To achieve biodiversity conservation goals — and the broader, global goals of environmental sustainability, social equity, and empowerment — we have to engage communities. Unfortunately, substantial on-the-ground evidence about how to apply specific engagement approaches during a program’s life cycle to achieve long-term outcomes is lacking. Without adequate evidence, programs risk wasting limited resources and exacerbating undesirable circumstances for at-risk ecosystems and people.
In response to this challenge, Chemonics and Arizona State University’s (ASU) Center for Biodiversity Outcomes have formed the Conservation Solutions Lab. The lab brings together multidisciplinary scientists, conservationists, and development practitioners to bring evidence-based practice to designing, implementing and evaluating the impact of community engagement approaches in conservation. Results will build upon the current understanding of trade-offs and synergies between socioeconomic and ecological components of natural ecosystems under the community-based conservation model. Equipped with these insights, the lab will co-develop evaluative tools that match the needs of current and future projects on the ground.
If you are interested in learning more or partnering with us, please email ConservationSolutionsLab@chemonics.com.
Solutions Lab Team
Dr. Samantha Cheng
Director, Conservation Solutions Lab
Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, ASU
Aireona Bonnie Raschke
Research Analyst, Conservation Solutions Lab
Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, ASU
