Measuring conservation success beyond the traditional biological criteria: the case of conservation projects in C osta R ica, M ekong V alley, and C ameroon

Conservation success cannot be measured solely by biological criteria such as species diversity or protected area size. A holistic approach, incorporating environmental, political, social, and conflict pressures, is necessary to accurately assess conservation outcomes. Using a proposed interdisciplinary rubric, this study evaluates conservation projects in Costa Rica's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves, the Mekong Valley, and Cameroon. Findings reveal that traditional biological metrics often overlook critical factors influencing success or failure. For instance, Costa Rica's Guanacaste and Talamanca national parks are rated 'moderately low' under this new framework, while Mekong Valley projects range from 'low' to 'moderately low,' and Cameroon's efforts are predominantly rated 'low' or 'very low.' The study concludes that global conservation strategies must shift from a narrow biological focus to a broader, interdisciplinary approach to achieve meaningful success.

Gruber, J., Mbatu, R., Johns, R., & Dixon, B. (2017). Measuring conservation success beyond the traditional biological criteria: the case of conservation projects in Costa Rica, Mekong Valley, and Cameroon. Natural Resources Forum, 42(1), 19–31. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1477-8947.12132