Slight progress in global biodiversity protection efforts but some species decline, new reports find
- Global biodiversity protection efforts have made slight progress since a historic treaty was signed in 2022.
- Reports indicate that while some countries have expanded protected areas, serious declines in many species, including trees and the Western European hedgehog, continue.
- Urgent action is required to meet ambitious conservation goals and effectively protect ecosystems.
Cali, Colombia, hosted a pivotal UN summit on biodiversity where two significant reports were unveiled concerning the global state of biodiversity protection. While strides have been made since the historic 2022 treaty aimed at safeguarding 30% of the planet by the year 2030, the reports highlight that many species are still facing serious threats to their existence. The data suggest that only 17.6% of land and inland waters, and 8.4% of ocean and coastal areas are currently under protected status. The UNEP report notes a modest increase in protected areas, which is less than 0.5 percentage points since 2020. It states that an expanse equivalent to twice the size of Colombia needs to be conserved to reach the set targets. Moreover, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature reported alarming figures: 38% of tree species face risks of extinction, indicating a need for immediate action in forest conservation efforts. Particularly concerning is the situation of the Western European hedgehog, now classified as near threatened with significant population declines documented in specific regions. The high level of risk for various species underscores the ongoing challenges posed by deforestation, invasive species, and climate change, necessitating collaborative and effective conservation measures. The WHO and UNEP highlight the urgency for all nations to enhance their commitments and expedite conservation strategies collaboratively, ensuring that protected areas do not adversely affect local communities who steward these environments.