We’ve committed to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. But our endangered species are still struggling, according to four environmental scientists.

Australia has some of the best biodiversity data in the world. This is because the Australian government has invested in ecologists from around the country, allowing them to closely study endangered species.

However, what we’re missing is a commitment to use this information. So far, we’ve largely measured progress using one blunt metric: total area protected. This metric is easy to communicate but is dangerously misleading. It tells us very little about whether protected areas are in the right location or are being managed well.

If we’re serious about halting species extinctions within the next five years, we need to…

  • urgently protect areas of highest biodiversity value, especially the habitats of species on the brink of extinction
  • prioritise under-protected ecosystems instead of those which are easiest to conserve
  • start measuring success in terms of outcomes, not just area.