In the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, at the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change (cE3c) and the Global Change and Sustainability Institute (CHANGE), Maria Cristina Duarte and her team are tackling a complex challenge: how to balance nature conservation with the sustainable management of tropical ecosystems. Their recent editorial, published in ‘Frontiers in Conservation Science’ (Frontiers in Conservation Science), delves into the intricate dance between biodiversity, land-use, and development, offering insights that could reshape how we approach conservation and sustainability in the energy sector.
Duarte and her colleagues argue that the traditional approach to conservation, which often pits development against preservation, is outdated and ineffective. “We need to move beyond this dichotomy,” Duarte asserts. “Instead of viewing development and conservation as opposing forces, we should focus on integrating them in a way that benefits both nature and people.”
The editorial highlights the critical role of tropical ecosystems, which are not only hotspots of biodiversity but also vital for carbon sequestration and climate regulation. These ecosystems are under immense pressure from land-use changes driven by agriculture, urbanization, and energy infrastructure development. The energy sector, in particular, faces a significant challenge: how to meet growing demand while minimizing environmental impact.
Duarte points out that the key to reconciling these competing interests lies in sustainable management practices. “We need to adopt a more holistic approach,” she explains. “This means considering the entire lifecycle of energy projects, from planning and construction to operation and decommissioning, and ensuring that they are designed to minimize harm to ecosystems and maximize benefits for local communities.”
The research underscores the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation into land-use planning and policy-making. This could involve creating protected areas that are strategically located to safeguard critical habitats, promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, and investing in renewable energy sources that have a lower environmental footprint.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, there is a growing need for sustainable land-use practices that can support both conservation and development. By adopting a more integrated approach, energy companies can reduce their environmental impact, mitigate risks, and enhance their social license to operate.
Duarte’s work is a call to action for policymakers, conservationists, and industry leaders to collaborate more effectively. “We need to break down silos and work together,” she emphasizes. “Only by combining our expertise and resources can we hope to achieve a future where nature and development thrive side by side.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, Duarte’s research offers a roadmap for a more sustainable future. By reconciling nature conservation with the sustainable management of tropical ecosystems, we can create a world where both people and the planet prosper.