Abstract:

Aims: Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem stability and human survival, yet it is facing unprecedented declines driven by climate change, pollution, and human activities. This review explores how frontier technologies—such as high- resolution remote sensing, genomics, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI)—can help mitigate global biodiversity loss by integrating monitoring and conservation practices. This study aims to systematically evaluate the practical applications of these technologies, quantify their contributions to species recovery and habitat protection, and identify key barriers to implementation, focusing on both Chinese and global contexts. Actionable strategies are proposed to enhance ecological restoration and foster sustainable human-nature coexistence, addressing the urgent need for innovative conservation solutions. 

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on frontier technologies in biodiversity conservation over the past decade, drawing from a broad range of scientific databases. Representative case studies from China, including efforts to protect key species and habitats, along with international examples such as tropical rainforest conservation, were analyzed to assess technological applications. Both qualitative synthesis and quantitative analysis were employed to examine the functionalities and impacts of these technologies, focusing on metrics such as monitoring accuracy, species population trends, and implementation challenges, providing a comprehensive understanding of their roles and limitations in conservation. 

Review Results: Frontier technologies significantly enhance biodiversity conservation by improving monitoring precision, supporting species recovery, and strengthening habitat connectivity across diverse ecosystems. These technologies effectively reduce habitat degradation, increase population sizes for threatened species, and strengthen ecological networks in various regions. However, challenges persist, including difficulties in integrating diverse data sources, high costs associated with technology deployment, and limited international collaboration, particularly in resource-limited regions. These barriers hinder the widespread adoption and effectiveness of these technologies in achieving global conservation goals. 

Conclusions: Frontier technologies play a critical role in advancing biodiversity conservation by bridging monitoring and protection efforts, as demonstrated by ecological improvements in China and worldwide. Their full potential is constrained by technical integration issues, financial limitations, and coordination gaps. We recommend standardized data protocols to enhance interoperability, reduce technology costs through innovative approaches, and foster global partnerships to overcome these obstacles. Future research should prioritize the development of intelligent, integrated systems to seamlessly connect monitoring with conservation actions. China’s successful conservation models provide replicable frameworks for global biodiversity restoration, supporting harmony between man and nature and addressing the biodiversity crisis effectively.

Key words: biodiversity conservation, frontier technologies, high-resolution remote sensing, genomics, artificial intelligence