Global biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, driven by human-induced processes like habitat fragmentation and climate change. In response, international efforts such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 30×30 initiative call for protecting and restoring nature at a scale that can reverse these trends.
However, these conservation actions are often fragmented across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, overlooking the processes that connect them. Too often managed as separate domains, these systems are more likely to require integrated approaches to effectively achieve conservation goals.
Locke, H., Rockström, J., Plowright, R.K., Laffoley, D., Little Bear, L., Peres, C.A., Wei, F., Karanth, K.K., Zemke, L., Seetal, R. and Hauer, F.R. 2026. Nature Positive: halting and reversing biodiversity loss toward restoring Earth system stability. Frontiers in Science 4: 1609998. DOI: 10.3389/fsci.2026.1609998
A new paper addresses that gap by advancing a “Nature Positive” framework that integrates biodiversity, climate, and ecosystem connectivity across the entire planet. The paper frames biodiversity loss as a systemic challenge that spans genes, species, and ecosystems, while also eroding the natural processes that regulate climate and support human well-being.
Rather than focusing narrowly on protected areas or individual species, the authors argue for a comprehensive approach that recognizes how human activities are reshaping Earth’s biophysical systems. These pressures include land conversion, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change, all of which interact to drive declines in ecosystem function and resilience.
Central to the paper is the concept of achieving a “Nature Positive” state, defined as halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 while enabling recovery over the long term. The authors emphasize that this goal requires measurable outcomes, including reducing ecosystem degradation, preventing further loss of intact areas, and restoring ecological integrity where it has been compromised. Importantly, the framework aligns biodiversity conservation with climate mitigation and adaptation, highlighting co-benefits such as carbon storage, water regulation, and disaster risk reduction.
To operationalize these ideas, the paper introduces the Three Global Conditions framework, which categorizes the planet into heavily modified areas, shared landscapes, and large wild regions. Each condition calls for distinct but complementary strategies, from sustainable management and restoration in working landscapes to strict protection of remaining intact ecosystems. This structure helps translate global goals into actionable priorities that can be adapted to different social and ecological contexts.
The authors also stress the importance of integrating governance across sectors and scales. Effective implementation will require coordination among governments, Indigenous communities, the private sector, and civil society, as well as improved monitoring systems to track progress toward biodiversity and climate targets. By linking global ambitions to practical decision-making, the framework seeks to bridge the gap between high-level commitments and on-the-ground action.
This publication offers a clear and practical message for anyone working in conservation, policy, or land and water management. It highlights that maintaining and restoring connectivity, from wildlife corridors on land to free-flowing rivers and linked ocean systems, is essential for sustaining biodiversity and the benefits people rely on. By emphasizing the protection of intact ecosystems alongside targeted restoration, the framework provides guidance that can be applied across regions and sectors.
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