How WWF approaches ecoregion conservation
The principles which outline the rationale of ecoregion conservation (see the 14 principles) are those which guide and direct WWF’s Ecoregion Action Plans (EAPs).
EAPs employ the tried and tested methods that WWF has used over the years. These include protected area establishment, environmental education, capacity building, and advocacy for policy change. EAPs operate on a geographically larger scale and engage a broader range of issues and partners than ever before.
Common problems from economic sources
In addition, as we analyse the pressures bearing upon ecoregions, certain common problems will emerge, such as adverse trade rules, perverse subsidies which drive agricultural expansion or resource depletion, and other socioeconomic issues.
It is in these common areas that the ecoregion work overlaps with our thematic work on forests, species, marine and freshwater issues etc.
Interplay of understanding and action
Ecoregion conservation requires a careful balance of analysis, planning and action, thinking differently, and exploring and understanding the links between social and biological factors.
This interplay between understanding and action will better enable WWF and all parties in an EAP to secure conservation gains and complementary economic and social development successes over the short and long term.
A set of simple features of ecoregion conservation
Based on the need to think and act differently, with broader visions, larger scales, longer time horizons, and greater impact, WWF has defined a set of simple features of ecoregion conservation, developed and refined by ecoregion conservation practitioners, based on their experience in the field.
- The fundamental goal of ecoregion conservation is to conserve and, where necessary, restore the full range of an ecoregion's biodiversity: genes, species, communities, ecosystems, and ecological phenomena must be conserved on a scale that ensures their integrity and long-term survival.
- Human development needs must be reconciled with conservation actions: ecoregional scales of planning and action require a thorough understanding of the interactions between social, economic, and ecological factors.
- Emphasis must be given to collaboration and developing collaborations: partnerships among institutions and individuals are vital for getting the best input and broadest commitment to programme design and implementation, and to ensure that scarce resources are efficiently applied.
- Adapting through learning - putting experience into practice: continuous reshaping of actions and strategies based on previous lessons and experience and on emerging information and new tools for conservation management.
