Transformative Partnership Platform
Sustainable Use of Wild Species (SU-TPP)
Imagine a vibrant, biodiverse future – one that is sustained for generations, thanks to a global transformation towards improved management of animals, plants and other wild species.
This future is possible, and the Transformative Partnership Platform on Sustainable Use of Wild Species (SU-TPP) works to make it happen.
The SU-TPP is a diverse coalition of stakeholders that – through applied research, capacity development and on-the-ground initiatives – generates evidence and tools that support the sustainable, equitable and safe use of wild species. The coalition is worldwide and includes policymakers, universities, practitioners, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
The SU-TPP’s work is closely aligned with the goals of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), especially Targets 5 and 9.
Wild species: An undervalued resource
Wild species (undomesticated animals, plants and other species that survive independently of human intervention) are essential for people’s survival. Biodiverse, species-rich ecosystems purify air and groundwater, improve soil quality for food production, and play an important role in many communities’ cultural roots and traditions. Millions of people, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities, rely on wild meat, fish, and other products from wild species to meet nutritional needs and support their livelihoods.
Yet, the value of wild species and resources is often overlooked in national accounting.
While use of wild species supports the livelihoods of billions, over-exploitation is a key driver of biodiversity loss. Unsustainable hunting, logging, gathering and fishing are depleting populations of wild species, degrading ecosystems, and threatening communities’ well-being and food security. Overexploitation of wild species also has direct implications for human health. Around 43 percent of emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola and influenza, originate in wildlife.4 These interlinked pressures highlight the need for actions promoting sustainable use of wild species to protect biodiversity, support livelihoods, and safeguard public health.
Our work
Sustainable use and conservation of wild species require a multifaceted approach that balances ecological, social, and economic needs.
For instance, effective management of wild species may be impossible where land rights are insecure, and securing those rights is vital to empower local communities who act as stewards for biodiversity. Other cross-cutting actions include adopting a One Health approach to prevent spillover for zoonotic diseases and promoting value chains for farmed meat, which can help protect wild species in areas where people no longer depend on them. These considerations are essential to enable effective international and national policies.
The SU-TPP addresses these issues by:
Community building and knowledge exchange with stakeholders around the world who are too often disconnected from each other.
Applied research to fill knowledge gaps, test models for sustainable management of wild species, and develop appropriate monitoring tools and indicators to track changes in wild species use and ecosystem resilience over time.
Capacity development through our many associated projects and partner organizations. This will primarily happen through mentoring, training activities and network building that supports the next generation of researchers.
Policy support for the development of effective and equitable policies for the sustainable management of wild species at the national and global level.
On-the-ground initiatives to pilot models for sustainable wild species management.
Awareness raising about the importance of sustainable wild species management.
