Open AccessPathways towards a sustainable future envisioned by early‐career conservation researchers
Author(s) -
Raatikainen Kaisa J.,
Purhonen Jenna,
Pohjanmies Tähti,
Peura Maiju,
Nieminen Eini,
Mustajärvi Linda,
Helle Ilona,
ShennanFarpón Yara,
Ahti Pauliina A.,
Basile Marco,
Bernardo Nicola,
Bertram Michael G.,
Bouarakia Oussama,
BriasGuinart Aina,
Fijen Thijs,
Froidevaux Jérémy S. P.,
Hemmingmoore Heather,
Hocevar Sara,
Kendall Liam,
Lampinen Jussi,
Marjakangas EmmaLiina,
Martin Jake M.,
Oomen Rebekah A.,
Segre Hila,
SidemoHolm William,
Silva André P.,
Thorbjørnsen Susanna Huneide,
TorrentsTicó Miquel,
Zhang Di,
Ziemacki Jasmin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.493
Subject(s) - transdisciplinarity , sustainability , sustainability science , diversity (politics) , prioritization , political science , conservation psychology , conservation biology , sociology , politics , engineering ethics , environmental ethics , environmental resource management , public relations , management science , ecology , social sustainability , social science , biodiversity , engineering , economics , biology , philosophy , law
Scientists have warned decision‐makers about the severe consequences of the global environmental crisis since the 1970s. Yet ecological degradation continues and little has been done to address climate change. We investigated early‐career conservation researchers' (ECR) perspectives on, and prioritization of, actions furthering sustainability. We conducted a survey ( n = 67) and an interactive workshop ( n = 35) for ECR attendees of the 5th European Congress of Conservation Biology (2018). Building on these data and discussions, we identified ongoing and forthcoming advances in conservation science. These include increased transdisciplinarity, science communication, advocacy in conservation, and adoption of a transformation‐oriented social–ecological systems approach to research. The respondents and participants had diverse perspectives on how to achieve sustainability. Reformist actions were emphasized as paving the way for more radical changes in the economic system and societal values linked to the environment and inequality. Our findings suggest that achieving sustainability requires a strategy that (1) incorporates the multiplicity of people's views, (2) places a greater value on nature, and (3) encourages systemic transformation across political, social, educational, and economic realms on multiple levels. We introduce a framework for ECRs to inspire their research and practice within conservation science to achieve real change in protecting biological diversity.