Knowledge to action
We seek to understand what types of scientific strategies and organizational structures best translate conservation science research into useful, socially beneficial outcomes. We produce implementable solutions that are science-based and informed by the needs of end-users to overcome the persistent disconnect between the production of conservation research, its application into policy and decision-making by institutions, and the achievement of conservation outcomes. We engage with partners from all sectors to apply research results to achieve real-world change.
A central challenge in conservation is the inequity between global conservation decision making and actions, and rural communities that live in and around areas of conservation importance who tend to bear the costs of conservation but receive few of the benefits. We aim to engage in co-production and community science with these communities to more equitably distribute conservation benefits. We also work to include knowledge that has historically been excluded from conservation science to push the discipline toward more effective biodiversity conservation. By linking diverse knowledges to actions, we study methods for effectively and respectfully bridging knowledge systems.
As we implement our actionable science model, we study ourselves to improve this approach, increase our success rate, and serve as a scalable model for other institutions.
Current projects
A new paradigm of conservation science
This project links the production and use of knowledge in conservation by ensuring that conservation research is driven by the knowledge needs of practitioners to increase informed and effective decisions.
Data to decisions in biodiversity
We’re working to identify steps for effective co-production and creating a guide for researchers so research produced is aligned with data needed. We will also create an accompanying decision support tool.
Biodiversity in business and conservation return-on-investment
We are working with several corporate partners to bring together biodiversity data from multiple sources and create new methods to integrate the data into corporate decision-making.
Endangered species recovery
This work was motivated by recognition from USFWS of past critiques of its recovery allocation process.
Inclusive conservation education
As part of our strategic goal to train the next biodiversity generation, we developed GirlsConserve to provide basic literacy in the environment and ecological sustainability with a particular focus on engaging underserved youth.
Past projects
Conservation Solutions Lab
This collaborative initiative used evidence-driven interdisciplinary techniques to advance effective community engagement in conservation programs.
Decision science for endangered species risk assessment
We worked with Bayer and EPRI to develop a decision tool to estimate the range of potential operational, reputational, legal, and regulatory risks associated with compliance with the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Natural capital protocols
CBO led a project to develop biodiversity and oceans supplements for the Natural Capital Protocol to inform business how to measure and value their impacts and dependencies on natural capital.
Socially responsible seafood
To address human rights abuses in the seafood industry, we co-developed a social responsibility assessment scorecard for the global fisheries.