WILLEMSTAD - According to the latest Living Planet Report 2024 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), wildlife populations in Latin America and the Caribbean have plummeted by an alarming 95 percent over the last 50 years. Globally, the decline is 73 percent. The report warns that the Earth is approaching critical tipping points, emphasizing the urgent need for global efforts to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.
Despite some positive developments, such as the recovery of green sea turtle populations, the overall trend remains deeply concerning. The drastic decline in wildlife not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the health of ecosystems that humans rely on.
Arjan de Groene, WWF’s coordinator for the Caribbean region, highlighted the gravity of the situation: “The decline of wildlife in the Caribbean shows that immediate action is essential. Although the impact of various threats is severe, there are also hopeful stories. Green sea turtle populations are stabilizing after decades of protection. By working together across the Caribbean and with countries like Colombia and the Guianas, we can still preserve and restore unique species and habitats.”
Threats to Wildlife
The report identifies habitat loss as the leading threat to wildlife, primarily driven by human activities such as deforestation for agriculture. Around 90 percent of global deforestation occurs to create farmland, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This not only reduces biodiversity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Other key threats include overexploitation (such as overfishing and poaching), invasive species displacing native species, and diseases. Climate change exacerbates these problems, especially in vulnerable regions like Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Living Planet Index, which tracks wildlife population trends, shows that freshwater species have been hit hardest, with an 85 percent decline. Terrestrial species have decreased by 69 percent, and marine species by 56 percent. Some species have experienced alarming drops: pink river dolphins in the Amazon have declined by 65 percent, and leatherback turtle nesting sites in the Guianas and Trinidad and Tobago have fallen by 95 percent.
A Call to Action
The WWF is calling on governments worldwide to allocate more funding for large-scale conservation projects, urging both public and private investment. Governments and businesses must develop policies that better align climate, nature, and development goals.
Activities harmful to biodiversity and the climate need to be stopped, and resources must be redirected to initiatives that contribute to global sustainability objectives.
“The next five years are crucial for the future of our planet,” said De Groene. “We have the power and the opportunity to reverse the trend, but it requires a collective global effort.”