Strategic planning for species conservation: An overview

In an effort to save species and overall biodiversity, a number of approaches to conservation have been suggested. Some approaches focus on species' habitats, ecosystems, or other area-based classifications such as hotspots, ecoregions, Important Bird Areas, Important Plant Areas, and so on. Such approaches seek to save nature in a place or region by ensuring that the ecosystem processes and structures which support nature are maintained. Although these approaches are critical to conservation of nature, they are insufficient on their own. Just as species need well functioning ecosystems in which to live, ecosystems depend on their species. An exclusively area-based approach can result in species being lost from the areas of concern. Conservationists have long appreciated that many species, and species groups, need particular attention, requiring species-focused conservation strategies. Furthermore, because many people have deep attachments to particular species, these can be used to catalyse conservation efforts. Guidance is given to IUCN/SSC Specialist Groups on when and how to prepare and promote is called Species Conservation Strategies (SCSs). This guidance includes advice on how to conduct a thorough Status Review; how to develop, through broad consultation with stakeholders, a Vision and Goals for the conservation of a species or species group; how to set Objectives to help achieve the Vision and Goals; and how to address those Objectives through geographically and thematically specific Actions. The Overview summarises the full Handbook which describes recommended methods for creating successful SCSs, brief case studies or examples of aspects of SCSs, and references to sources of additional help and guidance.