Simone Valeri]