Title
Exploring the emergence of a tipping point for conservation with increased recognition of social considerations
Author(s)
Melanidis, Marina Stavroula; Hagerman, Shannon; St-Laurent, Guillaume Peterson; Oakes, Lauren E.; Cross, Molly S.
Published
2023
Publisher
Conservation Biology
Abstract
Despite a common understanding of the harmful impacts of Western conservation models that separate people from nature, widespread progress towards incorporating socio-economic, political, cultural, and/or spiritual considerations in conservation practice continues to lag behind. For some, the concept of “nature-based solutions” (NbS) is seen as an interdisciplinary and holistic pathway to better integrate human wellbeing in conservation. Using the Wildlife Conservation Society's Climate Adaptation Fund as a case study, we examine how conservation practitioners within the United States view NbS and how social considerations are (or are not) incorporated into conservation adaptation projects. Based on data from 28 semi-structured interviews with individuals representing 15 different projects, our findings reveal that many practitioners see this moment as a tipping point for the field—one in which the perceived value of social considerations is increasing in practice, and social justice concerns and the need to overcome the racist and colonial roots of Western conservation have risen to the forefront. However, despite individual intention and awareness, structural barriers including limited funding and inflexible grant structures continue to constrain systemic change. Practitioners tentatively agree that NbS in conservation could support social and ecological outcomes for conservation, but this is far from guaranteed. Ultimately, systemic changes that address power and justice in policy and practice are required to leverage this moment to more fully address social considerations in conservation.
Keywords
social considerations; nature-based solutions; justice; conservation social science; human dimensions; conservation planning
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PUB35957