Facilitating biodiversity conservation through partnerships to achieve transformative outcomes |
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Authors: | Rehema M White Birgit Schmook Sophie Calmé Anthony J Giordano Yves Hausser Lynn Kimmel Lou Lecuyer Mauro Lucherini Crisol Méndez-Medina Juan L Peña-Mondragón |
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Institution: | 1. School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK;2. Department of Biodiversity Conservation, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur), Chetumal, Mexico;3. S.P.E.C.I.E.S. - The Society for the Preservation of Endangered Carnivores and their International Ecological Study, Ventura, California, USA;4. HEPIA, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Delémont, Switzerland;5. Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England, Keene, New Hampshire, USA;6. Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRAE, Univ. Bourgogne, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France;7. Biologia, Bioquimica y Farmacia, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina;8. Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología/Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas Y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico |
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Abstract: | Conservation biology is a mission-driven discipline that must navigate a new relationship between conservation and science. Because conservation is a social and political as well as an ecological project, conservation biologists must practice interdisciplinarity and collaboration. In a comparative study of 7 cases (Jaguars in the Chaco, Grevy's zebra in Kenya, Beekeeping in Tanzania, Andean cats in Argentina, Jaguars in Mexico, Lobster fishing, and Black bears in Mexico), we examined motivations for collaboration in conservation, who can collaborate in conservation, and how conservation professionals can work well together. In 5 case studies, successful conservation outcomes were prioritized over livelihood benefits. In the other 2 cases, livelihoods were prioritized. All case studies employed participatory approaches. There were multiple external actors, including local and Indigenous communities, nongovernmental organizations, agencies, regional and national governments, and international organizations, which enhanced conservation and wider sustainability outcomes. Key collaboration aspects considered across the case studies were time (mismatch between relationship building and project schedules), trust required for meaningful partnerships, tools employed, and transformative potential for people, nature, and the discipline of conservation biology. We developed guidelines for successful collaboration, including long-term commitment, knowledge integration, multiscalar and plural approaches, cultivation of trust, appropriate engagement, evaluation, supporting students, and efforts for transformation. |
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Keywords: | biodiversity conflict conflict transformation interdisciplinarity just conservation participation partnership role of academics stakeholder engagement colaboración conflicto de biodiversidad conservación justa interdisciplina papel de la academia participación participación de los accionistas transformación del conflicto 伙伴关系 利益相关者参与 参与 生物多样性冲突 跨学科 学术界的作用 公正的保护 冲突转化 |
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