Inclusive conservation and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: Tensions and prospects

The draft Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework commits to achievement of equity and justice outcomes and represents a relational turn in how we understand inclusive conservation. Although inclusivity is drawn on as a means to engage diverse stakeholders, widening the framing of inclusivity can create new tensions with regard to how to manage protected areas. We first offer a set of tensions that emerge in the light of the relational turn in biodiversity conservation. Drawing on global case examples applying multiple methods of inclusive conservation, we then demonstrate that, by actively engaging in the interdependent phases of recognizing hybridity, enabling conditions for reflexivity and partnership building, tensions can not only be acknowledged but softened and, in some cases, reframed when managing for biodiversity, equity, and justice goals. The results can improve stakeholder engagement in protected area management, ultimately supporting better implementation of global biodiversity targets.

Automated summary

This study examines inclusivity in biodiversity conservation and offers methods for addressing associated tensions. By actively engaging diverse stakeholders and creating conditions for self-reflection and partnership building, the goals of biodiversity, equity, and justice can be achieved, leading to improved management of protected areas and better implementation of global biodiversity targets.