Half Earth
Half Earth draws on the principles of island biogeography and metapopulation dynamics, asserting that larger protected areas enhance species persistence, mitigate genetic drift, and facilitate ecological processes critical for long-term viability. It is a transformative proposal advocating the dedication of at least 50% of Earth's terrestrial surface to conservation. Dedicating substantial land to conservation preserves critical ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and the provision of habitat heterogeneity, which are fundamental to sustaining global ecological balance. By actively designating vast tracts of land for conservation, the proposal seeks to create dynamic landscapes that can support ecological processes on a grand scale.
Rewilding
Rewilding, as an ecological restoration paradigm, emphasizes the reinstatement of ecological processes through the reintroduction of keystone species, trophic cascades, and the restoration of natural disturbance regimes, bolstering ecosystem resilience. It too fosters landscape connectivity, mitigating habitat fragmentation and promoting gene flow, crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and the adaptive potential of populations.
Implementing Half Earth and Rewilding comes with its set of challenges, necessitating active scientific solutions:
Land Use Conflicts
Allocating large areas for conservation may clash with existing land uses like agriculture, urban development, or industry. People might need the land for farming, housing, or jobs, creating conflicts between conservation goals and human needs. Need to develop strategies that balance conservation goals with other land uses, encouraging sustainable practices that meet both human needs and conservation objectives.
Human-Wildlife Conflicts
Setting aside extensive areas for wildlife might lead to conflicts between animals and people living nearby. Wildlife might venture into human habitats, causing issues like crop damage or even posing risks to human safety. Nee to create plans to manage potential conflicts by educating communities, implementing protective measures, and finding ways for humans and wildlife to coexist.
Global Cooperation
Achieving Half Earth requires cooperation between countries, and not all nations may agree or actively participate. Not all countries may see eye-to-eye on dedicating large portions of their land to global conservation efforts. Requires global agreements and partnerships, emphasizing the shared responsibility of nations to protect biodiversity and ensuring fair contributions from all.
Cost and Resources
Implementing and managing vast conservation areas can be expensive and may strain available resources. Funding and resources are needed to ensure the effective management and protection of the designated areas. Explore diverse funding sources, including public, private, and international funding. Engage in partnerships with businesses and organizations to share the financial burden.
Impact on Local Economies
Conservation efforts might affect local economies, especially if they heavily rely on activities like logging or mining. Restricting certain land uses can impact jobs and livelihoods, posing economic challenges for local communities. Have to promote economic activities that align with conservation goals, such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, or other nature-based enterprises, ensuring local communities benefit from conservation efforts.
Species Reintroduction
Reintroducing species to an area may face difficulties, as it requires careful planning and monitoring. Successfully bringing back certain animals requires ensuring they have the right conditions and won't negatively impact existing ecosystems.
Public Perception
Some people might be wary of rewilding efforts, fearing potential risks or disruptions. Concerns about safety or changes in familiar landscapes can create resistance to rewilding projects. Engage with local communities through educational programs, addressing concerns, and highlighting the benefits of rewilding to foster positive public perception.
Lack of Habitat Connectivity
Fragmented landscapes may hinder the movement of species, affecting their ability to thrive. If animals can't move freely between habitats, it can limit their access to resources and lead to isolated populations. Design and protect corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to move freely and maintain genetic diversity, ensuring healthy populations over time.
Half Earth draws on the principles of island biogeography and metapopulation dynamics, asserting that larger protected areas enhance species persistence, mitigate genetic drift, and facilitate ecological processes critical for long-term viability. It is a transformative proposal advocating the dedication of at least 50% of Earth's terrestrial surface to conservation. Dedicating substantial land to conservation preserves critical ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and the provision of habitat heterogeneity, which are fundamental to sustaining global ecological balance. By actively designating vast tracts of land for conservation, the proposal seeks to create dynamic landscapes that can support ecological processes on a grand scale.
Rewilding
Rewilding, as an ecological restoration paradigm, emphasizes the reinstatement of ecological processes through the reintroduction of keystone species, trophic cascades, and the restoration of natural disturbance regimes, bolstering ecosystem resilience. It too fosters landscape connectivity, mitigating habitat fragmentation and promoting gene flow, crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and the adaptive potential of populations.
Implementing Half Earth and Rewilding comes with its set of challenges, necessitating active scientific solutions:
Land Use Conflicts
Allocating large areas for conservation may clash with existing land uses like agriculture, urban development, or industry. People might need the land for farming, housing, or jobs, creating conflicts between conservation goals and human needs. Need to develop strategies that balance conservation goals with other land uses, encouraging sustainable practices that meet both human needs and conservation objectives.
Human-Wildlife Conflicts
Setting aside extensive areas for wildlife might lead to conflicts between animals and people living nearby. Wildlife might venture into human habitats, causing issues like crop damage or even posing risks to human safety. Nee to create plans to manage potential conflicts by educating communities, implementing protective measures, and finding ways for humans and wildlife to coexist.
Global Cooperation
Achieving Half Earth requires cooperation between countries, and not all nations may agree or actively participate. Not all countries may see eye-to-eye on dedicating large portions of their land to global conservation efforts. Requires global agreements and partnerships, emphasizing the shared responsibility of nations to protect biodiversity and ensuring fair contributions from all.
Cost and Resources
Implementing and managing vast conservation areas can be expensive and may strain available resources. Funding and resources are needed to ensure the effective management and protection of the designated areas. Explore diverse funding sources, including public, private, and international funding. Engage in partnerships with businesses and organizations to share the financial burden.
Impact on Local Economies
Conservation efforts might affect local economies, especially if they heavily rely on activities like logging or mining. Restricting certain land uses can impact jobs and livelihoods, posing economic challenges for local communities. Have to promote economic activities that align with conservation goals, such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, or other nature-based enterprises, ensuring local communities benefit from conservation efforts.
Species Reintroduction
Reintroducing species to an area may face difficulties, as it requires careful planning and monitoring. Successfully bringing back certain animals requires ensuring they have the right conditions and won't negatively impact existing ecosystems.
Public Perception
Some people might be wary of rewilding efforts, fearing potential risks or disruptions. Concerns about safety or changes in familiar landscapes can create resistance to rewilding projects. Engage with local communities through educational programs, addressing concerns, and highlighting the benefits of rewilding to foster positive public perception.
Lack of Habitat Connectivity
Fragmented landscapes may hinder the movement of species, affecting their ability to thrive. If animals can't move freely between habitats, it can limit their access to resources and lead to isolated populations. Design and protect corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to move freely and maintain genetic diversity, ensuring healthy populations over time.
Resources
What is the Half-Earth Project?
Perino, A., Pereira, H. M., Navarro, L. M., Fernández, N., Bullock, J. M., Ceaușu, S., ... & Wheeler, H. C. (2019). Rewilding complex ecosystems. Science, 364(6438), eaav5570.
Dudley, N., Jonas, H., Nelson, F., Parrish, J., Pyhälä, A., Stolton, S., & Watson, J. E. (2018). The essential role of other effective area-based conservation measures in achieving big bold conservation targets. Global ecology and conservation, 15, e00424.
Crist, E., Kopnina, H., Cafaro, P., Gray, J., Ripple, W. J., Safina, C., ... & Piccolo, J. J. (2021). Protecting half the planet and transforming human systems are complementary goals. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 91.