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Home > Publications > Reports and Reviews > Biodiversity Knowledge, Research Scope and Priority Areas > Biodiversity in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Assessment of Knowledge, Research Scope, and Priority Areas
 

Biodiversity in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Assessment of Knowledge, Research Scope, and Priority Areas

The ICSU ROLAC Regional Consultation in March 2009 identified the need for the development of a database of terrestrial and marine biodiversity in the region, as well as for a definition of policies and collection and data distribution protocols.

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Biodiversity science is of major importance for Latin America and the Caribbean; six countries in the region are classified as megadiverse. The loss of biodiversity constitutes a critical problem for human existence, and biodiversity science is amply recognized as a priority area of scientific research worldwide. Biodiversity science spans a wide range of basic scientific as well as integrative research areas. 

The first two sections of the science plan analyze how LAC's biodiversity developed, and give an overview of the different aspects of biodiversity, such as biogeographical divisions, ecosystems, species, etc. The assessment then goes on to examine the conservation of biodiversity and related research efforts in the region, before presenting existing institutional arrangements and resources for biodiversity research. The report finds that although many institutions are involved in biodiversity research, there is a lack of concerted action and of networking and data sharing among scientists in the region. The document identifies the main threats to biodiversity in LAC countries, which are deforestation, fire, over-exploitation, invasive species, climate change, and pollution.

The priority areas are:

  • Develop georeferenced data bases and completion of biological inventories;
  • Synthesize molecular phylogenetic information;
  • Evaluate biodiversity and ecosystem services;
  • Consolidate a network of ecological observatories;
  • Develop a regional-scale assessment of the impacts of invasive species in the context of early warning systems;
  • Transfer biodiversity and biocultural knowledge into sustainable economic activities;
  • Find solutions for the implementation of biodiversity conservation measures in managed landscapes and seascapes;
  • Develop studies on the ecosystem service value of urban biodiversity.
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