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Capacity to conserve

People are both the driving force behind biodiversity loss and the reason for protecting it. It is no surprise then that harnessing human potential is fundamental to conserving our remaining biodiversity. Long-term conservation success depends on developing a network of committed individuals and institutions who have the capacity to address the threats to our natural world.

Biodiversity conservation is more likely to be effective and sustainable if national governments and local institutions take ownership of conservation activities. However, in some instances local organisations and individuals may require additional skills, resources, experience, credibility and objective external support (especially in difficult political environments) to achieve their conservation goals. 

Equally, international organisations, like FFI, face their own internal capacity challenges as they must adapt to meet new critical conservation concerns, and work to navigate emerging ideas in science, technology and culture at a global scale.

It is crucial to find ways to fill these gaps so we can be more efficient in our efforts. Solutions may take the form of anything from consulting, mentoring and coaching, to training, information sharing and technological exchanges.

At an individual level, professional development in areas such as leadership, advocacy, and technical skills, builds motivation and increases effective action. At a broader level, building strategic alliances between groups to share information, skills and resources can lead to more successful conservation. In addition, the pooling of local and international skills can provide important learning opportunities in both directions, resulting in improved conservation operations on a wider scale.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer, and a range of innovative long-term approaches need to be tailored to each situation and driven internally. Yet with committed participation and ownership, it is possible to make a real difference in strengthening local stewardship of threatened species and habitats.

Find out how FFI is helping to build conservation capacity around the world.