An evidence-base for developing ambitious yet realistic national biodiversity targets

Biodiversity targets are a key tool, used at a global and national policy level, to align biodiversity goals, promote conservation action, and recover nature. Yet most biodiversity targets are not met. In England, the government has committed to legally-binding targets to halt and recover the decline in species abundance by 2030 and 2042. We present evidence from recent population trends of 670 terrestrial animal species (for which abundance time series are available) as a species abundance indicator, together with a synthesis of case studies on species recovery, to assess the degree to which these targets are achievable. The case studies demonstrate that recovery is possible through a range of approaches. The indicator demonstrates that theoretically targets can be achieved by addressing severe declines in a relatively small number of species, as well as creating smaller benefits for many species through landscape-scale interventions. The fact that multiple pathways exist to achieve the species abundance targets in England presents choices but also raises the possibility that targets might be reached with perverse consequences. We demonstrate that evidence on achievability is a necessary but not sufficient condition for determining what is required to deliver conservation outcomes and restore biodiversity.

Automated summary

Biodiversity targets are important tools used to align biodiversity goals, promote conservation action, and recover nature. However, most of these targets are not met. The government of England has committed to legally-binding targets to halt and recover species decline by specific years. We present evidence and case studies to assess the achievability of these targets and demonstrate that recovery is possible through various approaches. The existence of multiple pathways to achieve the targets raises choices and the possibility of unintended consequences.