Transforming conservation relationships: Deconstructing traditional governance models for inclusive and equitable management

Abstract

Conservation is undergoing a profound transformation. As environmental crises escalate and the limits of conventional approaches become more visible, scholars and practitioners increasingly recognize that protecting biodiversity cannot be achieved through ecological science alone. Conservation is fundamentally about relationships between people and nature, and between different knowledge systems and values. The call to Reimagining Leadership and Justice necessitates a critical examination of traditional conservation methods, which frequently involve top-down approaches that inadequately address the fundamental causes of environmental degradation and overlook the contributions of local communities. Historically, these methods have been predominantly technocratic, reflecting a narrow focus on ecological and conservation biology perspectives while neglecting the human and social dimension of conservation. Conservation initiatives are grounded in specific values and forms of knowledge that shape governance structures and management strategies. These initiatives profoundly impact diverse populations in both material and non-material ways. Hence, it is crucial to reconsider the relational aspects of conservation because conservation actions influence not only ecosystems and biodiversity but also carry inherent social and political implications. Relationships in conservation – particularly between states, conservation organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities – shape how decisions are made, how resources are governed, and how benefits and burdens are distributed. As such, conservation governance must be reimagined as a relational practice grounded in equity, legitimacy, and inclusion.