A global analysis of terrestrial protected areas shows the distribution of intact and non-intact land. From Ward et al. (2020).
Protected areas are vital for the preservation and survival of plants, animals and ecosystems. When they are connected by intact, healthy habitat, they allow species to migrate, escape stochastic events such as fires, and track their preferred microclimates under rapid climate change.
New research reveals that the majority of Earth’s protected areas are isolated due to extensive human threats such as land clearing, limiting the ability of protected areas to prevent further biodiversity loss.
Under Aichi Target 11, the global protected area network must be well connected and cover 17% of the land. However, this research reveals that only nine countries and territories (4.6%) have >17% of their land protected (which many countries and territories define as their contributions to the global target), and also maintain >50% connectivity across their protected area network.
These findings highlight the need for better placement of future protected areas, and for increased habitat retention and restoration efforts to ensure connectivity is achieved within important areas. This study also provides an important framework for countries and territories to assess the connectivity performance of their existing and future protected areas, and can help guide future national and global conservation agendas.
