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A youth movement guided by social–ecological justice is a powerful lever in addressing biodiversity loss. The Global Youth Biodiversity Network operates through local-to-global-to-local linkages as well as collective and community-based action, and illustrates pathways, challenges and opportunities for transformative change. Action across society is required to enable strong and sustained youth movements.
Biodiversity science laments how little is known about the planet’s biodiversity, yet routinely discards much of the taxonomic evidence generated during species description. Digitally native species conceived and maintained in machine-actionable environments can both address shortcomings and broaden participation in taxonomy.
Assessments by intergovernmental bodies aim to inform decision-makers, but the conventions of systematic review often limit meaningful incorporation of non-scientific disciplines such as law. This epistemic exclusion limits the potential of law and other knowledges to contribute to transformative societal and environmental change.
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.
Defining non-native populations is essential yet challenging in freshwater systems, where policy relies on administrative borders and science on ecological units. This mismatch complicates regulation, risk assessment and biosecurity. We propose a basin-first, population-level classification that distinguishes intrabasin from interbasin nativity to better support coherent, ecologically grounded policy and management.
Our team reflects on a successful first year and discusses our continued aspiration to be an outlet for effective syntheses of essential advances in biodiversity science and policy.
Biodiversity surveys and monitoring programmes hold promise for guiding evidence-based conservation in China, but inconsistent survey methodologies, insufficient oversight and flawed data management undermine the reliability and utility of these datasets. China should draw on international best practices to improve data integration, verification, and management, to ultimately strengthen its conservation outcomes.
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.
