Innovative Method for Tracking Conservation Uncovers Hidden Protected Areas

Photo byPhoto by Charles Postiaux on Unsplash

The "30x30" initiative aims to protect 30% of the Earth's oceans, lands, and freshwaters by 2030. An international research team led by UC Santa Barbara and The Nature Conservancy has developed a new, inclusive method for tracking global conservation areas, highlighting a greater diversity and extent of protected areas than current global tracking systems reveal. Their study, published in One Earth, emphasizes incorporating local data and expertise into conservation efforts.

The researchers applied their approach across the nine Amazonian countries, uncovering a broader range of conservation areas than previously recognized. This method offers empirical guidelines for integrating diverse conservation efforts into research and decision-making processes, helping assess the effectiveness of various governance systems. Their approach uses scientific literature, legal documents, and local knowledge to map conservation efforts comprehensively.

The study shows that many current tracking systems miss significant conservation areas, such as those managed by local communities or through eco-certification programs. For instance, their mapping identified that over 40% of land in the Amazonian countries is under some form of conservation governance, compared to only 28% reported in official databases. This discrepancy highlights the need for more inclusive tracking to reflect actual conservation efforts better.

Additionally, the study points out that approximately 45% of global lands are traditionally managed by Indigenous peoples, and significant areas are protected through eco-certification and biodiversity offset projects. The findings emphasize the need to recognize and account for these diverse conservation forms to meet the 30x30 targets effectively.

The authors hope their approach will enhance conservation planning by providing a clearer understanding of existing conservation areas and their governance, which is crucial for prioritizing resources and achieving the ambitious 30x30 conservation goals.