Priority areas for nature’s contributions to people (NCP) and biodiversity. a Combined prioritization results for all species representation targets and PCN targets ranging from 5% (dark blue) to 90% (light yellow). b Combined prioritization results for PNCs and species with the World Database of Protected Areas (WDPA) and other Effective Area Conservation Mechanisms (OECM) sites locked to the prioritization results. In all cases, the dark blue areas represent the areas needed to achieve the objectives in the smallest possible area. Collectively, the dark blue to light yellow areas provide 90% of the ten PCNs and meet the objectives of species representation in the smallest area. Priority areas achieve all species representation objectives; only the level of NCP achieved varies. Credit: Natural communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43832-9
More than 80% of the global land area needed to maintain human well-being and meet biodiversity goals is at risk of conflict with human development, according to a new study led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The study, published January 10 in Natural communications, found that about half of the planet’s land surface, excluding Antarctica, provides almost all current levels of natural services to humans while preserving the biodiversity of 27,000 species of birds, mammals , reptiles and amphibians. Of this total, only 18% are sufficiently protected, according to the study.
“Biodiversity, climate and sustainability cannot be considered in isolation,” said lead author Rachel Neugarten, a doctoral student at the Cornell Lab. “We also need to consider nature’s contributions to human well-being, including clean water, carbon storage, crop pollination, flood mitigation, coastal protection and much more.”
These findings highlight a potential conflict, as 37% of land areas that provide natural services are also highly suitable for development through agriculture, renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, or urban expansion . The potential for development, coupled with the fact that few priority areas are currently protected, means that successful conservation will require creative solutions, such as sustainable use and multifunctional landscaping.
“We face enormous challenges,” said lead author Amanda Rodewald, the Garvin professor and senior director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at Cornell Lab. “With limited resources available to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty and water insecurity, we must be strategic and find ways to address more than one challenge at a time.”
This study draws on global optimization of land uses to identify common priorities in terms of biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people.
“If designed carefully, the development of renewable energy can be compatible with the conservation of biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided to populations,” Neugarten said. “For example, grazing livestock under wind farms or growing native pollinator gardens under solar panels. But there is a real risk that meeting renewable energy targets will conflict with conservation goals of nature without careful planning.”
More information:
Rachel A. Neugarten et al, Mapping the planet’s critical areas for biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people, Natural communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43832-9
Provided by Cornell University
Quote: Most of the land humans need to thrive is unprotected, new study finds (January 10, 2024) retrieved January 10, 2024 from
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from fair use for private study or research purposes, no part may be reproduced without written permission. The content is provided for information only.
