Article
Environmental Sciences
Kelly Dunning
Summary: The year 2020 marks a crucial deadline for signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and managers need a better understanding of the policy systems established to meet conservation targets. Comparing centralized and decentralized policy systems for implementing marine protected areas provides insights into how managers perceive and respond to biodiversity conservation policy problems. Understanding different power centers within policy systems allows for more effective reforms and investments for the next iteration of the CBD.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Economics
Tianbao Qin
Summary: The article introduces a new analytical framework based on the traditional willingness-capacity framework for studying China's implementation of the CBD, utilizing both historical analysis and empirical study methods. Factors such as development philosophy and model, perception of national environmental interest, economic and technological level, and attitude toward global environmental governance jointly determine China's role in implementation and its evolution from follower to major participant to active contributor. This framework may also provide insight into challenges for China's future implementation and be applicable to understanding implementation of other MEAs in China and other developing countries.
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS-POLITICS LAW AND ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Alok Bang, Franck Courchamp
Summary: The recent surge in the edible insect market has led to industrialization and intensification without adequate regulatory policies, potentially resulting in new biological invasions. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring and regulation to prevent this outcome.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Miranda S. Bane, Rob Cooke, Robin J. Boyd, Andy Brown, Fiona Burns, Lauren Henly, Jemilah Vanderpump, Nick J. B. Isaac
Summary: Biodiversity targets are important tools used to align biodiversity goals, promote conservation action, and recover nature. However, most of these targets are not met. The government of England has committed to legally-binding targets to halt and recover species decline by specific years. We present evidence and case studies to assess the achievability of these targets and demonstrate that recovery is possible through various approaches. The existence of multiple pathways to achieve the targets raises choices and the possibility of unintended consequences.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Kyle Strongin, Alana Malinde S. N. Lancaster, Beth Polidoro, Alfonso Aguilar-Perera, Leah Gerber, Patricia Gonzalez Diaz, Juliett Gonzalez-Mendez, Larry McKinney, Hector Espinosa Perez, Daniel Pech, Dorka Cobian Rojas, Steven Saul, Susana Perera Valderrama
Summary: This study investigates the legal frameworks in the Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem (GoM-LME) and proposes a tri-national framework. It identifies gaps in conservation practices and recommends key elements for a tri-national agreement in the GoM-LME.
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Thomas Prehi Botchway
Summary: This article discusses Ghana's efforts to ensure the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through various means such as legislation, regulations, and policy formulation. The findings present the various efforts and achievements made in the implementation of the CBD, along with lessons learned from these endeavors.
COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hu Yue, Chen Ye, Wu Shu-Hong
Summary: The cooperation between the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has led to various challenges in China, including coordination among implementing organizations, strategic planning for synergistic implementation, monitoring system coordination, and information sharing among partner ministries. Strategies proposed include establishing a national synergistic implementation mechanism, developing a national strategic plan for synergistic implementation, comprehensive monitoring system and management, and an implementation information-sharing platform.
ADVANCES IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Philip S. R. Weyl, Hariet L. Hinz, Ivan Rwomushana, Joseph Mulema, Hilda Diaz-Soltero, David Smith
Summary: CABI is a non-profit international organization that aims to improve people's lives through addressing agriculture and environmental problems, while fostering trust and facilitating scientific research. As an intermediary, CABI provides and utilizes biological control agents and promotes access and benefit sharing based on the principles of the Nagoya Protocol. They also contribute to the ongoing global debate on Digital Sequence Information (DSI) associated with genetic resources and its impact on biocontrol research and delivery.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alice C. Hughes, R. Edward Grumbine
