Evaluating Brazilian conservation projects: The weak link between practice and theory

Abstract

Conservation Biology is a scientific discipline devoted to producing practical actions strongly based on scientific fundamentals. We have recognized a gap between the available knowledge and intervention practices, which could be diminished by the application of monitoring methods and a research evaluation framework. Using this approach, we aimed to understand if conservationists in Brazil link theoretical themes to practical issues in their research projects through the analysis of 115 project objectives funded by FNMA (National Environmental Fund) in Flora and Fauna Sustainable Management category. The most cited theoretical themes are population biology, biodiversity assessment and ecosystem services, while instruments for conservation species management and education were the most cited practical themes. There was only a weak association between theoretical and practical themes within projects. Our analyses suggested the importance of investment in educating conservation professionals about the social and political context of conservation and encouraging the elaboration of projects with more properly designed interactions between biological research and intervention actions. © 2010 ABECO.