Connectivity Conservation Management

Abstract

Management and governance are closely related but distinct phenomena. Until the beginning of the new millennium, however, when describing decisions and action meant to conserve nature, only the term ‘management’ was used. This implied a tendency to focus on the technical rather than the policy and power-related—aspects of conservation. This chapter explains how diversity of governance types affect policy, planning and management, with a focus on four major types: Governance-by government; Shared governance; Private governance; and governance by Indigenous peoples and local communities. It then provides tools for evaluating the key characteristics that determine good governance for nature conservation: (1) quality (legitimacy and voice, accountability, direction, fairness and rights, performance); and (2) vitality (integrated and functionally connected, wise, empowered, adaptive, innovative). Attention to governance has improved nature conservation across many frontiers: allowing an increase in the extent of coverage of protected areas; improving the appropriateness and equity of decisions; promoting better linkages between protected areas and their surrounding seascapes and landscapes; and underpinning new tools to address the challenges of global environmental change and deterioration. Ongoing development of governance theory and practice can help in the generation of pathways to sustainable living, for example by promoting economic and information democracy; intensifying consecutiveness and system understanding; promoting the inclusion of Indigenous and local knowledge systems and supporting deliberative and participatory approaches and agendas. Good governance for nature conservation can ensure that the effectiveness of decision-making and the rule of law are secured, and that rights are always balanced by responsibilities, including towards the rights of future generations and the rights of nature. Lessons and insights are accumulating in learning-by-doing processes throughout the world. In conscious and participatory efforts towards enhancing its own diversity, quality and vitality, governance can unfold at its best for the conservation of nature