Summary: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is one of the most ambitious environmental agreements of the 21st century, but it has some weaknesses and shortcomings. This perspective examines the composition of the framework, identifies the missing targets and weaknesses in the text, and offers recommendations to strengthen the application of the targets and improve the indicators. The association between targets and indicators is discussed, along with suggestions for better preparation for the successor to the framework in 2030.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David O'Brien, Linda Laikre, Sean Hoban, Michael W. Bruford, Robert Ekblom, Martin C. Fischer, Jeanette Hall, Christina Hvilsom, Peter M. Hollingsworth, Francine Kershaw, Cinnamon S. Mittan, Tarek A. Mukassabi, Rob Ogden, Gernot Segelbacher, Robyn E. Shaw, Cristiano Vernesi, Anna J. MacDonald
Summary: Genetic diversity, an important component of biodiversity, is often under-reported and narrowly focused on domesticated or commercial species. Various approaches have been developed to address this issue, but the multiplicity of methods can cause confusion. We propose a unified reporting mechanism to evaluate genetic diversity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca A. Senior, Brunno F. Oliveira, James Dale, Brett R. Scheffers
Summary: This study explores the conflicting roles of aesthetic value in biodiversity conservation by evaluating the aesthetics of passerines, the most speciose group of birds, using color metrics. The tropics are identified as global color hotspots, representing diverse and uniquely colored passerine assemblages. The pet trade, which currently affects 30% of passerines, targets uniquely colored species and related clusters. An additional 478 species are at risk of future trade based on their coloration and phylogenetic relationships. Modeling predicts localized losses of color diversity and uniqueness, highlighting the importance of proactive regulation of the bird trade to protect charismatic biodiversity and color hotspots.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jessica Stubenrauch, Felix Ekardt, Katharine Heyl, Beatrice Garske, Valentina Louise Schott, Susanne Ober
Summary: Agricultural practices require comprehensive transformation to preserve natural resources and secure high-quality food supply. The article addresses the lack of proposals for blending organic and conventional farming practices and suggests adjustments in external inputs and livestock densities.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tlou Samuel Masehela, Eugenia Barros
Summary: The advances in biotechnology have led to the need for evaluating and updating existing policies and frameworks in the field of transgenic technologies. In Africa, there are delays in the development and implementation of biosafety policies and regulations. African countries face common concerns and risks associated with the adoption of the technology, as well as challenges in capacity and knowledge. This article explores the progress and challenges of African countries in biosafety policies and suggests opportunities for regional cooperation for developing, implementing, and strengthening these policies.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura G. Elsler, Maartje Oostdijk, Lisa A. Levin, Erin V. Satterthwaite, Malin L. Pinsky, Guillermo Ortuno Crespo, Mary S. Wisz
Summary: The success of global policy goals for biodiversity conservation and climate change depends on their interdependency. However, conservation efforts and fisheries management rarely consider the transport and sequestration of carbon in the ocean. To effectively manage human activities that impact carbon cycling and sequestration, international agreements need to address both biodiversity and climate issues. This study analyzed policy documents from global ocean-related agreements and found opportunities to strengthen the protection of ocean carbon in future negotiations.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luke Kemp, David C. Aldridge, Olaf Booy, Hilary Bower, Des Browne, Mark Burgmann, Austin Burt, Andrew A. Cunningham, Malcolm Dando, Jaimie T. A. Dick, Christopher Dye, Sam Weiss Evans, Belinda Gallardo, H. Charles J. Godfray, Ian Goodfellow, Simon Gubbins, Lauren A. Holt, Kate E. Jones, Hazem Kandil, Phillip Martin, Mark McCaughan, Caitriona McLeish, Thomas Meany, Kathryn Millett, Sean S. OhEigeartaigh, Nicola J. Patron, Catherine Rhodes, Helen E. Roy, Gorm Shackelford, Derek Smith, Nicola Spence, Helene Steiner, Lalitha S. Sundaram, Silja Voeneky, John R. Walker, Harry Watkins, Simon Whitby, James Wood, William J. Sutherland
Summary: Multiple national and international trends and drivers are reshaping the meaning of biological security for the United Kingdom. The UK Biological Security Strategy recognizes the importance of research in this field, and a structured approach involving expert elicitation has identified 80 policy-relevant research questions to guide future efforts in biological security.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guillaume Latombe, Hanno Seebens, Bernd Lenzner, Franck Courchamp, Stefan Dullinger, Marina Golivets, Ingolf Kuehn, Brian Leung, Nuria Roura-Pascual, Emma Cebrian, Wayne Dawson, Christophe Diagne, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Cristian Perez-Granados, Dietmar Moser, Anna Turbelin, Piero Visconti, Franz Essl
