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Published on: December 9, 2012
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A multidisciplinary conceptualization of conservation opportunity
Katie Moon1, Vanessa M Adams, Stephanie R Januchowski-Hartley
1Institute for Applied Ecology/Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2601, Australia. katieamoon@gmail.com.
Summary
Understanding conservation opportunity is key for achieving conservation goals. This study defines three types of conservation opportunity—potential, traction, and existing—and outlines stages for their identification and exploitation.
Area of Science:
- Conservation science
- Social-ecological systems
- Policy studies
Background:
- Opportunities are advantageous circumstances for achieving goals.
- Existing literature conceptualizes opportunities across biophysical, social, political, and economic subsystems.
- Previous research includes behavior, adoption, entrepreneurship, public policy, and resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multidisciplinary conceptualization of conservation opportunity.
- To identify and define types of conservation opportunity.
- To examine the stages of opportunity identification, creation, and exploitation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review across multiple disciplines.
- Development of a multidisciplinary conceptual framework.
- Case study analysis of the Great Barrier Reef social-ecological system.
Main Results:
- Identified three types of conservation opportunity: potential, traction, and existing.
- Defined distinct leverage points and stages for each opportunity type.
- Examined manifestation and exploitation of conservation opportunities in the Great Barrier Reef.
Conclusions:
- The multidisciplinary conceptualization strengthens the understanding of conservation opportunity.
- Recognizing different opportunity types and stages is crucial for effective conservation action.
- The framework is applicable to social-ecological systems and informs conservation planning.
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