Countering resistance to protected-area extension
Date
2018
Authors
Lindenmayer, David B
Thorn, Simon
Noss, Reed
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
The establishment of protected areas is a critical strategy for conserving biodiversity. Key policy directives like the Aichi targets seek to expand protected areas to 17% of Earth's land surface, with calls by some conservation biologists for much more. However, in places such as the United States, Germany, and Australia, attempts to increase protected areas are meeting strong resistance from communities, industry groups, and governments. We examined case studies of such resistance in Victoria, Australia, Bavaria, Germany, and Florida, United States. We considered 4 ways to tackle this problem. First, broaden the case for protected areas beyond nature conservation to include economic, human health, and other benefits, and translate these into a persuasive business case for protected areas. Second, better communicate the conservation values of protected areas. This should include highlighting how many species, communities, and ecosystems have been conserved by protected areas and the counterfactual (i.e., what would have been lost without protected area establishment). Third, consider zoning of activities to ensure the maintenance of effective management. Finally, remind citizens to think about conservation when they vote, including holding politicians accountable for their environmental promises. Without tackling resistance to expanding the protected estate, it will be impossible to reach conservation targets, and this will undermine attempts to stem the global extinction crisis.
Description
Keywords
conservation policy, conservation targets, zoning, biodiversity, stakeholders
Citation
Lindenmayer, D.B., Thorn, S. and Noss, R. (2018). Countering resistance to protected area extension. Conservation Biology, 32, 315-321, https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12990
Collections
Source
Conservation Biology
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
Open Access