Conservation: a starfish without a central disk?

Abstract

Conservation is for people and depends on public support for its success yet public perceptions of the value of conservation are highly variable. A lack of a strong commitment from the majority of the public may relate to problems determining priorities for research and management. There is ample evidence in the literature and in public opinion that there is a need to address these issues. An image of a starfish lacking co-ordination among its arms is offered as a metaphor of the problems in worldwide conservation today. There appears to be miscommunication between scientists and managers, lack of balance among research activities, a misunderstanding of how to manage the views of all stakeholders and an overall lack of agreement on direction and priorities in a normal situation of limited resources. We offer suggestions on how to increase effectiveness by negotiating a strategic direction that accommodates the views of all stakeholders and that links research to management.