Absence of evidence for the conservation outcomes of systematic conservation planning around the globe: a systematic map

• DOI: 10.1186/s13750-018-0134-2
• Publication Date: 2018-09-22T04:28:05Z
• Authors: Emma J. McIntosh; Sarah Chapman; Stephen G. Kearney; Brooke Williams; Glenn Althor; Jessica P. R. Thorn; Robert L. Pressey; Madeleine C. McKi...; Richard Grenyer
• Keywords: Grey Literature; Conservation Plan; Globe

Abstract Background Systematic conservation planning is a discipline concerned with the prioritisation of resources for biodiversity and often used in design or assessment terrestrial marine protected area networks. Despite being an evidence-based discipline, to date there has been no comprehensive review outcomes systematic plans assessments relative effectiveness applications different contexts. To address this fundamental gap knowledge, our primary research question was: what extent, distribution robustness evidence on around globe? Methods A mapping exercise was undertaken using standardised search terms across 29 sources, including publication databases, online repositories wide range grey literature sources. The team screened articles recursively, first by title only, then abstract finally full-text, inclusion criteria related conducted at sub-global scales reported since 1983. We sought studies that relating natural, human, social, financial institutional which employed robust evaluation study designs. following information extracted from included studies: bibliographic details, background location broad objectives plan, design, context. Results Of approximately 10,000 unique returned through searches, 1209 were full-text screening 43 interventions. However, only three involved use designs are suitably rigorous inclusion, according best-practice guidelines. Gulf California (Mexico), Réunion Island, Nature Conservancy’s landholdings USA. varied widely context, purpose outcomes. Study non-experimental qualitative, spatial over time, stakeholder surveys modelling alternative scenarios. Conclusion Rigorous evaluations currently not published academic journals made publicly available elsewhere. frequent claims positive implications these activities, we show probably rarely conducted. This finding does imply effective but highlights significant understanding how, when why it may be effective. Our results also corroborate dominated methodological studies, rather than those focus implementation outcomes, support case problematic imbalance literature. emphasise need academics practitioners publish exercises consider employing methodologies reporting project Adequate will turn enable transparency accountability between institutions funding bodies as well improving science practice planning.