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Social Science Applications for the Practice of Equitable Conservation.

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Title: Social Science Applications for the Practice of Equitable Conservation.
Authors: Armstrong, Andrea1 (AUTHOR) andrea.armstrong@tnc.org, Van Dolah, Elizabeth2 (AUTHOR), Bergman, Brenda Gail3 (AUTHOR), Hack, Mace4 (AUTHOR), Bhat, Meera5 (AUTHOR), Smith, Elizabeth6 (AUTHOR), Legge, John7 (AUTHOR)
Source: Society & Natural Resources. Nov2025, Vol. 38 Issue 11, p1313-1331. 19p.
Subject Terms: *Nature conservation, *Environmental advocacy organizations, *Environmental protection, *Adaptive natural resource management, *Conservation of natural resources, Social scientists, Resource allocation, Stakeholder analysis
Company/Entity: Nature Conservancy (U.S.)
Abstract: Equitable conservation is rapidly expanding in theory and practice. We examine the ways in which the social sciences may support equity advancements within conservation practice. We used a combination of qualitative focus group and case study approaches to identify and analyze existing examples of social science applications for equitable conservation within The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global organization that is developing an equitable conservation agenda. Our participants approach equitable conservation as a balance between the needs and wellbeing of humans and nature. Using the adaptive management cycle as a framework, we describe the important roles that the social sciences play in advancing equity in conservation practice. Projects that drew on the conservation social sciences earlier benefited from a closer integration of equity within project strategies and outcomes. Our findings demonstrate that the social sciences can advance equitable conservation at every stage of the adaptive management cycle. MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS: The social sciences can advance the practice of equitable conservation. Equity considerations occur throughout the adaptive management cycle, and social scientists are uniquely positioned to advise and support teams as equity is advanced. Early integration of social science approaches improves the conceptual alignment of equity principles within conservation projects or initiatives. As equitable conservation and the social sciences are recognized and expected in conservation practice, organizations must expand their capacities to do human-centered work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: GreenFILE
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Abstract:Equitable conservation is rapidly expanding in theory and practice. We examine the ways in which the social sciences may support equity advancements within conservation practice. We used a combination of qualitative focus group and case study approaches to identify and analyze existing examples of social science applications for equitable conservation within The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global organization that is developing an equitable conservation agenda. Our participants approach equitable conservation as a balance between the needs and wellbeing of humans and nature. Using the adaptive management cycle as a framework, we describe the important roles that the social sciences play in advancing equity in conservation practice. Projects that drew on the conservation social sciences earlier benefited from a closer integration of equity within project strategies and outcomes. Our findings demonstrate that the social sciences can advance equitable conservation at every stage of the adaptive management cycle. MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS: The social sciences can advance the practice of equitable conservation. Equity considerations occur throughout the adaptive management cycle, and social scientists are uniquely positioned to advise and support teams as equity is advanced. Early integration of social science approaches improves the conceptual alignment of equity principles within conservation projects or initiatives. As equitable conservation and the social sciences are recognized and expected in conservation practice, organizations must expand their capacities to do human-centered work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:08941920
DOI:10.1080/08941920.2025.2494018