Effective engagement of conservation scientists with decision-makers
David Christian Rose, Megan Evans, Rebecca M. Jarvis
Abstract
Conservation practitioners use a wide range of sources to inform decisions, but studies report that personal experience is usually most important; scientific papers and unpublished research are rarely referred to. For site-based conservation practitioners, day-to-day decisions are typically made within a context of earlier decisions taken at two levels: strategic decisions that define the aims and policies of the wider organisation; and management planning decisions which outline the objectives for a site and the actions needed to achieve them. Even where decisions are underpinned by scientific evidence, personal judgement is valuable in ensuring management actions are tailored to the specific site. The integration of scientific evidence into conservation decision-making could be improved. We suggest two main approaches. First, increase the synthesis, translation and exchange of scientific research into easily accessible, practical information. Second, ensure that decision-making processes involve skilled ecological advisors and scientists who keep up to date with relevant literature and are able to advise on site-specific evidence-based solutions.