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Perspectives and pitfalls in preserving subterranean biodiversity through protected areas

Authors :
Stefano Mammola
Florian Altermatt
Roman Alther
Isabel R. Amorim
Raluca I. Băncilă
Paulo A. V. Borges
Traian Brad
David Brankovits
Pedro Cardoso
Francesco Cerasoli
Claire A. Chauveau
Teo Delić
Tiziana Di Lorenzo
Arnaud Faille
Cene Fišer
Jean-François Flot
Rosalina Gabriel
Diana M. P. Galassi
Laura Garzoli
Christian Griebler
Lara Konecny-Dupré
Alejandro Martínez
Nataša Mori
Veronica Nanni
Žiga Ogorelec
Susana Pallarés
Alice Salussolia
Mattia Saccò
Fabio Stoch
Ilaria Vaccarelli
Maja Zagmajster
Carina Zittra
Melissa B. Meierhofer
David Sánchez-Fernández
Florian Malard
Source :
npj Biodiversity, Vol 3, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Nature Portfolio, 2024.

Abstract

Abstract Subterranean ecosystems (comprising terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic components) are increasingly threatened by human activities; however, the current network of surface-protected areas is inadequate to safeguard subterranean biodiversity. Establishing protected areas for subterranean ecosystems is challenging. First, there are technical obstacles in mapping three-dimensional ecosystems with uncertain boundaries. Second, the rarity and endemism of subterranean organisms, combined with a scarcity of taxonomists, delays the accumulation of essential biodiversity knowledge. Third, establishing agreements to preserve subterranean ecosystems requires collaboration among multiple actors with often competing interests. This perspective addresses the challenges of preserving subterranean biodiversity through protected areas. Even in the face of uncertainties, we suggest it is both timely and critical to assess general criteria for subterranean biodiversity protection and implement them based on precautionary principles. To this end, we examine the current status of European protected areas and discuss solutions to improve their coverage of subterranean ecosystems.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
27314243
Volume :
3
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
npj Biodiversity
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.129238607ee94ec4ac814832aaccc043
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-023-00035-1