Think before you plan: Introducing preplanning considerations in conservation

Erik Meijaard; Craig Leisher; Edward T Game; Craig Groves

Erik Meijaard 1) People and Nature Consulting International, Ciputat, Jakarta, 15412, Indonesia. 2) School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. 3) Center for International Forestry Research, PO Box 0113 BOCBD, Bogor 16000, Indonesia
Craig Leisher Central Science, The Nature Conservancy, Monson, ME, USA.
Edward T Game 1) School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. 2) Conservation Methods Team, The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane 4101, Australia.
Craig Groves Conservation Methods Team, The Nature Conservancy, Bozeman, MT, USA.

Abstract

Over the past decades, conservation has transitioned from focusing primarily on ecological or biodiversity-oriented goals to increasing consideration of goals related to human well-being (e.g., social, economic, political). Multi-objective planning can support analysis of these new conservation contexts but remains logistically and technically challenging because of the inherent complexity of conservation problems. Within a multi-objective conservation planning process, an often-overlooked element is the pre-planning stage. This is where the need for planning is assessed, appropriate planning tools are selected, the level of planning investment determined, and a horizon scan of potential ‘disabling conditions’ is undertaken to ensure the societal context is supportive. Explicit pre-planning prior to making a decision about whether or not a planning effort should go ahead would better align project risks with approach, level of investment, and potential conservation rewards. It might also result in fewer shelved conservation plans.