Key Opportunities

© Basak Avcioglu

Transformative Conservation Opportunities

Using the following approaches, we can transform the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation in mediterranean systems, both globally and regionally.

Global Institutions

At all geographic scales, the success of conservation depends on effective coordination between the scientific and political arenas. Involving social scientists and practitioners in the conservation dialogue is critical; so is the need for a seamless connection between research and implementation. Affiliation with well-established global institutions such as Diversitas, International Mechanism of Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity (IMOSEB), and the Millennium Assessment and Convention on Biological Diversity can help facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge, keep the world better informed about mediterranean biodiversity, and build political institutions that promote sustainable land uses.

Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital

People depend on ecosystems for clean water, fertile soils, food, fuel, storm protection, and flood control, yet the value of these assets is rarely factored into government and industry decisions. Compared to other forms of capital, natural capital is poorly understood and rarely monitored – and in many cases, these services are being rapidly degraded and depleted. Placing an economic value on these ecosystem services may generate new funding and provide new partners in biodiversity conservation. It may also help to advance conservation beyond protected-area strategies, towards one that is more fully integrated with human needs.

Return on Investment

The high land values in many mediterranean regions mean the cost of conservation is also high – so it’s important to use conservation resources efficiently and effectively. Analytical tools that factor in the cost of conservation can help conservation practitioners and decision makers get the greatest possible biodiversity “return on investment.” Much of the pioneering research into those tools was focused on Mediterranean ecoregions. Further research and development, such as conducting a retrospective analysis, or finding ways to use natural capital as the return on investment, could make these tools even more useful.

Partnership Networks

Whatever project or region of Mediterranean Biome they’re involved with, conservation scientists and practitioners can benefit from the experience of others. Conservation Action Networks have been successful at uniting conservation efforts that share common themes or challenges, such as fire management (e.g., the US Fire Learning Network), or island restoration (e.g., Micronesians in Island Conservation). The Global Mediterranean Action Network is designed to encourage collaboration and learning across all five mediterranean regions.