An Ecoregion-Based Approach To Protecting Half The Terrestrial Realm

Keywords

Aichi target 11; Ecoregions; Global biodiversity conservation strategies; Nature Needs Half; Protected areas

Abstract

We assess progress toward the protection of 50% of the terrestrial biosphere to address the species-extinction crisis and conserve a global ecological heritage for future generations. Using a map of Earth's 846 terrestrial ecoregions, we show that 98 ecoregions (12%) exceed Half Protected; 313 ecoregions (37%) fall short of Half Protected but have sufficient unaltered habitat remaining to reach the target; and 207 ecoregions (24%) are in peril, where an average of only 4% of natural habitat remains. We propose a Global Deal for Nature-a companion to the Paris Climate Deal-to promote increased habitat protection and restoration, national- and ecoregion-scale conservation strategies, and the empowerment of indigenous peoples to protect their sovereign lands. The goal of such an accord would be to protect half the terrestrial realm by 2050 to halt the extinction crisis while sustaining human livelihoods.

Publication Date

6-1-2017

Publication Title

BioScience

Volume

67

Issue

6

Number of Pages

534-545

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/bix014

Socpus ID

85021069739 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85021069739

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