The findings of the IPBES assessment on sustainable use of wild species, released today, are consistent with recent reports of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) on the importance of wild species for people and nature, and on the need to address major threats to reverse current trends of biodiversity loss.    

According to the new assessment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services  (IPBES), overexploitation is the main threat to wild species in marine ecosystems and the second greatest threat to those in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.  However, for some terrestrial species, overexploitation is likely the largest threat.

Globally, populations of many terrestrial animals are declining due to unsustainable use. The CMS Report on the Impacts of Taking, Trade and Consumption of Terrestrial Migratory Species for Wild Meat found that wild meat is often a key use and a major driver for hunting of large terrestrial mammals leading sometimes to drastic declines and extinctions.

Ensuring sustainable use of wild species contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but this remains rather unnoticed. For example, wildlife watching contributes US$120 billion in 2018 to global GDP (five times the estimated value of the illegal wild species trade), sustaining 21.8 million jobs.

The sustainability of the use of wild species is influenced by socio-economic changes, urban lifestyle, and trade, rather than solely hunting for subsistence.  Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities who rely on wild species could have their subsistence needs compromised if unstainable use of wild species continues.

Addressing the causes of unsustainable use and halting and reversing the negative trend of species loss will support their conservation. Good regulations and governance are key elements for ensuring the sustainable use of wild species, as well as international agreements that establish norms across multiple countries.  

CMS plays a key role in addressing sustainable use of migratory species of wild animals at the global, regional, and national levels.  

Related links:

IPBES Assessment on SustainableUse of Wild Species
CMS Report on the Impacts of Taking, Trade and Consumption of Terrestrial Migratory Species for Wild Meat
The Sustainable Use of Saiga Antelopes: Perspectives and Prospects