Some key considerations for implementing the nexus approach in biodiversity conservation research and practice

The term biodiversity, a shortened form for biological diversity, was coined in the 1980s.^1,2 It refers to the variety and richness of life on Earth at all levels of organization, spanning from the genetic level to the species and ecological levels. Universally recognized as an irreplaceable asset to humankind, biodiversity stands as a cornerstone of paramount importance, intricately woven into the fabric of both present and future generations. In the late 1980s, as the alarming rate of species extinction caused by human activities became evident, the United Nations Environment Programme initiated efforts that led to the creation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which took effect in 1993.

The CBD defines biological diversity as “the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems” (Text of the Convention, Article 2, p. 4). Building upon this definition, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which was established in 2012, defines biodiversity as “the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. This includes variation in genetic, phenotypic, phylogenetic, and functional attributes, as well as changes in abundance and distribution over time and space within and among species, biological communities and ecosystems” (IPBES Glossary). Accordingly, the IPBES definition underscores the emphasis on living elements, aiming to adhere to the essence of the CBD definition while aligning more closely with contemporary ecological theory. ²

Until today, biodiversity loss and its impacts on humanity remain critical global issues.^3–6 Addressing these pressing concerns requires urgent actions and effective governance to facilitate coordinated efforts across various sectors of society, emphasizing that biodiversity conservation is a shared global concern. However, efforts toward biodiversity conservation have, for the most part, been siloed and independent.^7,8

The nexus approach, which emerged in the early 1980s, has evolved into a versatile tool for integrating systems, a platform for engaging stakeholders, and a method for exploring development pathways that consider the drivers and impacts of social and environmental changes, including climate change.^9,10 This approach acknowledges the interdependencies between sectors/systems, providing a promising framework for biodiversity conservation.

The importance of the nexus approach is increasingly recognized in the field of biodiversity conservation. Recent studies have shown a specific focus on “biodiversity” and “ecosystems” as nexus components. ¹⁰ In 2018, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, in partnership with the UNESCO-Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, initiated a project centered on the water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus. ¹¹ Currently, the IPBES is conducting a global nexus assessment that focuses on biodiversity, water, food and health (https://www.ipbes.net/nexus). As biodiversity conservation policies become rich and diverse, ¹² the need for effective coordination across sectors has increased, underscoring the critical need for a nexus approach to biodiversity conservation.

This Letter identifies some key interrelated considerations for implementing the nexus approach in biodiversity conservation research and practice. These considerations encompass nexus thinking, policy mainstreaming, stakeholder engagement, database improvement, and financial support (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Conceptual framework showing (i) biodiversity as one of the key nexus components and (ii) some key interrelated considerations for implementing the nexus approach in biodiversity conservation research and practice. Note that nexus components can be resource sectors, systems, or specific social-ecological issues.¹⁰ Earth image credit: Elico-Gaia.

Nexus thinking. The nexus approach emphasizes the need for integrated planning and management strategies that account for the intricate interactions between sectors/systems,^9,10,13 including but not limited to biodiversity, water, energy, food, climate, and health. By recognizing the interdependencies among these sectors/systems, trade-offs and synergies can be better assessed, aligning conservation efforts with sustainability goals. This alignment facilitates the identification of transformative changes ⁸ that can help balance conservation and human wellbeing. Hence, nexus thinking is fundamental to applying the nexus approach to biodiversity conservation research and practice, highlighting the need to acknowledge that biodiversity is interconnected with other sectors, systems, or social-ecological issues, affecting and being affected by them.

Policy mainstreaming. Effectively implementing the nexus approach necessitates mainstreaming it into policymaking, governance, and management.^13,14 Aligning biodiversity conservation policies with existing development frameworks also ensures the integration of conservation goals into decision-making processes.^15,16 Furthermore, strengthening coordination and collaboration among government departments, agencies, and other stakeholders, including local communities (with their local/indigenous/traditional ecological knowledge) and citizens (engaging in citizen science), can improve policy coherence, promote proper recognition of rights and values, and facilitate integrated approaches to conservation.

Stakeholder engagement. Related to the above, the active engagement and participation of stakeholders are crucial elements of the nexus approach to biodiversity conservation.^7,8,10 Involving academic and research institutions, government agencies, businesses, local communities, and civil society organizations in decision-making processes promotes inclusive and sustainable conservation outcomes. The nexus approach provides a platform to co-design, co-produce and co-implement nexus assessments, including prospective policy interventions and development pathways or scenarios anchored on various pressing and cross-cutting issues.^10,13 This participatory approach can enhance social acceptance, ownership, and cooperation among stakeholders, thereby potentially contributing to the long-term success of conservation initiatives.

Database improvement. Global biodiversity databases play a crucial role in biodiversity monitoring and conservation.^17–19 Meanwhile, the nexus approach relies on integrating data and information from multiple sectors or systems to inform decision-making processes. Hence, comprehensive databases and robust monitoring and evaluation systems that capture biodiversity indicators alongside indicators for other sectors/systems are essential to effectively monitor biodiversity status and comprehensively understand sectoral interactions and impacts. In this respect, both non-spatial and spatial data are important. Furthermore, the accessibility of these integrated datasets can enable evidence-based conservation interventions and the assessment of their effectiveness.

Financial support. Sufficient financial resources are vital for scaling up biodiversity conservation efforts^20,21 and implementing the nexus approach. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as payments for ecosystem services, green bonds, and public-private partnerships, can help to augment financial resources. Demonstrating the economic and social value of biodiversity and the multiple benefits it provides to various sectors can attract investments and ensure sustainable financing for conservation actions. In this context, the nexus approach can also be instrumental. Particularly, developing nations in the tropics need assistance as they face enormous challenges in protecting and sustaining their biodiversity-rich natural ecosystems, from which everybody benefits, directly or indirectly, while also pursuing socioeconomic progress. ²² Needless to say, habitat losses in the tropics cannot be directly compensated by habitat gains in temperate regions. ⁴

In conclusion, the nexus approach provides a promising framework for orchestrating research and development plans aimed at effectively addressing the intricate and interrelated challenges confronting our planet. It holds the potential to address the root causes of biodiversity loss, including land/sea use change, direct exploitation of natural resources, pollution, climate change, and the proliferation of invasive alien species. ⁶ Moreover, the nexus approach advocates for sustainable development.^10,13 Its seamless integration and successful implementation within biodiversity conservation research and practice demand an overarching, integrated, and interdisciplinary perspective. This perspective should encompass elements such as nexus thinking, the integration of policies, engagement of stakeholders, continual enhancement of databases, and the provision of financial support. This holistic and integrated approach has the potential to be useful in achieving a future where both humans and nature thrive in harmonious coexistence.