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What does IUCN species action planning contribute to the conservation process?

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Philip McGowan, Dr Peter Garson

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Abstract

More than 60 Species Action Plans have been published by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of IUCN - The World Conservation Union. They are designed to assess the status of threatened species and their habitats, and provide prioritised recommendations for action, but there is debate about the effectiveness of such plans in stimulating conservation action and research. We evaluated three Action Plans covering a group of large terrestrial birds, published in 1995. Of 54 projects suggested in these plans, 33 had been initiated in the 5 years since publication, and 35 specific conservation actions were undertaken. Forty-five peer-reviewed papers were published, and at least 88 other outputs in the form of symposium presentations, posters and popular articles were produced. Although it is impossible to demonstrate the effectiveness of species action planning through rigorous scientific assessment, these results indicate a substantial amount of conservation-relevant activity directly attributable to the process. They also highlight the need for a clear definition of the role of Action Plans. We suggest that many of the criticisms directed toward species action plans result from an over-optimistic view of their power to catalyse action, and conclude by presenting a new model describing their niche within the wider context of conservation biology and policy. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Fuller RA, McGowan PJK, Carroll JP, Dekker RWRJ, Garson PJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Biological Conservation

Year: 2003

Volume: 112

Issue: 3

Pages: 343-349

Print publication date: 01/08/2003

ISSN (print): 0006-3207

ISSN (electronic): 1873-2917

Publisher: Elsevier

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3207(02)00331-2

DOI: 10.1016/S0006-3207(02)00331-2

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