JOURNAL ARTICLE

Nature conservation policies are biased toward forests and neglect grassy ecosystems worldwide.

Published In: Science, 2025, v. 388, n. 6747. P. N.PAG 1 of 3
Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3
Authored By: Pillar, Valério D.; Overbeck, Gerhard E. 3 of 3

Abstract

Globally, grassy ecosystems (including grasslands, savannas, shrublands, woodlands, and tundra) cover 30 to 40% of the land and provide important benefits such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, livestock production, and cultural services. However, despite their importance, the conservation of grassy ecosystems—compared with that of forests—has been neglected around the world, leading to a greater loss rate than forest ecosystems in manyregions. Here, we examine this bias in public conservation discourse and policies that give priority to forests and neglect the conservation of grassy ecosystems worldwide. We argue that grassy ecosystems need stronger legal safeguards and global recognition to match forest conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

Source:Science. 2025/05, Vol. 388, Issue 6747, pN.PAG
Document Type:Editorial
Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Publication Date:2025
ISSN:0036-8075
DOI:10.1126/science.adx7441
Accession Number:188104292
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