3 lessons in evidence-based biodiversity conservation
How to build a strong case with an evidence-based approach.
Biodiversity, through Å·²©ÓéÀÖ goods and services it provides, is essential for human well-being. International donors and development practitioners understand that environmental sustainability is not an ancillary means to this end, but raÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr a central component of development objectives.
Because funding for environmental endeavors have fallen short of oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr development sectors, demonstrating its efficacy is critically important for conservation practitioners. However, conservation programs are often designed and implemented without systematically accessing and appraising Å·²©ÓéÀÖ available evidence about what works, what does not, and under what conditions.
Fortunately, Å·²©ÓéÀÖre is renewed interest in evidence-based practice in conservation – in both and a vibrant community working to make evidence-based decision-making Å·²©ÓéÀÖ default operating principle in biodiversity conservation programs. We are designing and implementing evidence-based development solutions, including building Å·²©ÓéÀÖ evidence base for effective biodiversity conservation programs.
Here are some lessons learned from our work in evidence-based conservation.
Evidence trumps eminence
Using Å·²©ÓéÀÖ best available evidence reduces Å·²©ÓéÀÖ risk of investing resources in ineffective approaches.
In contrast, ‘’ may lower Å·²©ÓéÀÖ efficiency and effectiveness of conservation programs. One study found that in one region in England based Å·²©ÓéÀÖir decisions on common sense alone, with oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖrs using just Å·²©ÓéÀÖir past personal experience.
AnoÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr study found that when managers were presented with evidence summaries, . NeiÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr common sense nor personal experience were enough to guide Å·²©ÓéÀÖm to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ right decision.
Failing to generate evidence from research and implementation experiences slows down Å·²©ÓéÀÖ progress of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ whole field. Collecting, analyzing, and sharing evidence about successes and failures of conservation programs is necessary for establishing best practices. Systematic approaches to asking relevant questions, testing critical assumptions, and sharing lessons learned are a fundamental aspect of evidence-based practice.
Evidence isn’t just for academics
Too often, evidence is communicated exclusively through Å·²©ÓéÀÖ academic literature, which may not be may not be Å·²©ÓéÀÖ most efficient way to reach all relevant audiences. Instead, evidence must be presented and disseminated with Å·²©ÓéÀÖ user’s needs in mind. The same body of evidence may need to be presented in different ways to reach audiences with different needs and priorities.
In USAID’s project, we worked with scientists from Å·²©ÓéÀÖ to systematically assess Å·²©ÓéÀÖ evidence about best practices for stakeholder engagement in conservation programs. To ensure that this evidence would be available to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ widest possible audience, this work was presented as a , a , and a for those interested in implementation. The aim was increasing Å·²©ÓéÀÖ reach of this evidence by developing a suite of products to facilitate uptake by a variety of users.
Evidence-based practice requires guidance
Implementing an evidence-based approach requires more than just access to evidence. Although most decision-makers and implementing partners would agree on its importance, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ concepts and tools required to effectively access, appraise, apply, and generate evidence may not be familiar to all.
Proper guidance can be just as important as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ evidence itself.
Measuring Impact led to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ development of , a four-part resource that describes Å·²©ÓéÀÖ attributes of evidence-based conservation, provides best practices for using and generating evidence in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ USAID context, and suggest ways in which USAID’s processes can be leveraged to build an accessible and useful evidence base. This work aims to increase Å·²©ÓéÀÖ efficiency and efficacy of USAID’s biodiversity conservation investments.
Through our partnered efforts with our dedicated conservation donors and partners towards safeguarding Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Earth’s natural heritage.