The Pivotal Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Biodiversity Conservation

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A social outcomes ladder of 6 types of roles of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conservation governance, based on synthesis of 648 empirical studies.


As global biodiversity continues to face threats from various fronts, the role of Indigenous peoples (IPs) and local communities (LCs) has never been more crucial. A recent study published in One Earth underscores the need for an equitable governance approach that recognizes and empowers these groups, offering sustainable and effective solutions to conservation challenges. Let’s look at transformative roles that IPs and LCs can play in biodiversity conservation, in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

Understanding the Global Biodiversity Framework

The Global Biodiversity Framework, established during the Kunming-Montreal conference, sets ambitious targets to safeguard the planet’s biological resources. A key target within this framework is the conservation of 30% of land and sea areas by 2030 through equitably governed systems. This goal emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse values, ensuring rights to ancestral territories, upholding cultural practices, and involving all relevant actors in decision-making processes to achieve effective conservation outcomes.

Empirical Evidence and Ecological Outcomes

A comprehensive review of 648 empirical studies reveals that conservation initiatives where IPs and LCs have equal partnership or primary control lead to more positive ecological outcomes. This evidence strongly supports a governance model that respects and integrates the knowledge systems and customary practices of IPs and LCs, enhancing biodiversity conservation’s effectiveness and sustainability.

The Changing Paradigm of Conservation Governance

Traditional conservation methods often overlooked the intrinsic value and knowledge of IPs and LCs, limiting their roles to mere participants. However, a shift towards equitable governance is gaining momentum, where these communities are not only participants but leaders with significant control and recognition of their traditional values and institutions. This approach is proving essential for the ecological success of conservation efforts.

Roles of IPs and LCs in Governance

The typology of roles that IPs and LCs can assume in conservation governance ranges from excluded to autonomous.

The typology structure includes six distinct roles that reflect varying levels of participation, influence, and control:

  1. Excluded: IPs and LCs have no participation or benefits.

  2. Consultees: Minimal influence despite receiving some information or benefits.

  3. Stakeholders: Some ability to influence decisions but limited control.

  4. Partners: Equal partners or co-managers, sharing power in conservation efforts.

  5. Primary Control: Primary authority with respected leadership and rights, though not fully autonomous.

  6. Autonomous: Full autonomy with their knowledge and institutions fully recognized.

Each role on this spectrum provides insights into how different levels of involvement and control impact conservation outcomes. The findings advocate for policies that elevate IPs and LCs from mere stakeholders to leaders, recognizing their capability to manage and conserve natural resources effectively.

Overview of Intervention Types in Conservation Initiatives

Theories about involvement in conservation management suggest that decision-making is a complex process that includes many participants from different levels, all with their own interests and levels of power. The types of interventions identified in the reviewed cases include:

  • Protected and Conserved Areas (67.9%): Most common, focusing on designated areas for biodiversity preservation.

  • Livelihood Projects or Tourism Ventures (56.9%): Projects supporting sustainable livelihoods or integrating conservation with tourism.

  • Species Protection or Sustainable Use Regulations (53.9%): Efforts focused on specific species protection or sustainable resource use.

  • Local or Indigenous Stewardship (36.7%): Direct management or major influence by IPs and LCs in conservation efforts.

  • Ecosystem Restoration (15.7%): Initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems to their natural states.

  • Incentives, Compensation, Revenue Sharing, or Market Instruments (13.6%): Economic tools to promote conservation.

  • Education and Capacity Building (10.6%): Focus on educating IPs and LCs and building their capacity for conservation.

This complexity means we need to carefully analyze how much influence different participants have at various stages of the conservation efforts. Instead of using simple measures like how often IPs and LCs attend meetings or their personal views on conservation, we should look more deeply at how meaningful their participation is and how the conservation processes are governed. This detailed examination will help us better understand the true role of IPs and LCs in making conservation decisions.

Statistical Analysis and Policy Implications

Statistical analyses corroborate that higher degrees of control and participation by IPs and LCs correlate with favorable ecological and social outcomes. These outcomes not only emphasize the need for a policy shift towards more inclusive governance but also highlight the importance of IPs and LCs in achieving the targets set by the Global Biodiversity Framework. The study suggests that empowering IPs and LCs is not just beneficial but necessary for the long-term success of global biodiversity conservation.

