Insights for policy-based conservation strategies for the Rio de la Plata Grasslands through the IPBES framework

Antonella Gorosábel,Carla Rivera-Rebella,Juan Andrés Martínez-Lanfranco,Lucrecia Estigarribia,Luis Filipe Lopes,Ademola Andrew Adenle,Muhammed A. Oyinlola,Ana Maria Martinez

doi:10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2019-0902

Abstract

Abstract The Río de la Plata Grasslands (RPG) are one of the most modified biomes in the world. Changes in land use and cover affect the RPG’s rich biodiversity. In particular, the expansion of crops, overgrazing, afforestation, and the introduction of exotic species pose a major threat to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES). In this study, we applied the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) conceptual framework as a new lens to approach biodiversity conservation enactments in the RPG. First, we systematically reviewed published scientific literature to identify direct and indirect drivers that affect the RPG’s BES. Further, we conducted an extensive analysis of management policies affecting the BES directly in the region, at a national and international level. We conclude by offering recommendations for policy and praxis under the umbrella of the IPBES framework.

Highlights

Obtaining natural resources for fulfilling human needs has been made at the expense of environmental degradation (Foley et al 2005, MEA 2005, Zhang et al 2019a)
Based on the current trends in land use and land cover (LULC) changes worldwide, humans can obtain goods and services to improve their quality of life only by diminishing the capacity of global ecosystems to sustain the provision of such benefits (Foley et al 2005, MEA 2005)
The main goal of this study was to contribute to policy-based strategies for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services provision for South America’s Río de la Plata Grasslands, within a novel conceptual approach

Summary

Introduction

Obtaining natural resources for fulfilling human needs has been made at the expense of environmental degradation (Foley et al 2005, MEA 2005, Zhang et al 2019a). Nature’s contribution to people (NCP) is a concept promoted by IPBES that refers to all the positive and negative contributions of nature to the quality of life of people, which can be recognized and valued in a range of existing worldviews. This approach underlines the central and pervasive role that culture plays in defining all links between people and nature (Díaz et al 2018). The link between drivers, valuations, and NCPs might serve as holistic guidance for policy formulation

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Conclusion