The establishment of large private nature reserves by conservation NGOs: key factors for successful implementation

Abstract

Private nature reserves created by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are increasing, and their growing number and extent means that they can potentially contribute to biodiversity goals at a global scale. However, the success of these reserves depends on the legal, economic and institutional conditions framing their creation and management. We explored these conditions, and the opportunities and challenges facing conservation organizations in managing private nature reserves, across several countries, with an emphasis on Australia. Results from 17 semi-structured interviews with representatives of private conservation organizations indicated that while private reserves may enhance the conservation estate, challenges remain. Legal frameworks, especially tenure and economic laws, vary across and within countries, presenting conservation organizations with significant opportunities or constraints to owning and/or managing private nature reserves. Many acquired land without strategic acquisition procedures and secured funding for property acquisition but not management, affecting the long-term maintenance of properties. Other typical problems were tied to the institutional capacity of the organizations. Greater planning within organizations, especially financial planning, is required and NGOs must understand opportunities and constraints present in legislative frameworks at the outset. Organizations must establish their expertise gaps and address them. To this end, partnerships between organizations and/or with government can prove critical.

Privately protected areas: advances and challenges in guidance, policy and documentation

“…Stolton et al (2014) describe ways in which PPAs are particularly well-placed to complement protected areas under state governance. This includes by responding quickly and without bureaucracy to rapid environmental changes, threats or opportunities; by creating spaces for decentralized individual initiatives that involve a more diverse stakeholder base, and diversified funding mechanisms, in the protected area landscape; and by expanding protection to areas where the state is unable to acquire and/or manage land and waters (see also Pasquini et al, 2011). This final point lends strong support to the need to recognize and report on PPAs.…”

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“…describe ways in which PPAs are particularly well-placed to complement protected areas under state governance. This includes by responding quickly and without bureaucracy to rapid environmental changes, threats or opportunities; by creating spaces for decentralized individual initiatives that involve a more diverse stakeholder base, and diversified funding mechanisms, in the protected area landscape; and by expanding protection to areas where the state is unable to acquire and/or manage land and waters (see also Pasquini et al, 2011). This final point lends strong support to the need to recognize and report on PPAs.…”

“…PPAs have been an important policy objective for Australia for several decades, with conservation covenants and land acquisition being the primary mechanisms employed (Fitzsimons & Wescott, 2001;Cowell & Williams, 2006;Fitzsimons, 2006;Pasquini et al, 2011). The Australian Government has supported PPAs through the National Reserve System Program by providing up to two-thirds of the purchase price to private land trusts for strategic land acquisitions.…”

Can private management compensate the ineffective marine reserves in China?

“…However, many of the marine products from giant clams, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles in these PMMRs were already protected under Chinese regulation in Sanya. Hence, while we advocate PMMRs as an effective alternative to MRs in China, an environmental education programs are needed to be instituted for the PMMRS and MRs and fines be imposed on violations (Pasquini et al 2011).…”