Title
Obtaining a rewarding and scientific career in conservation science
Author(s)
Lynam, Antony J.
Published
2017
Abstract
Scientists can play an important role in influencing conservation outcomes. The most obviouscontribution scientists make is through producing high-quality timely research that influences policy anddecision-making. But science alone may not be enough to save tropical biodiversity at dire risk ofdisappearing, and conservation sites and landscapes altered by human impacts. Increasingly scientistsneed to be proactively engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders including protected area managers,landholders, decision-makers, crime busters, security professionals, and tour operators to influenceconservation success on the ground. Scientists working for conservation non-government organizations(NGOs) find themselves on the frontline of conservation decision-making on a daily basis. Using examplesfrom around the Asian tropics I show how scientists have guided government wildlife and forestry policy,influenced the creation of new protected areas and advised on their management, engaged in innovativecollaborations to employ integrated technology solutions for measuring conservation effectiveness, andhelped shape the conservation agenda for a range of endangered species threatened with extinction.Students and early career scientists may find rewarding a career working for conservation NGOs that usescience-based approaches to solve conservation problems.
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PUB21138