Equilibrium Research

In an early November 2024 number of the journal “Nature” Conor Rossi and over 50 coauthors published a magnificent paper on the genomic natural history of aurochs (https://lnkd.in/gQiSTq6C). For those not up on what an auroch was, Rossi and colleagues remind us that this magnificent animal, weighing up to 1500 kgs, has been intertwined with human culture and society as a prey animal, the subject of spectacular cave art, and the progenitor of the domestic cow (Bos taurus). The last cow auroch was shot in Poland in 1627. The auroch is no more except in the imagination of European re-wilding enthusiasts and de-extinction fans, in literature and in film (see “Beasts of the Southern Wild”). However, it lives on in domestic cattle which currently comprise approximately one-third of the world’s mammalian biomass. It is deeply ironic that this publication and its celebration of a long-gone species of wild cattle comes shortly after a distressing revaluation of the conservation status of the banteng (Bos javanicus), a charismatic species of wild cattle from Southeast Asia. Based on an estimated global population decline of over 80% over the last two decades IUCN’s Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group downlisted banteng from Endangered to Critically Endangered (https://lnkd.in/gmgJx_zD). What is wrong with us that we devote the work of 50 scientists from 40 institutions to studying an extinct wild cattle species, mourning its passing, while averting our collective gaze from a close relative that might still be saved from the auroch’s fate. The wild relatives of domesticated animals remain a deeply troubling blind spot in the world’s community. We have devoted lifetimes and who knows how much money, time, and toil to saving the wild relatives of domesticated plants. But animals were left off the bandwagon, despite multiple pleas (see Smith et al. 2021. https://lnkd.in/gpv6Qv83 or our piece: Redford and Dudley 2018. https://lnkd.in/gUaqa_Gi). Belatedly, and only in a basement category of “complementary indicators” does Target 4 (Halt Species Extinction, Protect Genetic Diversity, ...) of the Global Biodiversity Framework call for keeping an eye on the Red List Index of wild relatives of domestic animals. A good start but hardly the right place to place the urgent human wellbeing and biodiversity outcome of ensuring thriving populations of wild relatives of horses, pigs, llamas, sheep, ducks, and the other species. We mourn the loss of aurochs, studying their ancient DNA, their likenesses in caves and the ghosts of their passing in modern cattle. But we have a chance to do something positive for banteng and all the other wild relatives of domestic animals. Where is the world community and the Food and Agriculture Organization on this issue?

🌍 IUCN's World Commission on Protected Areas has launched several new publications at #ColombiaCOP16. These resources offer practical insights on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and equitable governance—key elements for achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework. With comprehensive strategies that bridge science, policy, and action, these publications are essential for stakeholders committed to nature preservation and sustainable futures. 👉 Check them out here: https://lnkd.in/eDFyCnQx IUCN Madhu Rao Hedley Grantham Vanessa Adams Kendall Jones Sue Stolton Nigel Dudley Earth Insight Terence Hay-Edie Helen Tugendhat

🚨 New Report Launch: "Designing and managing protected and conserved areas to support inland water ecosystems and biodiversity" 🌊 This report, launched on #30x30 Action Day at #COP16, is IUCN WCPA’s first-ever guidance focused on inland water ecosystems and the biodiversity that depends on them. As the #GBF calls for the inclusion of inland water in the target to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030, this report provides guidance in employing protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures to benefit these critical ecosystems. 🔑 Key elements of the report include: 💡 Insights into what make inland waters distinct when designing and managing protected and conserved areas as they are connected, dynamic systems, and maintaining connectivity and flows are critical to the systems’ health.  🌍 Dozens of global case studies which highlight that inland waters protections are possible, they can contribute to meeting 30x30 goals, and are essential for bending the curve of biodiversity loss. Around the world, new mechanisms designed specifically for protecting and conserving inland waters and their key ecological attributes are emerging. 🤝 A close look at how inland waters are intertwined with human lives, livelihoods and well-being. The report highlights frameworks, resources, and examples for understanding these relationships and setting the foundation for durable conservation approaches that prioritise human rights, equity and diverse governance. This publication provides a pathway for countries to explicitly include inland waters in their Target 3 national plans, conservation objectives, management plans and indicators. 📄 The full report, produced by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), The Nature Conservancy, WWF, IUCN SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee and Equilibrium Research, is now available: https://lnkd.in/eNsSjssN  #COP16Colombia #BiodiversityFramework #KunmingMontreal #Freshwaterbiodiversity #InlandWaters #Wetlands Robin Abell, Nigel Dudley, Ian Harrison Shi Teng KANG Flavia Rocha Loures, LL.M, Ph.D Tara Moberg Michele Thieme, Hannah Timmins, Caitlin Doughty Suman Jumani Madhu Rao, Stephen Woodley, Harry Jonas, Sue Stolton

#COP16Colombia starts today! Called ‘Implementation COP’, negotiations will focus on finalising and agreeing on mechanisms for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in December 2022 at COP15. Colombia, as COP President, has identified three key priorities to be addressed at #COP16: 🎯 Translating GBF targets into ambitious and aligned national commitments 📉 Finalising implementation mechanisms for planning, monitoring, reporting 💰 Adoption of a multilateral agreement on the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including a global fund 📑 Read our study focusing on implementation mechanisms for the GBF and progress made so far in implementation ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eAUVHRdS 🎙 Listen to our #podcast with Gabrielle Aubert and Nigel Dudley Equilibrium Research ➡ YouTube - https://lnkd.in/eprNam-D ➡ Spotify - https://lnkd.in/edxrbCPu