A healthy environment is a foundation for a stable and healthy society. Earth is facing serious challenges like climate change, deforestation, pollution, etc. It is our duty to check our impact on the environment and take actions to reduce that impact. Nature plays a crucial role in providing essential resources, its sustainable use is crucial for human existence.
 As a step towards conserving nature and a sustainable future, World Conservation Day is celebrated on 28th July each year. It promotes sustainable practices, and the preservation of natural resources. 
Recent research published in BMC Series highlights the importance of nature conservation and efforts taken worldwide to meet conservation goals.

BMC Ecology and Evolution: Tree diversity, population structure, biomass accumulation, and carbon stock dynamics in tropical dry deciduous forests of Eastern India

Tropical dry deciduous forests are crucial for biodiversity conservation and carbon storage but are increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. 
A study evaluating tree diversity, population structure, and biomass carbon stock across five forest ranges in Jharsuguda forest division of eastern India: Bagdihi, Belpahar, Brajrajnagar, Jharsuguda, and Kolabira, was carried out by authors. Each forest varies in vegetation density, species composition, and anthropogenic influences.  Authors recorded 80 tree species belonging to 68 genera and 33 families. 
The insights gained from this research contribute to a broader understanding of how tropical dry forests function as critical carbon sinks and biodiversity pools, providing a foundation for policies that integrate biodiversity conservation with carbon management.

BMC Plant Biology: Mitochondrial genome analysis of the endangered Oreocharis esquirolii: insights into evolutionary adaptation and conservation

Oreocharis esquirolii H. Lév., a member of the Gesneriaceae family with an actinomorphic corolla, is evaluated as vulnerable and classified as a National Grade I Protected Plant.
 In this study, authors assembled and annotated the mitogenome of O. esquirolii and performed comparative analyses to investigate structural features and variation across mitogenomes.
 Overall, this study presents the first report of the complete mitogenome of O esquirolii, revealing a linear structure, extensive genomic rearrangements, and frequent plastid-derived DNA insertions providing a data foundation for developing further conservation strategies for the species.
Findings of the study highlight dynamic genomic evolution and provide critical molecular resources for future studies on plant adaptation and species conservation.

BMC Zoology: Investigating primate densities and human-primate conflict in Tembaro Community Conserved Forest, Omo River Basin, Ethiopia

Human-primate conflict is a global conservation challenge, particularly in densely populated, low-income countries like Ethiopia. Authors carried out an investigation on non-human primate population density and human primate conflict from January 2022 to December 2023 in the Tembaro Community Conserved Forest, Omo River basin, South Central Ethiopia. 
The population density of non-human primates was estimated using distance sampling method, and the intensity of conflict among human-primate was quantified by a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions.
Crop damage and livestock predation were prevalent issues in the present study area. The majority of the local village respondents reported that crop damage was the common cause of human-primate conflict, followed by livestock predation and crop damage and majority of the conflict was caused by Anubis baboon (Papio anubis), followed by grivet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops).
Study highlights that, while traditional mitigation methods are currently in place, a more sustainable and integrated approach is urgently needed to ensure the harmonious coexistence of primates and local communities. The findings of this study are crucial for developing effective conservation and conflict mitigation strategies that will safeguard the long-term survival of both primates and the livelihoods of local people.

BMC Environmental Science: Biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development for Africa’s harmonious future: a scoping review

Africa’s rich biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activities such as habitat degradation, overexploitation and climate change, which negatively affect both ecosystems and livelihoods. 
In this study authors have explored the complex relationship between biodiversity conservation, human well-being and socio-economic development in Africa
This study examines the impact of conservation efforts, including protected areas and community-based management, on biodiversity and local economies from 2000 to 2024. Following a systematic scoping review approach, it established research questions, identified relevant studies based on inclusion criteria, and synthesized findings on biodiversity conservation in Africa.
Study concludes that integrated approaches are essential to reconcile conservation and socio-economic development. Recommendations include strengthening collaborative conservation strategies, adopting sustainable agriculture, and implementing targeted policies that support both ecological resilience and human well-being. This review provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers and conservationists seeking to reconcile conservation and development objectives in Africa.