A new study published in Conservation Biology offers valuable insights into improving national spatial planning for biodiversity conservation, a critical component of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The research, titled “Strengths and complementarity of systematic conservation planning and Key Biodiversity Area approaches for spatial planning,” emphasizes the importance of integrating Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) into national conservation strategies.

As a member of the Key Biodiversity Areas Partnership, the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) recognizes the significance of this study for global amphibian conservation efforts. The paper, led by Andy Plumptre and colleagues, explores how combining KBA identification with Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) can create more robust and effective spatial plans for biodiversity protection.

Key findings from the study include:

  1. Over 75% of existing published conservation plans using SCP have set poor target amounts for biodiversity elements, often using uniform percentage targets that favor more widespread and common species.
  2. Integrating KBA criteria, which focus on globally significant biodiversity, can help prioritize conservation efforts for species of greatest concern.
  3. KBAs provide crucial data on sites with globally important species populations and ecosystems, ensuring that conservation efforts are efficient and meaningful in preserving biodiversity.
  4. Combining KBA and SCP approaches can help nations develop stronger spatial plans that contribute to halting extinctions and reversing biodiversity loss – the core mission of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

The study aligns with IUCN Resolution 2020_081, which encourages all governments to incorporate KBA identification in their national spatial planning. For amphibian conservation, this integrated approach could be particularly valuable in identifying and protecting critical habitats for threatened species.

As countries work towards achieving Target 1 of the KMGBF, which calls for biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning by 2030, this research provides a timely roadmap for improving conservation strategies. The ASA encourages policymakers, conservation planners, and more to consider these findings in their efforts to protect amphibian biodiversity worldwide.

For a deeper dive into the methodologies and findings that could shape the next generation of conservation strategies, we recommend reading the full paper in Conservation Biology, available HERE.