Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

Photo courtesy of Jackie Ferrier/USFWS, Public Domain

More than one in three tree species worldwide faces extinction

For the first time, the majority of the world’s trees have been listed on the IUCN Red List, revealing that at least 16,425 of the 47,282 species assessed are at risk of extinction. Trees now account for over one quarter of species on the IUCN Red List, and the number of threatened trees is more than double the number of all threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians combined.

Photo courtesy of USFWS, Public Domain

Biodiversity loss: a health crisis

The Earth is approaching a critical threshold of irreversible biodiversity loss. World leaders and prominent researchers are gathered in Colombia for the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Their aim is to push forward progress on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—a landmark agreement to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.

50 years of geographic insight: Covering Esri’s journey and the future of GIS

As Esri nears its 60th anniversary, Jack Dangermond shares how geographic information systems have grown from a specialized field into a critical tool for environmental management and decision-making. In a landscape defined by fast-paced tech companies, Esri offers a contrast: privately held and committed to an approach that emphasizes service over spectacle.

Photo courtesy of Cortez Rohr/USFWS, Public Domain

The U.S. House of Representatives introduces the North American Grasslands Conservation Act

The North American Grasslands Conservation Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Mace, Davids, Fitzpatrick, and Thompson. Once passed, the legislation will be one of the most significant steps for grassland conservation efforts.