Whole-Earth: A Conservation-Planning Paradigm for a Changing Climate

Area of Science:

• Conservation Science
• Spatial Planning
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Global biodiversity and climate crises necessitate significant conservation efforts, with calls to protect 30%-50% of Earth's surface.
• Current protected area expansion strategies face challenges including species movement, ecological shifts, and human demands.
• Existing approaches are insufficient to overcome climate-intensified conservation challenges and environmental injustices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a holistic spatial conservation paradigm beyond traditional protected areas.
• To introduce the concept of conservation mosaics for effective biodiversity conservation and human needs.
• To provide a framework for planning integrated conservation landscapes and seascapes.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualizing conservation mosaics as large, integrated areas with varied protection levels and management strategies.
• Analyzing the limitations of simply increasing the footprint of protected areas.
• Developing a planning framework for holistic spatial conservation.

Main Results:

• Conservation mosaics enhance landscape-scale coordination and permeability.
• This approach supports healthy human populations and mitigates environmental injustices.
• A comprehensive spatial strategy is required for successful global conservation.

Conclusions:

• A paradigm shift towards conservation mosaics is essential for addressing complex conservation challenges.
• Integrated landscape and seascape planning is crucial for biodiversity and human well-being.
• The proposed framework offers a pathway for effective, equitable, and sustainable conservation efforts.