Nature continues to decline worldwide, but Latin America and the Caribbean are hit the hardest. WWF’s Living Planet Report 2026 shows an average 95% decline in monitored wildlife population sizes in the region between 1970 and 2022, compared to 73% globally.

Threats 

Latin America and the Caribbean are among the most biodiverse regions on Earth, home to six of the seven megadiverse countries in the Americas. But nature in the region faces many threats. Forests, grasslands and wetlands are being lost or damaged, while rivers are being changed by dams. Other threats include the overuse of species, climate change, and disease. These regions are amongst the most climate vulnerable in the world already experiencing severe heat, prolonged droughts, and intensifying hurricanes. The findings show the urgent need to protect and restore nature across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Together for Hope 

Despite the scale of nature loss, the Living Planet Report also shows that comeback is possible when we protect nature over a long period of time. The green sea turtle is one of the most encouraging examples. In 2025, the species moved from Endangered to Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, becoming the first marine turtle to achieve this milestone. This comeback follows over 50 years of conservation work across more than 80 nesting countries. Measures include protecting nesting females and eggs, better beach management, reducing accidental catch in fisheries, preventing illegal take and working with local communities. Together, these efforts have contributed to the recovery of the green sea turtle.

Green Sea Turtle © Casper Douma

Nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean 

WWF-NL works together with local and regional partners across the Dutch Caribbean to protect and restore nature. The Dutch Caribbean program focuses mainly on climate-resilient coastal areas and the protection and recovery of iconic species such as sea turtles, whales, dolphins and sharks. Healthy coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are important for both wildlife and people. They provide food and shelter for many species, help protect coastlines, and make islands more resilient to climate change.

WWF-NL works with local conservation organizations, researchers, governments, and local communities to protect and restore these natural areas and the species that depend on them. Roxanne-Liana Francisca, Lead of WWF-NL’s Dutch Caribbean Program explains: “Livelihoods and general wellbeing in the Dutch Caribbean is intimately linked with healthy ecosystems. Recognizing this, many local organizations, both big and small, work tirelessly to raise awareness while protecting and restoring the islands’ unique natural resources.”

Mangrove and pelican © Casper Douma

About the Living Planet Report 

The Living Planet Report is published every two years. The Living Planet Index, produced by the Zoological Society of London, tracks changes in monitored populations of vertebrate species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The 2026 Living Planet Index includes 35,803 population trends across 5,790 species monitored between 1970 and 2022.

The 95% decline does not mean that 95% of all wild animals in Latin America and the Caribbean have disappeared. It means that the monitored wildlife populations have become smaller on average since 1970.