Caught on the Crossfire: Biodiversity Conservation Paradox of Sociopolitical Conflict

Abstract

Biodiversity loss is a growing concern globally, but there’s a lack of knowledge on where to focus conservation efforts. It is therefore essential to determine priorities and barriers to biodiversity knowledge generation. In this context, we present evidence from the Philippines on how sociopolitical instability drives biodiversity shortfall. Our study showed that conflict leads to fewer biodiversity records, with low-conflict areas having higher turnover by more than 50%. Further, tree cover loss is lower in high-conflict areas. Security risks due to sociopolitical conflicts can significantly affect biodiversity recording efforts, potentially leading to underestimating species diversity in these regions. This study highlights the link between conflicts and biodiversity shortfalls, and the negative impact on biodiversity documentation efforts. While rare positive consequences exist, they are incidental and overall negative. Addressing the convergence of conflict, extremism, and biodiversity conservation is crucial for safeguarding ecosystems and human and nature's well-being.

Environmental Status of the Ligawasan Marsh: A Critically Important Wetland in the Philippines

“…Biodiversity knowledge generation from the Ligawasan Marsh has been one of the least explored areas in the Philippines for several decades, and information on the known species of flora and fauna remains scarce [25,27]. One factor for this knowledge shortfall is the long-running war and conflict occurring in towns and within the Ligawasan Marsh that hindered biodiversity researchers and conservation biologists from entering the area [21], which further impacts the implementation of effective conservation and protection initiatives on the ground. In addition, the environmental conditions per se of the Ligawasan Marsh and how anthropogenic activities affect them are not well known.…”

“…The Ligawasan Marsh is one of the most important yet challenging wetlands to explore because of its long history of war and conflict within the area [21,23]. Therefore, we only explored areas with security clearance from local authorities to ensure the security of the researchers and field personnel.…”

“…Integrating conservation initiatives with the priorities of global targets, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, by implementing collaborative and science-based governance is crucial for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to Ligawasan Marsh conservation [13,98]. Ultimately, promoting peace and safer access to promote more research and important discoveries should be key priorities for conserving and protecting the environment and ecosystem services provisions of the Ligawasan Marsh [21,25].…”

“…Despite the turbidity of the marsh water, it is the primary source of income and has significant potential for ecotourism because of its rich biodiversity and vast natural scenery. The marsh has maintained its relatively pristine condition, likely because of the presence of insurgents that hindered developmental projects [21]. However, growing residential bodies within and from surrounding municipalities have persistently utilised the area's resources, resulting in some environmental changes [22,23].…”

“…The United Nations declared the year 2020-2023 the Decade for Ecosystem Restoration to reduce degradation and loss of biodiversity to sustain ecosystem services and human benefits [24]. However, like most key habitats and ecosystems in Mindanao, in addition to the historical armed conflict in the area, research efforts in the Ligawasan Marsh are very scarce, which consequently challenges the effective development of appropriate conservation actions and efforts [21,[25][26][27].…”