Summing Up

The pivotal role of IPs and LCs in biodiversity conservation is clear. By transitioning to governance models that provide full recognition and control to these communities, conservation efforts can be significantly more effective and equitable. It’s time for conservation policies and practices to reflect this reality, ensuring that IPs and LCs are at the forefront of the decision-making processes, thus safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

Source: Dawson, N. M., Coolsaet, B., Bhardwaj, A., Booker, F., Brown, D., Lliso, B., Loos, J., Martin, A., Oliva, M., Pascual, U., Sherpa, P., & Worsdell, T. (2024). Is it just conservation? A typology of Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ roles in conserving biodiversity. One Earth.

The Impact of Climate Change on Arctic Streams: The Rise of “Orange” Waters

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Tracking the effects of iron mobilization on stream food webs. Images of a headwater tributary of the Akillik River in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska, illustrating a shift from clearwater on June 12, 2017 (a) to orange stream conditions on August 30, 2018 (b). The blue arrows point to the same boulder near the confluence. c Stream food web data collected in before (September 2017) and after (September 2018) the color change demonstrates the reduction in benthic biofilmproduction, corresponding decline in benthic macroinvertebrate density, and a complete loss of resident fish (DV = Dolly Varden, SS = Slimy Sculpin). The open white circles in (c) represent observations where species absence was documented.


The Arctic is experiencing profound environmental changes due to climate change, with significant alterations in watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry. Hydrology is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and management of water. Biogeochemistry is the scientific study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment.

A recent study highlights a concerning phenomenon: the discoloration of streams in Alaska’s Brooks Range, turning from clear to orange. This discoloration is attributed primarily to increased concentrations of iron and toxic metals, a direct result of permafrost thaw.

Permafrost Thaw and Metal Mobilization

Permafrost, perennially frozen ground that has remained so for two or more consecutive years, is a crucial component of the Arctic ecosystem. It acts as a massive reservoir for organic carbon and metals, which, when thawed, begin to mobilize into the watershed. The study documents that this thawing, exacerbated by rapid warming and increased snowfall over the last decade, is leading to the rusting of Arctic streams, visible in their striking orange coloration. This discoloration is primarily due to the mobilization of iron (Fe) and other metals through the process of sulfide mineral weathering.

Impact on Water Quality

The transition of these streams from clear to orange is not just a superficial change. It reflects a significant degradation in water quality, characterized by lower pH levels, higher turbidity, and increased concentrations of sulfate, iron, and trace metals. These environmental shifts pose a considerable risk to the aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them. The research indicates dramatic declines in macroinvertebrate diversity and fish abundance in affected streams, pointing to a broader ecological crisis.

Biological Consequences

The biological impact of these changes is profound. The study notes a marked decrease in the diversity and abundance of aquatic life, crucial for maintaining the health of these ecosystems. Fish species, a key component of local subsistence diets, are particularly affected, with populations dwindling as their habitats degrade.

Broader Implications for Local Communities

The implications of these environmental changes extend beyond ecology. For rural communities in Alaska, which rely heavily on subsistence fishing and natural water sources, the degradation of stream quality poses a direct threat to food security and water safety. The research emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention to mitigate these impacts and protect community health and livelihoods.



Conceptual models of hypothesized processes contributing to the discoloration of Arctic streams in Alaska’s Brooks Range. The illustration includes consequences for water quality, aquatic food webs, and human implications, including drinking water and subsistence fishing.

Urgent Measures Required

The discoloration of Arctic streams serves as a visible indicator of deeper environmental disturbances linked to climate change. This situation calls for urgent research and adaptive management strategies to address the impacts of permafrost thaw. It highlights the necessity for increased monitoring to track the progression of these changes and for developing strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on Arctic waterways and the communities that depend on them.

Summing Up

The rusting of Arctic streams is more than an environmental curiosity; it is a clarion call highlighting the urgent need for action in the face of climate change. As permafrost continues to thaw, understanding its impact on Arctic hydrology and biogeochemistry becomes crucial. This study lays the groundwork for further research and action, aiming to preserve the Arctic’s ecological integrity and ensure the health and safety of its inhabitants.

