Steps
Steps
Here we summarize the eight steps to effective planning. Individual planners or planning methods may use different terminology, merge certain steps, or alter the order. As long as all steps are completed, and the process adheres to the planning principles outlined above, the result will be an effective, implementable plan with robust support and a high likelihood of improving the future status of the species.
Agree on the scope, rationale and required product of planning. Design and prepare a planning process that will meet these requirements.
Define the core elements of a future state for the species that represents the desired outcome both for conservation and for other relevant stakeholder needs or values.
Assemble the best available information on the biology, history, management, status and threats to the species, the obstacles to addressing those threats, and the opportunities or options for successful intervention.
Determine where in the system to intervene and recommend and prioritize the changes needed to achieve the desired future state.
Identify alternative approaches to achieving the recommended changes, compare their relative costs, benefits and feasibility, and choose which one(s) to pursue.
Agree on what will be done, when and by whom, to implement the chosen approach, and which measures will be used to indicate progress or completion of specific tasks.
Agree on how key individuals and organizations will communicate, coordinate, make decisions, and track and report on progress as they move forward together to implement the plan.
Produce the plan swiftly, share it widely and strategically to maximize conservation impact, and capture lessons learned in order to develop more effective conservation planning processes.
Principles & Steps Handbook
Read more about our Species Conservation Planning Principles & Steps