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Conservation Research Is Not Happening Where It Is Most Needed

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Listed:
  • Kerrie A Wilson
  • Nancy A Auerbach
  • Katerina Sam
  • Ariana G Magini
  • Alexander St L Moss
  • Simone D Langhans
  • Sugeng Budiharta
  • Dilva Terzano
  • Erik Meijaard

Abstract

Target 19, set by the Convention on Biological Diversity, seeks to improve the knowledge, science base, and technologies relating to biodiversity. We will fail to achieve this target unless prolific biases in the field of conservation science are addressed. We reveal that comparatively less research is undertaken in the world’s most biodiverse countries, the science conducted in these countries is often not led by researchers based in-country, and these scientists are also underrepresented in important international fora. Mitigating these biases requires wide-ranging solutions: reforming open access publishing policies, enhancing science communication strategies, changing author attribution practices, improving representation in international processes, and strengthening infrastructure and human capacity for research in countries where it is most needed.Conservation science is an applied discipline aiming to improve biodiversity conservation practice, and one might logically expect that most research would therefore be undertaken in the world’s most biodiverse countries. This analysis reveals that it is not.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerrie A Wilson & Nancy A Auerbach & Katerina Sam & Ariana G Magini & Alexander St L Moss & Simone D Langhans & Sugeng Budiharta & Dilva Terzano & Erik Meijaard, 2016. "Conservation Research Is Not Happening Where It Is Most Needed," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(3), pages 1-5, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pbio00:1002413
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002413
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Milena Holmgren & Stefan A Schnitzer, 2004. "Science on the Rise in Developing Countries," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(1), pages 1-1, January.
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