Senior ecologists emphasize the need for an ecosystem approach to halt UK wildlife decline
Senior ecologists are urging for an ecosystem approach as the only way to prevent the disappearance of UK wildlife and safeguard the essential ecosystem services that nature provides. A new report released by the British Ecological Society and National Trust highlights the importance of ecosystems functioning in a resilient manner for the wellbeing of humans in the coming years.
The report titled Aligning Environmental Agendas for Nature Recovery stresses the significance of policymakers aligning their efforts at COP30 to address climate, nature, human health, and prosperity collectively. Professor Sir John Lawton, in the Foreword of the report, emphasizes the critical nature of this alignment, stating, “It’s hard to think of anything more important.”
Livelihoods
While there have been some successes in conserving individual species, the fragmented strategies in place are not comprehensive enough. One in six species in the UK is facing extinction, posing a threat to the crucial ecosystem services that form the foundation of our society.
Recent initiatives by UK governments to support nature recovery, including legally binding targets in the Environment Act, have been launched. However, these plans primarily focus on isolated components of ecosystems such as species, water quality, and carbon, rather than considering the entire interconnected system.
An ecosystem approach to nature recovery incorporates people and complements species and habitat conservation by taking into account the entire ecological system, including human activities. Professor Nathalie Pettorelli OBE from the Institute of Zoology, ZSL, and lead author of the report emphasizes the importance of ecosystems in our daily lives, stating, “The food we eat, that’s ecosystems. Climate regulation, that’s ecosystems. Protection from extreme weather events, that’s ecosystems. To put it simply, if ecosystems go, we go.”
One successful implementation of an ecosystem approach can be seen in Lyme Bay, Dorset, where the protection of the rocky reef was integrated into a comprehensive management plan for the entire area. This approach considered the activities and livelihoods of local communities, leading to a 95% increase in the total abundance of marine organisms over seven years. In contrast, a nearby Special Area of Conservation that employed a feature-based management approach only saw a 15% recovery.
Restoration projects on the River Wensum in Norfolk also adopted an ecosystem approach by incorporating riparian zone restoration and agricultural land management. By considering both people and nature, these projects resulted in significant improvements in water quality, fish populations, and invertebrate diversity. The benefits extended to farming communities and recreational users, showcasing the effectiveness of a holistic approach.
Dr. Martin Wilkes from the University of Essex, a report author, highlights the interconnectedness of freshwater environments, stating, “The improvements to river health could not have been achieved through isolated conservation actions. In freshwater environments, the connectivity is clear, what happens upstream impacts what happens downstream.”
