A large-scale application of project prioritization to threatened species investment by a government agency

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201413
• Publication Date: 2018-08-14T17:25:32Z
• Authors: James Brazill-Boast; Moira Williams; Beth Rickwood; Thalie Partridge; Grant Bywater; Bronwyn Cumbo; Ian Shannon; William J. M. Pro...; Julie Ravallion; Hugh Possingham; Richard F. Maloney
• Keywords: Prioritization; Investment

In a global environment of increasing species extinctions and decreasing availability funds with which to combat the causes biodiversity loss, maximising efficiency conservation efforts is crucial. The only way ensure maximum return on investment incorporate cost, benefit likelihood success actions into decision-making in systematic objective way. Here we report application Project Prioritization Protocol (PPP), first implemented by New Zealand Government, target prioritize threatened South Wales, Australia, under state’s new Saving our Species program. Detailed management prescriptions for 368 were developed via an expert elicitation process, then prioritized using quantitative data benefit, implementation simple cost-efficiency equation. We discuss outcomes that have been realized even early stages program; including efficient development planning resources made available all potential investors demonstration transparent approach will significantly increase probability meeting secure greatest number from extinction.