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Using Better Management Thinking to Improve Conservation Effectiveness

Black, Simon A., Groombridge, Jim J., Jones, Carl G. (2013) Using Better Management Thinking to Improve Conservation Effectiveness. ISRN Biodiversity, 2013 . pp. 1-8. ISSN 2314-6257. (doi:10.1155/2013/784701) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:48315)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided. (Contact us about this Publication)
Official URL:
http://doi.org/10.1155/2013/784701

Abstract

The current paradigm for effective management in biodiversity conservation programmes is dominated by three broad streams of thinking: (i) traditional “command-and-control” approaches which are commonly observed in, but are not exclusive to, bureaucratic government-administered conservation, (ii) more recent notions of “adaptive management,” and (iii) emerging “good practice” management frameworks for conservation. Other variations on these themes suggested by the literature tend to endorse additions or enhancement to one or more of these approaches. We argue that instead a more fundamental alternative approach to conservation management is required, based on “systems thinking.” The systems thinking approach should encompass (i) an understanding of natural systems, (ii) a sense of how human behaviour is influenced, (iii) an understanding of how knowledge should inform decision-making and problem solving, and (iv) an approach based on an understanding of variation in natural systems. Our argument is that the current paradigms of conservation management fail to address these four fundamentals and therefore do not represent the most effective way to manage conservation programmes. We suggest that the challenge for the conservation community is so great that conservation managers should seriously consider better ways of designing and managing programmes, setting goals, making decisions, and encouraging learning and improvement.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1155/2013/784701
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH75 Conservation (Biology)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Depositing User: Jim Groombridge
Date Deposited: 08 May 2015 14:22 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 13:24 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/48315 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Black, Simon A..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Groombridge, Jim J..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6941-8187
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