Social multi-criteria evaluation for managing biodiversity conservation conflicts

Land use changes are among the primary drivers of declining biodiversity. To reverse this decline, governments and agencies are promoting conservation measures. However, these initiatives often lead to conservation conflicts associated with competing land uses. This study analyzes the potential for using the Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE) framework to manage conservation conflicts in multifunctional landscapes with competing land demands. On the basis of lessons learned from a real conservation conflict within the European Natura 2000, the largest network of protected areas in the world, this article provides guidance on how to develop holistic and inclusive processes that consider the multiple dimensions of conflicts. The SMCE framework offers a structured approach for dealing with incommensurate values, addressing trade-offs and their impacts on affected parties. Under this framework, transparent and inclusive decision-making processes are heralded as key factors for managing conservation conflicts and searching for equitable and sustainable solutions.