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Abstract Biodiversity indicators are used to assess progress towards conservation and sustainability goals. However, the spatial scales, methods and assumptions of the underlying reporting metrics can affect the provided information. Using mountain ecosystems as an example, we compare biodiversity protection at subnational scale using the site-based approach of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG indicator 15.4.1) with an area-based approach compatible with the targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

Abstract A growing number of global ocean conflict studies over the last decade have set out to advance sustainability in the Anthropocene. Many of these research projects use multiple case studies to extract lessons for wider contexts. The methods used by these studies, and the extent to which their results have validity beyond the individual case study, often remain unclear. This paper explores the challenges in performing cross-case analysis within what we denote as case-based globally focussed sustainability projects (CB-GSPs) and indicates solutions by combining information from semi-structured interviews with leading scientists from eight CB-GSPs. We identify six distinct challenges that are common across these studies with regard to generating actionable knowledge through cross-case analysis. Based on these findings, we propose a set of best practice recommendations for scientists, project partners, and funders to co-produce actionable knowledge for global projects on ocean conflict. 

The UN Ocean Decade provides a framework for stakeholders and rights-holders to come together to develop transformative ocean solutions for sustainable development. We are a group of Early Career Researchers (ECR) from diverse backgrounds with a shared commitment to working toward the Ocean Decade outcomes. Our article offers an ECR perspective on the fundamental importance of knowledge equity for achieving the Ocean Decade's vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want.” Knowledge equity is imperative for confronting the “business as usual” approach to ocean sustainability as it requires us to confront and dismantle extractive practices of knowledge production. We reflect on how the dominance of western science in research and policy and the systematic marginalization of diverse knowledge systems has led to inequitable outcomes for ocean-dependent people. Using real-world examples, we demonstrate the progress we can make toward ocean sustainability when we place knowledge equity at the heart of our work. We conclude with a call to action to ensure that knowledge equity is embedded as both a principle and a practice within the Ocean Decade framework. We invite all ocean professionals to join us in: (1) adopting an intentional practice of reflexivity in our work; (2) confronting colonial ways of thinking, knowing, and doing; and (3) dismantling knowledge hierarchies that permeate ocean science and practice. By implementing these actions, we can create meaningful and inclusive spaces for collaboration and become a more respectful and effective global ocean community. 

Protected areas are a critical tool for managing and ensuring the persistence of species biodiversity and land conservation. Their spatial extents are used to measure progress towards land protections by several international targets. However, governance type, management, and enforcement of these protected areas vary sub-nationally, and can influence the efficacy of the designation. Simultaneously, climatic conditions are coupled with species resilience, and changes in climate can be associated with shifts, expansions, and contractions of viable areas for habitat maintenance. Climate change is expected to change baseline climatic conditions globally and is likely to limit the benefits of terrestrial protected areas. Improved understanding of the relationship between governance, regional climate change, and protected areas can further enhance tracking of land cover change and inform protection strategies implemented across spatial scales. To aid in informed decision making at sub-national scales, we combine information on terrestrial sites in the World Database on Protected Areas, historic and future climate projections from CMIP6, and remotely sensed data on vegetation cover (NDVI). We leverage categorical differences in protected area management, as well as climate anomalies through time to explore their relationship to land cover change, and create additional tools for risk assessment that may be used in conjunction with local governance processes