conservation-effectiveness-reversal: Study Proves Conservation Actions Stop Biodiversity Loss

A new study conducted by BirdLife International scientists and published in the journal Science has shown that conservation actions are effective in stopping and even reversing biodiversity loss. The research, which encompassed a meta-analysis of 186 studies and 665 trials, evaluated a wide range of conservation interventions around the world over more than a century.

Conservation has faced its own challenges in gaining acceptance and integration into societies, economies, and values, alongside evolution, vaccines, and global warming. However, this groundbreaking study has proven 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 results of the meta-analysis showed 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.

The 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 comprehensive analysis of conservation interventions around the world over time. It evaluated a wide range of conservation initiatives across different regions and periods to provide a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness.