Effective Biodiversity Conservation Requires Dynamic, Pluralistic, Partnership-Based Approaches

Michael C. Gavin, Joe McCarter, Fikret Berkes, Aroha Te Pareake Mead, Eleanor J. Sterling, Ruifei Tang and Nancy J. Turner
Additional contact information
Michael C. Gavin: Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
Joe McCarter: Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA
Fikret Berkes: Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6, Canada
Aroha Te Pareake Mead: Research Associate, Ngati Awa, Ngati Porou, Wellington 6035, New Zealand
Eleanor J. Sterling: Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA
Ruifei Tang: Commission on Environmental, Economic, and Social Policy, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Wellington 6035, New Zealand
Nancy J. Turner: School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 6, 1-11

Abstract: Biodiversity loss undermines the long-term maintenance of ecosystem functions and the well-being of human populations. Global-scale policy initiatives, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, have failed to curb the loss of biodiversity. This failure has led to contentious debates over alternative solutions that represent opposing visions of value-orientations and policy tools at the heart of conservation action. We review these debates and argue that they impede conservation progress by wasting time and resources, overlooking common goals, failing to recognize the need for diverse solutions, and ignoring the central question of who should be involved in the conservation process. Breaking with the polarizing debates, we argue that biocultural approaches to conservation can guide progress toward just and sustainable conservation solutions. We provide examples of the central principles of biocultural conservation, which emphasize the need for pluralistic, partnership-based, and dynamic approaches to conservation.

Keywords: adaptive management and governance; biocultural approaches to conservation; different worldviews and knowledge systems; Gwaii Haanas; nested institutional frameworks; multiple stakeholders and objectives; New Conservation Science; partnerships and relationship building; rights and responsibilities; social-ecological context (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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