Worldwide, billions of people depend on tens of thousands of wild species. And so we need to be more careful with it, researchers emphasize.

You may not even realize it, but billions of people, in both developed and developing countries, depend on wild species every day. Yet it appears that over-exploitation and depletion are lurking, as a result of which we are increasingly heading for a biodiversity crisis. Millions of plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction. Fortunately, a new report from the IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) offers important tools for more sustainable use of wild species, which provide people with daily livelihoods.

Wild species

Just to throw in some numbers, 70 percent of the world’s poor are directly dependent on wild species—species that are not tamed, cultivated, or farmed. “For example, 1 in five people depend on wild plants, algae and fungi for food and income, while 2.4 billion people still use firewood for cooking,” said researcher Marla Emery. In addition, millions of people are employed in small-scale fishing. Don’t forget about tourism, too, with protected areas attracting countless visitors every year to spot wildlife. “From the fish we eat to medicine, cosmetics, decoration and recreation, the use of wild species is far more common than most people probably realize,” Emery said. According to the researchers, at least 50,000 wild plant and animal species meet the needs of billions of people worldwide. But this important resource is under a lot of pressure these days.

Biodiversity Crisis

This is mainly because millions of species are currently threatened with extinction. “A lack of complementary alternatives often forces people to further exploit wild species that are already at risk,” said study researcher Jean-Marc Fromentin. It has far-reaching consequences. For example, the survival of an estimated 12 percent of wild tree species is threatened by unsustainable logging. In addition, hunting endangers as many as 1,341 wild mammal species. “Overexploitation is one of the major threats to the survival of many species on both land and water,” said study researcher John Donaldson. “Tackling the root causes of unsustainable uses and, where possible, reversing these trends will benefit both wild species and the people who depend on them.”

Sustainable use

A recently released report by the IPBES, the result of four years of work and involving 85 leading experts and 200 authors, is therefore timely. Among other things, the new report provides insights, analysis and tools to achieve ‘more sustainable use’ of wild species (including plants, animals, fungi and algae). ‘Sustainable use’, according to the researchers, is achieved when biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are preserved while at the same time contributing to human well-being.

Policy

In the report, the researchers set out several policy options that can be implemented to promote sustainable use of wild species. For example, the report highlights policies that safeguard property rights and support equal access to land, fisheries and forests create important preconditions.

Indigenous peoples

Moreover, we can also learn something from indigenous peoples. “Indigenous management of biodiversity is often embedded in local knowledge, practices and spirituality,” Emery says. “The sustainable use of wild species is central to the identity and existence of many indigenous and local communities. These practices and cultures are diverse, but there are common values, including the obligation to respect nature, give back what is taken, avoid waste and ensure fair and equitable distribution.” It is therefore important, according to the report, to bring scientists and indigenous peoples together so that they can learn from each other. This can enhance the sustainable use of wild species.

Challenges

In addition, there are also some challenges to overcome. For example, climate change, increasing demand and technological progress may threaten the sustainable use of wild species in the future. However, the researchers have devised actions that could help address these challenges. For fisheries, for example, this would mean reducing illegal and unregulated fishing while supporting small-scale fishermen. For forestry, this would include forest management and certification, as well as economic and political initiatives that recognize the rights of indigenous peoples.

Overall, the researchers argue that a “transformative change” is needed in our relationship with wild species. Furthermore, ambitious goals are necessary, but not sufficient, to drive these transformative changes. The report also notes that the world is dynamic and sustainable use of wild species requires constant negotiation and adaptive management, in addition to a common vision. “Sustainable use of wild species is vital for all people, in all communities,” emphasizes Anne Larigauderie, Executive Secretary of the IPBES. “This new report will help decision-makers around the world choose policies and actions that better bring people and nature together.”