Conservation has faced its own challenges in gaining acceptance and integration into societies, economies, and values, alongside evolution, vaccines, and global warming. However, a new study conducted by BirdLife International scientists and published in the journal Science has proven that conservation actions are effective in stopping and even reversing biodiversity loss.
This groundbreaking study examined conservation efforts globally, from the islands of Florida to the forests of the Amazon and Congo basin, as well as the rivers of the Asian plateaus. Rather than focusing solely on individual conservation projects, the research encompassed a meta-analysis of 186 studies and 665 trials, making it the largest study of its kind in terms of scale and time frame. It evaluated a wide range of conservation interventions around the world over more than a century.
The results of the meta-analysis showed that conservation actions have led to improvements in biodiversity or at least slowed its decline in a majority (66%) of cases compared to no action being taken. The study also revealed that when conservation interventions are successful, they are highly effective. These interventions included measures such as establishing and managing protected areas, eradicating and controlling invasive species, sustainably managing ecosystems, and reducing and restoring habitat loss.
Overall, this study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of conservation actions in protecting biodiversity. It highlights the importance of continued investment in conservation efforts to ensure that our planet’s diverse ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.