Summary: This study investigated the impact of socio-economic and environmental factors on biological invasions and found that trade, governance, lifestyle and education are the best indicators for explaining invasive species richness and a country's capacity to manage invasions. Historical levels of governance and trade were found to have a stronger influence than recent levels, highlighting the importance of historical factors in shaping future invasions. The results provide valuable insights for decision-making and management of biological invasions.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachael Holmes, Pieter Pelser, Julie Barcelona, Sri Sudarmiyati Tjitrosoedirdjo, Indah Wahyuni, Mark van Kleunen, Petr Pysek, Franz Essl, Holger Kreft, Wayne Dawson, Lahiru Wijedasa, Alessandra Kortz, Martin Hejda, Juan Carlos Berrio, Iskandar Siregar, Mark Williams
Summary: There are major regional gaps in the reporting and accessibility of naturalized plant species distribution data, with particular emphasis on Southeast Asia. The Malesian Naturalized Alien Flora database (MalNAF) is introduced as a standardized checklist for naturalized vascular plant species in the Malesian phytogeographical region. This database provides valuable information on the composition, origins, and habitat preferences of the naturalized flora in the region.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas W. Bodey, Elena Angulo, Alok Bang, Celine Bellard, Jean Fantle-Lepczyk, Bernd Lenzner, Anna Turbelin, Yuya Watari, Franck Courchamp
Summary: Biological invasions pose a significant threat to insular systems, resulting in substantial ecological and socioeconomic impacts. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the economic impacts of invasive species on islands worldwide. The findings reveal that total costs from 1965 to 2020 exceed $36 billion, with nation states incurring the highest costs. Management spending is predominant, highlighting the need for further research on damage-related socioeconomic impacts. The study also emphasizes the role of governmental and nongovernmental bodies in addressing island invasions and the importance of biosecurity measures in sustainable development.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lirong Cai, Holger Kreft, Amanda Taylor, Pierre Denelle, Julian Schrader, Franz Essl, Mark van Kleunen, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Anke Stein, Marten Winter, Julie F. Barcelona, Nicol Fuentes, Inderjit, Dirk Nikolaus Karger, John Kartesz, Andreij Kuprijanov, Misako Nishino, Daniel Nickrent, Arkadiusz Nowak, Annette Patzelt, Pieter B. Pelser, Paramjit Singh, Jan J. Wieringa, Patrick Weigelt
Summary: This study used machine learning and conventional statistical methods to investigate and predict global plant diversity, revealing complex interactions between environmental factors and plant diversity. Current climate and environmental heterogeneity were found to be the primary drivers, while past environmental conditions had smaller but detectable impacts on plant diversity. The results provide accurate estimates of global plant diversity at resolutions relevant for conservation and macroecology.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philipp Semenchuk, Gerald Kalt, Lisa Kaufmann, Thomas Kastner, Sarah Matej, Giorgio Bidoglio, Karl -Heinz Erb, Franz Essl, Helmut Haberl, Stefan Dullinger, Fridolin Krausmann
Summary: By quantifying the global biodiversity footprint (BDF) of Vienna's biomass consumption, we found that food consumption (58%), biomass for material applications (28%), and bioenergy consumption (13%) contribute significantly to the loss of biodiversity. Although Vienna's per capita biomass consumption is above the global average, the per capita BDE in Vienna is roughly equal to the global average, indicating that Vienna sources its products from regions with efficient production systems and relatively low native species richness. It is concluded that dietary changes offer a key leverage point to reduce the urban BDF, while expanding the use of biomass for material and energy may increase the BDF and requires appropriate monitoring.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Karina Reiter, Christoph Plutzar, Dietmar Moser, Philipp Semenchuk, Karl-Heinz Erb, Franz Essl, Andreas Gattringer, Helmut Haberl, Fridolin Krausmann, Bernd Lenzner, Johannes Wessely, Sarah Matej, Robin Pouteau, Stefan Dullinger
Summary: Land use is a major driver of biodiversity loss. This study examines the correlation between human appropriation of net primary production and the decline of species richness in used landscapes across the globe. The findings suggest that human appropriation of net primary production is a useful indicator of heterotrophic species loss in used landscapes.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rafael Munoz-Mas, Franz Essl, Mark van Kleunen, Hanno Seebens, Wayne Dawson, Christine Marie V. Casal, Emili Garcia-Berthou
