Building on RESOLVE’s ground-breaking study, global collaborations are transforming research into real-world conservation outcomes.
Since its June 2024 publication in Frontiers in Conservation Science, the article Conservation Imperatives: Securing the Last Unprotected Terrestrial Sites Harboring Irreplaceable Biodiversity has garnered over 37,000 reads, 5,000 downloads, and appeared in more than 170 news articles worldwide. Conservation groups have embraced the study’s site maps to guide planning, research, and fundraising efforts to protect these critical areas.
On November 15, Frontiers in Science hosted a forum featuring co-authors Dr. Eric Dinerstein and Andy Lee, who presented the study’s concept and methodologies. They were joined by Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari, President of the Center for Conservation Innovations Philippines, who shared progress and challenges in implementing Conservation Imperatives locally, and Dr. Stephen Woodley of IUCN Canada, who discussed integrating the framework with global biodiversity standards. Panelists also addressed audience questions on indigenous roles, accelerating protections, and fostering collaboration. Over 190 attendees from 47 countries joined the well-received session, boosting the paper’s visibility and impact. A recording of the webinar is now available here.
Since early 2024, with support from co-author Haley Mellin and her organization Art into Acres, RESOLVE has been collaborating with regional biodiversity experts and conservation groups to conduct country-level site assessments of Conservation Imperatives sites and to develop proposals for rapidly expanding protection in key regions. In Brazil, co-author Professor Carlos Peres and his team of biologists identified 10 priority sites and created actionable proposals for immediate protections in partnership with local NGOs. In the Philippines, Dr. Mallari’s team is addressing site-specific challenges, while similar initiatives in Indonesia, India, and Peru emphasize the framework’s potential to catalyze vital conservation work at the country level.
As part of this work, RESOLVE has compiled a growing list of priority projects ready for implementation but in need of funding. These projects represent concrete opportunities to protect irreplaceable biodiversity and ensure the rapid expansion of protected areas. We invite funders and conservation partners to support these efforts. If you are interested in learning more or collaborating on these initiatives, please contact us for details. RESOLVE and our partners are now focused on formalizing protections and fostering collaborations to sustain these gains. This growing movement exemplifies the power of global and local efforts to protect Earth’s most critical ecosystems. Stay connected for updates and ways to support this vital work.
Andy Lee | Conservation Solutions
At RESOLVE, we’re here to tackle the toughest global challenges. The ones nobody else wants to touch. Where people are in conflict and planet problems are stuck. We’re here to unstick them. It’s not easy. It takes grit and ingenuity. And finding and working with the right partners. But we’re not called RESOLVE for nothing.