Exploring Climate-Related Financial Risks: Insights from the Federal Reserve’s Pilot CSA Exercise

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Federal Reserve Board Building, 1936 (Paul Philippe Cret, architect). The Eccles Building. Credit: Photo by Pedrik, Flickr.


In May 2024, the Federal Reserve Board conducted a pilot Climate Scenario Analysis (CSA) exercise involving six of the largest U.S. bank holding companies—Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo. This exploratory exercise was designed to assess how these major financial institutions manage and understand the potential impacts of climate-related financial risks on their operations.

Objectives of the Pilot CSA Exercise

The primary goal of the pilot CSA was to enhance the ability of both banks and regulatory bodies to identify, estimate, monitor, and manage climate-related financial risks effectively. By simulating both physical and transition risks associated with climate change, the exercise aimed to test the resilience of business models to a range of climate scenarios.

Key Insights from the Exercise

The pilot CSA exercise highlighted varied approaches to climate risk among banks, significant data gaps, and the critical role of insurance in risk mitigation. The unpredictability of climate event timings adds complexity to integrating these risks into existing frameworks.

  • Varied Methodological Approaches: The exercise revealed that participating banks utilized diverse approaches to integrate climate risk scenarios into their risk assessments. These varied primarily due to differences in their business models, data accessibility, and previous experiences with similar exercises in other jurisdictions.

  • Significant Data and Modeling Challenges: One of the critical challenges highlighted was the lack of comprehensive and consistent data, particularly related to property characteristics and the climate risk management plans of counterparties. Many banks depended on external vendors to supplement these data gaps.

  • The Crucial Role of Insurance: The pilot underscored the importance of insurance in mitigating climate risks. The changing landscape of the insurance industry, including fluctuating costs and coverage, was noted as a critical area for ongoing monitoring.

  • Concerns Over Indirect and Chronic Risks: Participants acknowledged the need to better understand the broader economic impacts of local disruptions and long-term changes such as sea level rise, which are essential for comprehensive risk management.

  • Uncertainty in Risk Measurement: The inherent uncertainties around the timing and severity of climate impacts make it challenging for banks to integrate these risks into their standard risk management frameworks.

Building on these key insights, the exercise delved into specific risk modules to further explore how these challenges manifest in the context of physical and transition risks.

Modules Explored in the Exercise

The Physical Risk Module analyzed the impacts of climate events like hurricanes on real estate portfolios, while the Transition Risk Module evaluated the economic effects of shifting to a lower-carbon economy on asset values and business operations.

  • Physical Risk Module: This module focused on the direct impacts of acute climate-related events like hurricanes and floods on banks’ real estate portfolios, examining both immediate property damages and subsequent credit risks.

  • Transition Risk Module: It dealt with the financial strains from transitioning towards a lower-carbon economy, capturing risks to asset values and the overall viability of business operations.

The key insights from the pilot CSA exercise, which highlighted varied methodological approaches and significant data challenges, directly informed the focus and findings of the Physical and Transition Risk Modules that assessed the impacts of climate-related events and economic transitions on financial institutions.

Governance and Risk Management Enhancements

The exercise prompted banks to adapt their existing governance frameworks to address the specific challenges posed by climate risks. This adaptation included integrating tailored internal controls and audit processes to ensure compliance and effectiveness in managing these new risk types.

Importance of a Healthy Financial System to Climate Concerns

A healthy financial system is vital for addressing climate concerns as it supports funding for climate initiatives, ensures economic stability, facilitates effective insurance and risk management, allocates resources efficiently, funds innovation and research, and boosts consumer confidence and spending.

Summing Up

The pilot CSA exercise highlighted the complex nature of climate-related financial risks and the critical need for banks to continue enhancing their data handling, modeling techniques, and scenario analysis to capture these risks accurately. As banks work towards these improvements, the insights gained from this exercise will help in shaping better practices and policies to protect the financial system from potential climate disruptions.

Source: Federal Reserve Board. (2024). Pilot Climate Scenario Analysis Exercise Summary: Summary of Participants’ Risk-Management Practices and Estimates. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.