From local pressures to global priorities: a PSR-guided model for spatial biodiversity conservation

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation in socio-ecologically complex regions requires integrative frameworks that account for multi-scalar pressures, ecological conditions, and policy responses. This study proposes a novel application of the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and geospatial analysis to systematically identify conservation priorities across a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot. Using 24 environmental, social, and economic criteria, refined through field surveys (2022-2024) and interdisciplinary expert input, we demonstrate that anthropogenic pressures such as land use, transportation infrastructure, and forest fires account for 75% of total stress on biodiversity, while natural drivers like climate and geohazards contribute 25%. Ecosystem-level variables (e.g., climate heterogeneity, topography, and vegetation structure) received higher expert-derived weights than species-level indicators, emphasizing the foundational role of habitat integrity. Education emerged as the most influential response mechanism, surpassing legal and institutional measures, highlighting the need for community-driven strategies. Spatial prioritisation identified nearly 44% of the study region as high to very high priority for conservation action. Our findings offer a replicable, policy-relevant tool for transparent conservation planning and resource allocation, applicable not only to Mediterranean landscapes but also to other global biodiversity hotspots facing similar socio-ecological pressures.