News & Comment

Biodiversity data sharing can be politically fraught in regions where trust is fragile, both between and within countries. Marine ecologist Reem AlMealla, founder of Nuwat for Environmental Research & Education in Bahrain, discusses how trust can be built into data-sharing governance in the Persian–Arabian Gulf and other low-trust regions.

The new High Seas Treaty presents an unprecedented opportunity to protect and sustainably use the biodiversity in an area that covers nearly half the planet. Jane Lubchenco calls on scientists to help it to succeed by encouraging rapid global ratification, promoting science-based decisions and identifying strong options for effective marine protected areas.

Biodiversity conservation efforts in Iran are affected by economic sanctions. Masoud Yousefi, at the University of Tehran, highlights the effects of sanctions and calls for international support, alongside internal involvement of rural societies and Indigenous communities in conservation programmes, to preserve Iran’s biodiversity and help to address global biodiversity loss.

The mining industry has decades of experience in restoration, biodiversity management and conservation, often beyond the mine fence. Emma Gagen, Director of Data and Research at the International Council on Mining and Metals, argues that sustainable mining companies can navigate the challenges to achieving no net loss or a net gain of biodiversity.

Why do academics and practitioners volunteer to participate in global scientific assessments for decision-making, such as the IPCC or IPBES? There are many barriers, but also benefits, both personal and scientific, for those who become authors, encourages Daniela Schmidt.