Principles
Principles
Well-designed and executed species conservation planning that adheres to the following set of seven core principles can improve existing efforts and stimulate greater ambition, collaboration and resourcing. Underpinning this philosophy is a commitment to the One Plan approach: the collaborative development of management strategies and conservation actions by all responsible parties to produce one comprehensive conservation plan for the species whether inside or outside its natural range. The result is an integrated conservation plan that mobilizes the full suite of skills and resources available to species in trouble, giving them a better chance at a future in the wild.
The intent of planning is to promote and guide effective action to save species. This principle underpins everything we do.
People with relevant knowledge, those who direct conservation action, and those who are affected by that action are all key to defining conservation challenges and deciding how those challenges will be addressed. Inclusivity refers not only to who is included in the planning process, but also to how their voices are valued and incorporated.
Working from the best available information—whether that be established facts, wellsupported assumptions or informed judgments—is crucial to good conservation planning. Using science-based approaches to integrate, analyze and evaluate this information supports effective decision-making.
Good species planning is designed to move diverse groups of people through a structured conversation in a way that supports them to coalesce around a common vision for the species and to transform this into an achievable, effective plan. Facilitators skilled in planning are essential in guiding these processes. Critically, neutral facilitation eliminates potential or perceived bias in the planning process, helping participants to contribute their ideas and perspectives freely and equally.
Effective species conservation planning results in decisions that all participants can support or accept. Recognizing shared goals, seeing the perspective of others, and proceeding by consensus helps galvanize participants behind a single plan of action that is more likely to be implemented.
Producing and sharing the products of a conservation planning process quickly, freely and widely are important factors in its success. Delays carry a cost in terms of lost momentum, duplicated or conflicting effort or missed opportunities for action.
Effective plans are those that evolve in response to new information and to changing circumstances—biological, political, socio-economic, and cultural—that influence conservation efforts. Plans are considered living documents that are reviewed, updated and improved over time.
Principles & Steps Handbook
Read more about our Species Conservation Planning Principles & Steps