What We Need to Learn to Save Our Planet
Exploring the critical research needs shaping the future of conservation, from human behavior insights to cutting-edge technology and equitable partnerships.
When we picture conservation, we often imagine rangers protecting elephants or biologists tracking tigers. While these are crucial front-line actions, they are only part of the story. Behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is occurring in conservation science, one that increasingly recognizes that saving species requires a deep understanding of human behavior, cutting-edge technology, and equitable community partnerships. This article explores the critical research needs shaping the future of conservation, moving beyond simply documenting declines to actively engineering recovery in our complex, human-dominated world.
Conservation is ultimately about people. Our choices, economies, and policies drive environmental change. A groundbreaking 2025 analysis of conservation literature revealed a significant gap: while 32% of recent research incorporated social science, only a small fraction used established theories of human action to guide their work 3 .
of conservation research incorporates social science
use established theories of human action
The most commonly applied framework was the Theory of Planned Behavior, which suggests that human actions are guided by personal attitudes and intentions. While useful, this "independent self" perspective is just one of many ways to understand human behavior. The study's authors argue that conservation research is missing opportunities by not embracing a wider array of social theories, such as those focusing on communal needs, economic pressures, or systemic social structures 3 . Broadening this theoretical toolbox is a top research priority to design more effective and inclusive conservation interventions.
Modern conservation is being transformed by new technologies that provide an unprecedented view of nature's status. The 2025 Biodiversa+ Science Fair highlighted several key tools becoming essential for 21st-century conservationists 2 :
Using networks of portable audio sensors to continuously monitor species like bats, birds, and amphibians through their vocalizations.
Detecting species from mere traces of genetic material left in water, soil, or air, revolutionizing how we survey life.
Employing satellites and specialized aircraft with hyperspectral imaging to map habitats and monitor plant health across vast landscapes.
Automating species identification from images, audio, or other data sources to process information at unprecedented scales.
However, these technologies present their own research challenges. Scientists are still working to standardize methods, manage enormous data volumes, and integrate these new information streams with traditional knowledge and ground observations 2 .
A powerful theme emerging from the recent 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress was that conservation that ignores rights, equity, and local stewardship will fail 9 . Research increasingly shows that the most effective and sustainable conservation outcomes occur when Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) are not merely consulted but are genuine co-creators of conservation decisions.
"Conservation that ignores rights, equity, and local stewardship will fail."
This represents a significant shift from traditional "fortress conservation" models toward approaches that recognize Indigenous knowledge, respect land rights, and integrate cultural values. Future research must focus on understanding the governance models and benefit-sharing mechanisms that make these partnerships successful and equitable for the long term.
How do we motivate people to support conservation? Researchers designed a clever lab experiment to answer this precise question 1 . They used a "modified dictator game" where participants were given money and could choose to donate some to a conservation charity.
Participants were randomly divided into different groups to ensure comparable results.
Each group watched a different video before deciding whether to donate featuring charismatic species, non-charismatic species, composite habitat, or information about human causes of endangerment.
A subset of participants was offered public recognition for their donation.
Researchers recorded both whether people donated (the "intensive margin") and how much they gave (the "extensive margin").
The findings revealed nuanced insights into human decision-making 1 :
| Video Content | Probability of Donating | Average Amount Donated |
|---|---|---|
| Charismatic Species (Lions) | Highest | Moderate |
| Non-charismatic Species (Bats) | Lower | Moderate |
| Human Cause of Endangerment | Moderate | Highest |
| Composite Habitat | Moderate | Moderate |
The results demonstrated that different approaches influenced different aspects of giving. Charismatic species acted as an effective "hook," increasing the likelihood that someone would donate at all. However, content about the human cause of endangerment prompted those who did donate to give more generously 1 .
Additionally, researchers discovered that public recognition only motivated people who had previously donated to charities, suggesting that personal history shapes what incentives we respond to 1 . This experiment highlights why conservation organizations need research-backed strategies: emotional appeals may attract supporters, but educating donors about causes can deepen their commitment.
Conservation research today relies on an increasingly sophisticated set of tools. The Biodiversa+ Science Fair showcased several technologies becoming standard in the field, along with their applications and current limitations 2 :
| Technology | Primary Function | Key Research Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Passive Acoustic Monitoring | Tracking vocally active species (bats, birds, amphibians) through autonomous sensors | Standardizing device calibration; managing large data volumes; background noise interference |
| Environmental DNA (eDNA) | Detecting species presence from genetic material in water, soil or air | Building comprehensive reference databases; accounting for hydrodynamic effects on DNA |
| Hyperspectral Remote Sensing | Mapping plant traits and ecosystem health from aircraft or satellites | Integrating with ground-truth data; quantifying uncertainty in measurements |
| AI and Machine Learning | Automating species identification from images, audio, or other data | Collecting and validating large training datasets; model performance varies across taxa |
Based on the latest conservation science, several critical research areas demand attention:
Key Question: How can diverse theories of human action improve conservation interventions?
Potential Impact: More effective programs that account for cultural, economic, and psychological drivers
Key Question: How can we best combine novel technologies with traditional monitoring and knowledge?
Potential Impact: More comprehensive biodiversity assessment at larger scales and lower costs
Key Question: What governance models successfully integrate Indigenous knowledge and ensure benefit sharing?
Potential Impact: More sustainable and just conservation outcomes that respect local rights
Key Question: How can biodiversity credits, green bonds, and blended finance be structured effectively?
Potential Impact: Significant new funding streams for conservation projects worldwide
The 2025 IUCN Congress emphasized that turning "ambition into measurable action" requires robust data, strong partnerships, and accountability mechanisms 9 . Research shows that conservation works when these elements align—without intervention, extinction rates for birds and mammals would have been up to four times higher over the past 30 years 9 .
Higher extinction rates without conservation intervention
The critical research needs in conservation today reveal a field that has evolved from simply documenting decline to actively engineering recovery. The path forward requires integrating human behavior insights with technological innovation, all grounded in equitable partnerships with those who know the land best.
As the new IUCN vision "Unite for Nature on the Path to 2045" declares, our success will depend on our ability to bring together diverse knowledge systems, sectors, and communities under a shared purpose 9 . The future of conservation research lies not in isolated biological studies, but in this unified approach—one that recognizes the intricate connections between species survival, human behavior, technological toolkits, and social justice. In this complex web, every research breakthrough brings us closer to a world where both humanity and nature can thrive.