Biodiversity in the balance : approaches to setting geographic conservation priorities

Following an introduction, Chapter II locates conservation priorities around two major sets of values: (1) biodiversity use values, namely, the economic, scientific, ecological, or social and cultural benefits to be derived from biodiversity; and (2) the value of biodiversity in and for itself. Chapter II also explores biological and social factors used in setting priorities and categorizes priority-setting approaches by the types of conservation objectives they are designed to support, including genetically based, species-based, and ecosystem-based approaches and those that combine social and economic criteria with biological factors. Chapter III presents specific examples of priority-setting at international, regional, and national scales. These range from well-known schemes for setting global priorities such as the "hotspots" and "megadiversity" approaches, to efforts at the regional (e.g., Amazonia) and national (e.g., Papua New Guinea) levels. Each of these approaches is unique, reflecting the enormous variation in biophysical conditions, institutional values and objectives, and available resources. Chapter IV presents a set of 10 principles to strengthen the effectiveness of setting priorities in biodiversity conservation. These principles build on the strengths and limitations of the approaches reviewed in Chapter III and are based on the premise that an effective priority-setting process should provide a critical link between conservation goals and objectives and on-the-ground actions that make conservation a reality. Stress is placed on the importance of process and participation in priority-setting efforts, especially at local levels. Finally, Chapter V summarizes the issues most vital to sound priority setting: the importance of clear objectives, the role of biogeographic representation in first-cut priorities, recognition that non-biological factors will ultimately determine the fate of priorities, making priorities an integral part of national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and defining a complementary role for setting priorities at international levels. Includes references (p.109-115). (Author abstract, modified)