Coarse and fine filters, gap analysis, and systematic conservation planning

This paper compares the principal concepts and methodologies that have been developed in conservation planning over the past few decades. Of these, the terms coarse filter and fine filter have been used inconsistently, we propose, therefore, consensual grounds for a definition. The term "gap analysis" has been used to refer to the prescriptive methodology of Gap Analysis and the latter is not consensual among conservation biologists. Nevertheless Gap Analysis has contributed greatly, along with the systematic conservation planning methodology, to the development of conservation planning. Overall, conservation planning has proved sound enough to merit interest and involvement from forest managers. Key words: coarse filter, fine filter, gap analysis, systematic conservation planning, ecological representation, protected areas