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Conservation successes at micro-, meso- and macroscales
Navjot S Sodhi1, Rhett Butler, William F Laurance
1Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Republic of Singapore.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|August 10, 2011
Summary
Conservation efforts, from local habitat protection to international cooperation, have successfully reduced vertebrate extinction and endangerment rates. Focusing on these successes across scales can guide future biodiversity conservation victories.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Global biodiversity is declining, but targeted conservation actions have demonstrated success.
- Extinction and endangerment rates for vertebrate species have likely been mitigated by conservation interventions.
- Conservation successes occur across various spatial scales, from local to global.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight conservation successes achieved at different spatial scales (micro, meso, macro).
- To demonstrate how focusing on these successes can promote long-term funding, political/popular support, and outcome evaluation for conservation projects.
- To guide future conservation strategies and victories.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of documented conservation successes at micro, meso, and macro scales.
- Analysis of the impact of different conservation interventions on species and ecosystems.
- Examination of factors contributing to the success of conservation projects.
Main Results:
- Microscale successes include habitat preservation and endangered species recovery.
- Mesoscale successes involve regional cooperation, exemplified by mountain gorilla population stabilization.
- Macroscale successes demonstrate the impact of public pressure on multinational corporations regarding environmental practices.
Conclusions:
- Conservation successes across scales offer valuable lessons for future efforts.
- Increased long-term funding, political will, and public support are crucial for conservation.
- Integrating outcome evaluation into conservation projects is essential for adaptive management and sustained success.
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