Global Biodiversity at a Crossroads: The Need for Data in Conservation and Peacebuilding

The World Bank’s study highlights the urgent need for reliable biodiversity data to drive conservation efforts, especially in conflict zones and transboundary ecosystems. It argues that biodiversity protection can foster international cooperation, bridging political divides through shared environmental goals.

The World Bank’s Development Research Group, Development Data Group, and Environment Global Department have published a crucial study, Bridging Conflicts and Biodiversity Protection: The Critical Role of Reliable and Comparable Data, shedding light on the alarming state of global biodiversity. The research underscores the necessity of robust and comparable data in tackling conservation challenges, particularly in geopolitically sensitive regions. Biodiversity, essential for ecological balance, human well-being, and economic growth, is declining at an unprecedented rate, with extinction levels surging nearly 1,000 times the natural baseline. Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, and illegal wildlife trade have pushed many species to the brink of extinction. Despite growing awareness, conservation efforts are often undermined by weak governance, transboundary disputes, and political instability. The study argues that biodiversity protection is especially difficult in regions with unclear legal status, active conflicts, and shared ecosystems, where policies are either poorly enforced or nonexistent.

Mapping Biodiversity in Conflict Zones

Using newly developed species occurrence maps based on open-access data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the research evaluates biodiversity trends across 35 disputed territories, 19 conflict-affected countries, 20 fragile states, 18 marine joint regimes, and 311 international river basins. These regions are home to numerous species, many of which are endemic, have limited habitat ranges, or are at high risk of extinction. The findings emphasize the urgent need for transboundary collaboration, as many ecosystems cross national boundaries and require cooperative management. The researchers highlight that biodiversity conservation can act as a bridge for peacebuilding, fostering trust between divided communities. Shared environmental goals such as climate resilience and sustainable resource management can create opportunities for cooperation. However, the success of such efforts hinges on the availability of accurate and reliable data that policymakers can use to develop effective strategies.

The Impact of Human Conflict on Biodiversity

The study illustrates how human conflict exacerbates biodiversity loss by damaging ecosystems and preventing conservation efforts. In conflict zones such as Syria and Yemen, governance has collapsed, leading to widespread deforestation, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction. Military activities further degrade the environment, while institutional weaknesses make enforcement of conservation laws impossible. Fragile states, grappling with economic hardships, often prioritize short-term survival over long-term environmental protection, resulting in unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Similarly, transboundary river basins, which supply water to billions of people, are frequently mismanaged due to political disputes and governance failures. These shared resources require coordinated management, but geopolitical tensions often obstruct sustainable policies. The research highlights that without accurate, location-specific data, these challenges will persist, leaving biodiversity in these regions increasingly vulnerable.

Governance Gaps in Conservation and Policy Failures

The study exposes significant governance gaps in transboundary river basins and marine joint regimes, which encompass vast and ecologically rich areas. Many of these regions lack clear legal frameworks or structured environmental agreements, leading to unregulated resource exploitation. The paper finds that between 4.9% and 9.6% of critical species in transboundary basins reside in areas with no formal governance structure, putting them at heightened risk. The authors call for stronger international treaties, transboundary conservation initiatives, and enhanced institutional oversight to address these governance gaps. Some successful examples, such as the Nile Basin Initiative, have shown how cross-border collaboration can support environmental protection despite political tensions. However, many other initiatives lack the necessary data infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms to drive real impact. The study stresses that biodiversity data must be integrated into international conservation efforts to ensure evidence-based decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Biodiversity as a Tool for Diplomacy and Peace

One of the most compelling arguments in the research is that biodiversity conservation can serve as a diplomatic tool to foster peace and international cooperation. Scientific data offers a neutral foundation for dialogue, enabling conflicting nations to engage in discussions based on shared environmental interests rather than political disputes. The study references successful initiatives such as “Peace Parks” in Southern Africa, where transboundary conservation projects have helped build trust between governments. In the Middle East, joint environmental efforts such as restoring the Jordan River have encouraged collaboration between Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians. The report suggests that environmental protection can provide a non-political entry point for dialogue, opening the door to broader discussions on sustainable development and resource management.

The research also emphasizes the importance of expanding conservation efforts beyond traditional focal species. Historically, conservation policies have concentrated on large mammals, often neglecting invertebrates, plants, and other crucial species. The World Bank’s expanded datasets offer groundbreaking insights into nearly 600,000 species, significantly improving biodiversity assessments. The data highlight species-rich regions in urgent need of protection and provide valuable insights into extinction risks. The authors argue that this knowledge should be embedded into transboundary treaties, international conservation initiatives, and stabilization programs in conflict-affected areas to enhance biodiversity protection.

The findings serve as both a dire warning and a call to action. Without immediate and coordinated conservation efforts, biodiversity loss will accelerate, leading to severe consequences, including economic instability, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. However, the research also provides hope: by leveraging comprehensive and reliable data, biodiversity conservation can become a unifying force that strengthens international cooperation, supports sustainable development, and promotes peace. In a world increasingly shaped by conflict and geopolitical tension, protecting biodiversity offers a rare opportunity for shared progress and stability. The study urges global institutions, policymakers, and conservation organizations to prioritize data-driven strategies that safeguard biodiversity while fostering collaboration among nations.