Showing papers by "Valerie Kapos published in 2021"
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis1, World Conservation Monitoring Centre2, Food and Agriculture Organization3, University of Cambridge4, University of Connecticut5, Royal Botanic Gardens6, Botanic Gardens Conservation International7, Siberian Federal University8, University of Arizona9, Florida State University10, Macquarie University11, Tel Aviv University12, King's College London13, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev14, University of Porto15, Yale University16, Sapienza University of Rome17, The Nature Conservancy18, Columbia University19, University of Tasmania20, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation21, University of Kentucky22, Conservation International23, Landcare Research24, University of Copenhagen25, Purdue University26, Aarhus University27, Centre national de la recherche scientifique28, Naturalis29, World Resources Institute30, Environmental Change Institute31
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present results from a joint optimization that minimizes the number of threatened species, maximizes carbon retention and water quality regulation, and ranks terrestrial conservation priorities globally.
Abstract: To meet the ambitious objectives of biodiversity and climate conventions, the international community requires clarity on how these objectives can be operationalized spatially and how multiple targets can be pursued concurrently. To support goal setting and the implementation of international strategies and action plans, spatial guidance is needed to identify which land areas have the potential to generate the greatest synergies between conserving biodiversity and nature's contributions to people. Here we present results from a joint optimization that minimizes the number of threatened species, maximizes carbon retention and water quality regulation, and ranks terrestrial conservation priorities globally. We found that selecting the top-ranked 30% and 50% of terrestrial land area would conserve respectively 60.7% and 85.3% of the estimated total carbon stock and 66% and 89.8% of all clean water, in addition to meeting conservation targets for 57.9% and 79% of all species considered. Our data and prioritization further suggest that adequately conserving all species considered (vertebrates and plants) would require giving conservation attention to ~70% of the terrestrial land surface. If priority was given to biodiversity only, managing 30% of optimally located land area for conservation may be sufficient to meet conservation targets for 81.3% of the terrestrial plant and vertebrate species considered. Our results provide a global assessment of where land could be optimally managed for conservation. We discuss how such a spatial prioritization framework can support the implementation of the biodiversity and climate conventions.
86 citations
16 Aug 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a co-produced multidimensional biodiversity index to connect biodiversity science to the political agenda that accounts for the diversity of values underpinning nature-human relationships.
Abstract: The lack of urgent action to reverse biodiversity loss is partly due to the complex nature of biodiversity as a feature of our planet. Subsequently, policymakers receive an often-confusing variety of narratives on why biodiversity matters, which makes it difficult to link biodiversity loss and risks to the attainment of sustainable development. Making this link clearer calls for a multidimensional perspective on biodiversity to reassess what we value, facilitate mainstreaming and support national decision-making. We propose a co-produced Multidimensional Biodiversity Index to connect biodiversity science to the political agenda that accounts for the diversity of values underpinning nature–human relationships. Biodiversity underpins the health and strength of ecosystems, but the complexity of those systems can be overwhelming for policymakers. This Perspective proposes a new framework for measuring biodiversity with an eye towards greater conservation.
16 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that full implementation and enforcement of the Forest Code has the potential to contribute to conserving biodiversity, and outcomes will be especially positive if deforested areas are restored in ways that support recolonization by native species.
Abstract: Meeting Brazil’s ambitious national commitments on both climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation depends on securing its reserves of forest carbon and biodiversity Brazil’s ‘Forest Code’ is a key tool to reconcile environmental preservation and agricultural production; it limits deforestation and requires forest restoration in illegally deforested areas However, not all provisions of the law’s 2012 revision have yet been implemented and some are facing new challenges Using modelled land use change projections for the whole of the country, we show that full implementation and enforcement of the law has the potential to contribute to conserving biodiversity Biodiversity outcomes will be especially positive if (i) deforested areas are restored in ways that support recolonization by native species and (ii) additional measures are implemented to protect native vegetation in areas like Caatinga dry forests and Cerrado savannas, which may experience added pressure displaced from other regions by Forest Code implementation
7 citations