Changes in Human Population Density and Protected Areas in Terrestrial Global Biodiversity Hotspots, 1995–2015

Abstract

Biodiversity hotspots are rich in endemic species and threatened by anthropogenic influences and, thus, considered priorities for conservation. In this study, conservation achievements in 36 global biodiversity hotspots (25 identified in 1988, 10 added in 2011, and one in 2016) were evaluated in relation to changes in human population density and protected area coverage between 1995 and 2015. Population densities were compared against 1995 global averages, and percentages of protected area coverage were compared against area-based targets outlined in Aichi target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (17% by 2020) and calls for half Earth (50%). The two factors (average population density and percent protected area coverage) for each hotspot were then plotted to evaluate relative levels of threat to biodiversity conservation. Average population densities in biodiversity hotspots increased by 36% over the 20-year period, and were double the global average. The protected area target of 17% is achieved in 19 of the 36 hotspots; the 17 hotspots where this target has not been met are economically disadvantaged areas as defined by Gross Domestic Product. In 2015, there are seven fewer hotspots (22 in 1995; 15 in 2015) in the highest threat category (i.e., population density exceeding global average, and protected area coverage less than 17%). In the lowest threat category (i.e., population density below the global average, and a protected area coverage of 17% or more), there are two additional hotspots in 2015 as compared to 1995, attributable to gains in protected area. Only two hotspots achieve a target of 50% protection. Although conservation progress has been made in most global biodiversity hotspots, additional efforts are needed to slow and/or reduce population density and achieve protected area targets. Such conservation efforts are likely to require more coordinated and collaborative initiatives, attention to biodiversity objectives beyond protected areas, and support from the global community.

Today's protected areas: supporting a more sustainable future for humanity

“…Note that global GDP has grown from US$ 3.4 trillion in 1970 to over US$ 87 trillion in 2019, an increase in economic activity of 25 times at the same time that wild species populations were declining by 60%. As an indication of the conflict between human population and wild biodiversity in the 36 “biodiversity hotspots”—areas that are rich in endemic species and threatened by human activities (Myers 1988)—average human population densities in the hotspots increased by 36% from 1995 to 2015, a rate double the global average (Cunningham & Beazley 2018).…”

Emerging Paradigms for Biodiversity and Protected Areas

“…In their assessment of global biodiversity hotspots, Cunningham and Beazley [41] point out the imperative to attend to both the wellbeing of the people who live there and the establishment of more protected areas. They identify that most hotspots in which protection has not yet reached 17% are located in countries that are struggling economically and also dealing with war, famine, social unrest, and rapid sea level rise.…”

“…Emphasizing the increasing pressures on protected areas from outside their boundaries, Cunningham and Beazley [41] evaluated conservation threats in global biodiversity hotspots based on changes in human population density and protected area coverage. Over a 20-year timeframe (1995-2015), average population densities in the hotspots increased by 36%, double the global average.…”

“…Globalization and externalization of cost are major drivers of biodiversity declines (Weinzettel et al 2018) [64] as acknowledged by Cunningham and Beazley [41] and by Githiru and Njambuya [62]. There are growing trends and tensions in framing conservation policy in terms of ecosystem services rather than biodiversity (Cimon-Morin et al 2013 [3]; Kusmanoff et al 2017 [65]) with implications across boundaries at local to global scales.…”

Screening of tree seedling survival rate under field condition in Tanqua Abergelle and Weri-Leke Weredas, Tigray, Ethiopia

“…Densities of human populations were then low. As the number of people rapidly increased and changed forest into agricultural land (FAO, 2017;Cunningham and Beazley, 2018). Moreover, the flux of peoples to communal forests to collect fire wood and materials for agricultural tools created high pressure on natural stands.…”