What are some best practices for engaging with local communities on biodiversity conservation?

1 Respect local knowledge and culture

The first step to engaging with local communities is to recognize and respect their knowledge, culture, and rights. Local communities often have a deep understanding of the ecosystems, species, and threats that affect biodiversity, as well as the values and norms that guide their behavior. Businesses should consult with local communities before initiating any conservation project, and seek their consent and participation throughout the process. Businesses should also avoid imposing their own agendas or assumptions, and instead listen and learn from the local perspectives and experiences.

2 Collaborate with local partners and stakeholders

The second step to engaging with local communities is to collaborate with local partners and stakeholders who can facilitate and support the conservation project. Local partners and stakeholders may include government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, media outlets, or other businesses that have relevant expertise, influence, or interest in biodiversity conservation. Businesses should identify and communicate with these potential allies, and establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Businesses should also leverage the existing networks, platforms, and initiatives that local partners and stakeholders have created or joined, and seek to align their goals and strategies.

3 Empower local communities to lead and benefit

The third step to engaging with local communities is to empower them to lead and benefit from the conservation project. Local communities should not be seen as passive beneficiaries or beneficiaries of the project, but as active agents and leaders of change. Businesses should provide local communities with the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate the conservation project. Businesses should also ensure that local communities share the benefits of the project, such as improved livelihoods, income, health, education, or recognition. Businesses should also respect and support the local governance and decision-making structures that local communities have established or chosen.

4 Communicate and celebrate the results and impacts

The fourth step to engaging with local communities is to communicate and celebrate the results and impacts of the conservation project. Local communities should be involved in measuring and reporting the outcomes and outputs of the project, such as the changes in biodiversity indicators, ecosystem services, or social indicators. Businesses should also acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and achievements of local communities, and share their stories and successes with wider audiences. Businesses should also celebrate and reward the local champions and leaders who have inspired and mobilized others to join the conservation project.

5 Learn and adapt from the feedback and challenges

The fifth step to engaging with local communities is to learn and adapt from the feedback and challenges that emerge during the conservation project. Local communities should be encouraged and enabled to provide honest and constructive feedback on the project, and to voice their concerns, suggestions, or complaints. Businesses should also monitor and evaluate the project regularly, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that affect its performance and sustainability. Businesses should also be flexible and responsive to the changing needs, expectations, and realities of local communities, and adjust their plans and actions accordingly.

6 Scale and replicate the best practices and lessons

The sixth and final step to engaging with local communities is to scale and replicate the best practices and lessons that have been learned from the conservation project. Local communities should be involved in disseminating and transferring the knowledge, skills, and innovations that have been generated or adopted during the project, and to support other communities who face similar challenges or opportunities. Businesses should also seek to replicate and expand the project to other locations, regions, or sectors, and to influence and advocate for policies and practices that support biodiversity conservation. Businesses should also document and share their best practices and lessons with other businesses and stakeholders who are interested or involved in biodiversity conservation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?