New Research Reveals Mixed Effects of Protected Nature Reserves on Wildlife
A recent study conducted at the University of Helsinki in Finland has shed light on the effectiveness of protected nature reserves in safeguarding wildlife. While these reserves are considered crucial for maintaining biodiversity and countering its loss, the research findings indicate that they often only decelerate species decline rather than fully protect them.
Examining the Impact of Protected Areas on Species
The University of Helsinki researchers aimed to explore the effects of protected areas on various species by examining changes in the occurrence of hundreds of species within and outside of these areas. The study sought to determine how well protected areas work across multiple species concurrently.
Mixed Effects and Limited Benefits
The research findings revealed mixed effects of protected areas, indicating that they do not fully meet the expectations set for them. While protected areas have contributed to slowing overall biodiversity loss, they only provide a temporary respite by decelerating the rate of species decline. This highlights the need to address the root causes of biodiversity loss.
“Our results show that only a small proportion of species explicitly benefit from protection, but this varied by group. Birds show the highest positive response to protection, with one out of five species benefiting. Warm-dwelling plant species also show significant benefits. Protected areas primarily help by slowing down the decline of species occurrences,” explained associate professor Marjo Saastamoinen, the senior author of the study.
Lead author Andrea Santangeli commented, “Our findings should not discourage us from establishing protected areas. On the contrary, they highlight that protected areas buy us some time to counter rapid species loss. By protecting an area, we can slow the local loss of many species. However, we cannot rely solely on setting aside small pieces of land here and there and expect miracles to happen.”
Improving the Effectiveness of Protected Areas
To enhance the effectiveness of protected areas, Dr. Santangeli recommends making the overall landscape more suitable for species. While protected areas can serve as lifeboats, in the long run, they will still require a safe landing site.
Reference
Santangeli, A, Weigel, B, Antão, L H, et al. 2023. Mixed effects of a national protected area network on terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity. Nature Communications. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41073-4
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the impact of protected nature areas on biodiversity and species decline, which directly relates to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
The article highlights the need for protected areas to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1) and to slow down the decline of species occurrences (Target 15.5).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, Indicator 15.1.1, which measures the forest area as a proportion of total land area, can be relevant to assess the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, Indicator 15.5.1, the Red List Index, can be used to measure the progress in halting the loss of biodiversity and preventing the extinction of threatened species.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
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Source: birdguides.com
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