Biodiversity Declining Faster in Protected Areas than Expected

Why in the news?

The study highlights that biodiversity is declining faster in protected areas than outside, prompting concerns about conservation practices and calling for more effective measures to protect ecosystems.

Biodiversity Declining Faster in Protected Areas than Expected

Study Insights on Biodiversity Decline in Protected Areas:

  • A study by London’s Natural History Museum (NHM) reveals biodiversity is decreasing more rapidly within protected areas than outside them.
  • Gareth Thomas of NHM stated the findings should alert policymakers, emphasising that designating areas as “protected” isn’t enough to preserve biodiversity effectively.

Key Findings on Biodiversity Intactness:

  • Researchers examined the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) from 2000 to 2020, finding an 3 percentage point global decline.
  • In critical biodiversity areas (CBAs), biodiversity fell by9 points in unprotected zones but by 2.1 points in protected areas, highlighting greater loss in designated spaces.

Causes Behind Biodiversity Loss in Protected Areas:

  • The study suggests protected areas may prioritise specific species over whole ecosystems, affecting overall biodiversity.
  • Many protected regions already faced degradation, potentially prompting their protection status.
  • Oil and mining activities pose significant threats, with over 65% of the Congo’s Conkouati-Douli National Park under oil and gas concessions.
  • The climate crisis, especially frequent droughts and wildfires, has severely impacted biodiversity in protected national parks, as seen in Australia’s 2019 wildfires.

Development of National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs):

  • Aichi Biodiversity Targets: India has formulated 12 National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) in alignment with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011-2020) to fulfil obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
  • National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): Initially established in 2008, the NBAP was updated in 2014 to include the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, enhancing its relevance and effectiveness.
  • Monitoring Framework: A comprehensive set of indicators and a monitoring framework have been developed to guide the progress towards achieving the NBTs.

India’s Biodiversity Targets Under CBD:

  • Conservation Areas: Aim for 30% of areas to be effectively conserved to enhance biodiversity.
  • Invasive Species Management: Target a 50% reduction in the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species.
  • Rights and Participation: Ensure the participation and rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in conservation efforts.
  • Sustainable Consumption: Enable sustainable consumption choices and reduce food waste by half.
  • Benefit Sharing: Promote fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
  • Pollution Reduction: Commit to reducing pollution, halving nutrient loss and pesticide risk.
  • Biodiversity Planning: Manage all areas to minimise the loss of high biodiversity regions.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/biodiversity-loss-37000-alien-species-introduced-by-human-activities/