Great question Flavia. Because ethical nature conservation is so multi-dimensional, it's hard to think about straightforward indicators. One of the priorities of the Alliance is to develop tools for practitioners, funding agencies and other. One priority toolkit we are hoping to develop is a framework that organizations and practitioners can use to assess their practices through the lens of ethical conservation. It would include various aspects, including the extent and quality of indigenous partnerships, extent of inclusive, decolonized practices in conservation, particularly at national levels, devolution of power and authority, etc.
Thank you for your question Oliver! According to Dr. Charu Mishra, the three things that could be done to take this movement forward are: (i) help strengthen the capacity of conservationists on the one hand, and indigenous peoples and local communities on the other, to engage with each other, and for the latter to start playing leadership roles in conservation (ii) persuade governments to commit to ethical nature conservation, initially through sensitization, and subsequently through binding treaties, and (iii) increase public awareness of the need for ethical nature conservation practices worldwide
Thanks for the answer!! Another for the panelists, wondering how does the Alliance address situations where there’s a conflict between local community needs and biodiversity goals? And in what ways do you think conservation efforts need to evolve in the next decade to fully support indigenous rights and biodiversity protection?
Through respect, relationship building, transparency, and negotiation. We try to follow PARTNERS Principles for ethical and effective engagement with communities. Ultimately, recognizing community rights means that they must have a strong voice in making decisions, even if sometimes those might not be ideal decisions from the perspective of the conservation practitioner, particularly when the issues or decisions have existential consequences for local people. But in our experience, long term, respectful engagement, supporting community's rights and needs, usually helps a lot in conducting integrative negotiations for best outcomes for biodiversity and people.
Great question Flavia. Because ethical nature conservation is so multi-dimensional, it's hard to think about straightforward indicators. One of the priorities of the Alliance is to develop tools for practitioners, funding agencies and other. One priority toolkit we are hoping to develop is a framework that organizations and practitioners can use to assess their practices through the lens of ethical conservation. It would include various aspects, including the extent and quality of indigenous partnerships, extent of inclusive, decolonized practices in conservation, particularly at national levels, devolution of power and authority, etc.
Thank you for your question Oliver! According to Dr. Charu Mishra, the three things that could be done to take this movement forward are: (i) help strengthen the capacity of conservationists on the one hand, and indigenous peoples and local communities on the other, to engage with each other, and for the latter to start playing leadership roles in conservation (ii) persuade governments to commit to ethical nature conservation, initially through sensitization, and subsequently through binding treaties, and (iii) increase public awareness of the need for ethical nature conservation practices worldwide
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Hi all, thanks for this great panel!
I was wondering how can ethical conservation approaches be effectively measured? Are there specific indicators or outcomes you look for?
Thanks for the answer!! Another for the panelists, wondering how does the Alliance address situations where there’s a conflict between local community needs and biodiversity goals? And in what ways do you think conservation efforts need to evolve in the next decade to fully support indigenous rights and biodiversity protection?
Through respect, relationship building, transparency, and negotiation. We try to follow PARTNERS Principles for ethical and effective engagement with communities. Ultimately, recognizing community rights means that they must have a strong voice in making decisions, even if sometimes those might not be ideal decisions from the perspective of the conservation practitioner, particularly when the issues or decisions have existential consequences for local people. But in our experience, long term, respectful engagement, supporting community's rights and needs, usually helps a lot in conducting integrative negotiations for best outcomes for biodiversity and people.
Thanks!!🙏