Facilitating biodiversity conservation through partnerships to achieve transformative outcomes

• DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14057
• Publication Date: 2023-01-20T10:10:15Z
• 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‐Mond...
• Keywords: Transformative Learning; Conservation Biology

Conservation biology is a mission-driven discipline that must navigate new relationship between conservation and science. Because social political as well an ecological project, biologists practice interdisciplinarity collaboration. In comparative study of 7 cases (Jaguars in the Chaco, Grevy's zebra Kenya, Beekeeping Tanzania, Andean cats Argentina, Jaguars Mexico, Lobster fishing, Black bears Mexico), we examined motivations for collaboration conservation, who can collaborate how professionals work together. 5 case studies, successful outcomes were prioritized over livelihood benefits. other 2 cases, livelihoods prioritized. All studies employed participatory approaches. There multiple external actors, including local Indigenous communities, nongovernmental organizations, agencies, regional national governments, international which enhanced wider sustainability outcomes. Key aspects considered across time (mismatch building project schedules), trust required meaningful partnerships, tools employed, transformative potential people, nature, biology. We developed guidelines collaboration, long-term commitment, knowledge integration, multiscalar plural approaches, cultivation trust, appropriate engagement, evaluation, supporting students, efforts transformation.