Six Common Mistakes in Conservation Priority Setting
Many conservation prioritization schemes aim to allocate resources effectively, yet common mistakes persist. We outline six errors—such as ill-defined problems and hidden value judgments—and provide guidance using decision science principles to help planners create more rigorous, impactful strategies.
Subject Tags
- Policy, Finance, and Markets
- Conservation Planning
- Ecosystem management
Abstract
A vast number of prioritization schemes have been developed to help conservation navigate tough decisions about the allocation of finite resources. However, the application of quantitative approaches to setting priorities in conservation frequently includes mistakes that can undermine their authors’ intention to be more rigorous and scientific in the way priorities are established and resources allocated. Drawing on well-established principles of decision science, we highlight 6 mistakes commonly associated with setting priorities for conservation: not acknowledging conservation plans are prioritizations; trying to solve an ill-defined problem; not prioritizing actions; arbitrariness; hidden value judgments; and not acknowledging risk of failure. We explain these mistakes and offer a path to help conservation planners avoid making the same mistakes in future prioritizations.
Citation
Game, E. T., Kareiva, P., & Possingham, H. P. (2013). Six common mistakes in conservation priority setting. Conservation Biology, 27(3), 480-485.
TNC Authors
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Edward T. Game
Sr. Lead Scientist & Director of Conservation, AP, Asia Pacific Office
The Nature Conservancy
Email: egame@tnc.org