Industrial wastelands to wildlife oases: The 5 nature wins that have actually worked

There’s a treasure trove of ways to save species in decline, and restore their habitats so they can live safely. In a healthy state, rich and biodiverse habitats can replenish our water, air, soil and reduce the risk of dangerous contagious diseases.

A major study revealed this year that conservation efforts are generally effective at reducing global biodiversity loss. International researchers spent 10 years assessing conservation measures, including the establishment of protected areas, habitat restoration and eradicating invasive species. They found that in most cases (66%) these measures improved the state of biodiversity or slowed its decline.

The need for conservation projects like these is growing in urgency. Two years ago, leaders of more than 100 nations signed up to the most ambitious international effort to save the world’s nature: to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. In October 2024, world leaders have again gathered to take stock of the global progress to protect biodiversity, in Cali, Colombia.

So far, the world is a long way off track: just 17% of land and 8% of our oceans are under some form of designated protection, according to The Nature Conservancy – though the area where protection is enforced effectively is likely less.