Global Conservation and Sustainability

Global policy

Professor Phil McGowan and Dr Louise Mair's work is addressing key issues in conservation and sustainability. Phil is Professor of Conservation Science and Policy and Louise is a Newcastle University Academic Track Fellow and their research is informing global policy on biodiversity.

Dr Mair and Prof McGowan's expertise sees them working with:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• The Species Threat Abatement and Restoration consortium

Informing action for global species targets

We work to fill key knowledge gaps that allow setting, addressing and reporting on ambitious global biodiversity targets. Our research assessed progress works towards the CBD’s target of halting extinction by 2020 and we provided the underpinning science for urgent recovery action for species in CBD’s Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by COP 15 in December 2022. In pursuing these gaps, we seek to enhance the scientific input into global species conservation by:

• understanding policy need and where the evidence gaps are
• bringing together networks and consortia
• undertaking research to fill critical knowledge gaps

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Our Sustainable Development Goals Committee leads our support for the United Nations' SDGS - seeking peace and prosperity for all people and the planet now and in the future. We work towards building a fairer, stronger and more sustainable future. Research carried out by our Global Challenges Academy helps realise the UN SDGs.

Prof McGowan also co-chairs the Association of Commonwealth Universities’ Higher Education and the SDGs Network. The network aims to facilitate and support peer learning through sharing knowledge and good practice.