$583 billion per year: the price of protecting endangered species... for this country alone 🌍

Australia, one of the 17 megadiverse countries on the planet (see definition at the end of the article), faces a major dilemma: saving its endangered species would cost nearly 25% of its GDP. A recent study reveals the scale of the financial efforts required to restore its biodiversity, while highlighting the practical limitations of such an undertaking.

Researchers at the University of Queensland assessed the costs of protecting and restoring endangered species. Their conclusion is clear: it would require spending $583 billion per year for 30 years to reverse the damage caused by human activity. This astronomical figure sheds light on the economic impact of environmental degradation.

An insurmountable cost at the national scale

The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, shows that the complete restoration of endangered species in Australia is financially unrealistic. Researchers estimate that the most degraded regions would require investments of up to $12,600 per hectare.

These high costs are explained by the need to combat invasive species, restore habitats, and manage introduced predators. Scientists emphasize that these actions, although essential, represent a significant economic burden for the country.

More accessible local solutions

On a smaller scale, some measures are less costly yet highly effective. For example, managing ecological fires and controlling predators like cats and foxes are relatively affordable interventions.

These local actions could save many species without requiring exorbitant budgets. Researchers stress the importance of prioritizing these efforts to maximize ecological benefits while minimizing expenses.

Finding a balance between economy and ecology

The study's authors acknowledge that full restoration is impossible. They call on policymakers to find a balance between protecting nature and other economic priorities. A pragmatic approach is essential to avoid negative impacts on the economy.

They also suggest targeting areas where interventions are most cost-effective. This would allow for biodiversity protection without compromising the country's economic stability.

Benefits beyond biodiversity

Restoring natural habitats would have positive spillover effects for agriculture and climate change mitigation. For instance, managing invasive species would reduce agricultural losses, while reforestation would contribute to carbon capture.

These actions could also create jobs, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. Researchers see these projects as an opportunity to reconcile ecology and economic development.

A necessary wake-up call

This study highlights the scale of the challenges related to biodiversity protection. It reminds us that environmental damage has a direct economic cost, often underestimated.

Researchers hope their work will help governments make informed decisions. They emphasize the urgency of acting to prevent further irreversible losses.

To go further: What is ecological restoration?

Ecological restoration aims to restore degraded ecosystems so they can regain their natural functioning. This includes reintroducing species, rehabilitating habitats, and managing threats like invasive species.

This practice is essential for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as water purification or climate regulation. It requires targeted interventions, often costly, but crucial for environmental balance.

Ecological restoration is not limited to wilderness areas. It can also concern urban or agricultural zones, where it contributes to improving quality of life and productivity. Projects must be adapted to local specificities to maximize their effectiveness.

Finally, this approach often involves collaboration between scientists, governments, and local communities. It represents a long-term investment for future generations, but also a challenge to overcome in the face of economic and social pressures.

What is megadiversity?

Megadiversity refers to the exceptional concentration of living species in certain countries, which host a large portion of the world's biodiversity. These nations, numbering 17, possess unique biological richness, with many endemic species, meaning they are found nowhere else.

Among these countries are Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, and Indonesia. They play a key role in preserving global biodiversity, as their territories host diverse and often fragile ecosystems, such as tropical forests or coral reefs.

Megadiversity is an asset, but also a responsibility. These countries must face major challenges, such as deforestation, poaching, or climate change, which threaten their ecosystems. Protecting these areas is essential for global ecological balance.

Finally, megadiversity offers scientific and economic opportunities, such as the discovery of new species or the development of ecotourism. However, it requires sustainable management to preserve these natural riches for future generations.