A groundbreaking study has found that 90% of national biodiversity policies fail to specify the behavioral changes needed among key groups such as farmers and consumers. This monitoring is hindering progress toward achieving vital conservation goals, researchers say.

Led by a team from the University of Surrey, the study analyzed 1,306 policy actions from national biodiversity strategies and action plans globally. The researchers found that only 11% of these policies addressed the essential role that individual behaviors play in biodiversity conservation.

Melissa Marselle, co-author of the study, said: “We need to focus on everyday behaviors that contribute to biodiversity loss, alongside broader resource management strategies. » The study urges policymakers to integrate insights from behavioral science, specifying target behaviors and actors, to improve strategy effectiveness and achieve global biodiversity goals. here 2030.

(With input from agencies.)