Summary: This study aims to investigate major freshwater fish flows between biogeographic regions and their temporal dynamics, as well as quantify spatial patterns and temporal changes in the array of introduced species, and the emergence and distance between major donor and recipient regions. The analysis of a global dataset on freshwater fish introductions revealed unique changes in the composition and origins of introduced species in each biogeographic region. The results suggest that global policy should focus on tropical ornamental and aquaculture species, particularly in the Sino-Oriental region and the Ethiopian and Neotropical regions.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daijun Liu, Philipp Semenchuk, Franz Essl, Bernd Lenzner, Dietmar Moser, Tim M. Blackburn, Phillip Cassey, Dino Biancolini, Cesar Capinha, Wayne Dawson, Ellie E. Dyer, Benoit Guenard, Evan P. Economo, Holger Kreft, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Mark van Kleunen, Wolfgang Nentwig, Carlo Rondinini, Hanno Seebens, Patrick Weigelt, Marten Winter, Andy Purvis, Stefan Dullinger
Summary: Based on a global collection of samples from five taxa, this study examines the relationship between the presence and frequency of naturalised non-native species and land use types. Results show that primary vegetation has the lowest invasion rates in plants, while other land-use types also have low levels of non-native species occurrence and frequency in other taxa. High land use intensity is associated with increased non-native incidence and frequency in primary vegetation. These findings highlight the importance of primary vegetation in preserving native biodiversity and resisting biological invasions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anna J. Turbelin, Ross N. Cuthbert, Franz Essl, Phillip J. Haubrock, Anthony Ricciardi, Franck Courchamp
Summary: Biological invasions have economic costs similar to natural hazards, and these costs have been increasing at a faster rate. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness and take policy actions to address the impacts of biological invasions.
PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adrian Garcia-Rodriguez, Bernd Lenzner, Clara Marino, Chunlong Liu, Julian A. Velasco, Celine Bellard, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Hanno Seebens, Franz Essl
Summary: Shifts between native and alien climatic niches pose challenges for predicting biological invasions, especially for insular species. This study analyzed alien occurrences of endemic insular amphibians, reptiles, and birds and found that climatic mismatches were common in invasions of birds and reptiles, but less common in amphibians. Several predictors were identified for climatic mismatches, which varied among taxonomic groups.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Franz Essl, Adrian Garcia-Rodriguez, Bernd Lenzner, Jake M. Alexander, Cesar Capinha, Pierre Gauzere, Antoine Guisan, Ingolf Kuehn, Jonathan Lenoir, David M. Richardson, Sabine B. Rumpf, Jens-Christian Svenning, Wilfried Thuiller, Damaris Zurell, Stefan Dullinger
Summary: The rapid environmental changes in the Anthropocene era have caused shifts in species' spatial distributions, with lagged responses leading to disequilibrium states. The effects of different types of environmental change and time lags on species responses have not been adequately explored, which has implications for biodiversity assessments, scenarios, and models, thus impacting policymaking and conservation science. This perspective piece examines lagged species responses to environmental change and discusses ways to improve the calibration of species distribution models (SDMs) to account for time lags and enhance biodiversity science and policy.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lirong Cai, Holger Kreft, Amanda Taylor, Julian Schrader, Wayne Dawson, Franz Essl, Mark Van Kleunen, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Marten Winter, Patrick Weigelt
Summary: Assessing the distribution and drivers of phylogenetic endemism in seed plants worldwide, this study finds that tropical and subtropical islands and tropical mountain regions have the highest phylogenetic endemism. Tropical rainforest regions are centers of paleoendemism, while Mediterranean-climate regions show high levels of neoendemism. Factors such as warm and wet climates, geographic isolation, and long-term climatic stability are key drivers of phylogenetic endemism. The study provides insights into the evolutionary underpinnings of biogeographical patterns and identifies areas of high evolutionary and biogeographical uniqueness for global conservation priorities.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhijie Zhang, Qiang Yang, Trevor S. Fristoe, Wayne Dawson, Franz Essl, Holger Kreft, Bernd Lenzner, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Patrick Weigelt, Marten Winter, Nicol Fuentes, John T. Kartesz, Misako Nishino, Mark van Kleunen
Summary: The introduction of plants outside their native ranges by humans has had significant ecological consequences. This study focuses on intracontinental aliens, which are naturalized plant species that have originated within the same continent. The researchers discovered that these intracontinental aliens account for a small percentage of overall plant species, but constitute a large proportion of naturalized species. The findings also indicate a poleward naturalization trend, primarily driven by larger native species pools in low-latitudes.