New research by 18 global wildlife conservation funders highlights the urgent need to transform conservation funding by encouraging evidence-based decision-making. Drawing on over a century of combined experience, the paper recommends directing funds towards the most effective measures to address the biodiversity crisis.
The study, titled “Approaches for integrating evidence of the effectiveness of actions in conservation funding to inspire more effective practice”, was published on the 10th of January 2025 in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence.
Led by People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), alongside the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, Whitley Fund for Nature, The Rufford Foundation, and other global grant-giving organisations, the paper urges funders to ask applicants for evidence of their project’s likelihood of success. This can be achieved through existing scientific studies or previous testing. Providing guidance on accessing evidence is also recommended to support applicants. These changes aim to normalise evidence-based decision-making in conservation funding.
The 18 funders collaborated closely with the Conservation Evidence team at the University of Cambridge. This free, authoritative resource provides conservationists with access to the latest knowledge to inform policy and management decisions.
According to Nida Al-Fulaij, lead author and CEO of PTES, this approach is essential for tackling the biodiversity crisis effectively. She explained, “Funders must support the most effective conservation projects to maximise limited resources. Innovative schemes such as wildlife bridges or livestock insurance exist, but not all interventions are thoroughly tested before implementation. This can result in wasted time and money. Furthermore, what works in one habitat may not succeed elsewhere.”
Dr Nancy Ockendon, Science Manager at the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme and corresponding author, emphasised the role of funders in driving change: “This paper reflects on the role funders play in promoting evidence-based approaches across the conservation sector. By sharing our experiences and processes for incorporating evidence into grant applications, we aim to help other funders award grants more effectively. Our ultimate goal is to increase professionalism and impact across the sector, driving greater biodiversity recovery.” Dr Ockendon’s insights highlight the importance of collaboration and the potential for funders to lead by example.
An example of evidence-based intervention is the arboreal wildlife bridge installed at PTES’s nature reserve on the Isle of Wight, UK. Designed to mitigate habitat fragmentation for dormice, the bridge was inspired by successful projects in Japan. It reconnected two woodland patches divided by a railway, and within nine hours, dormice were recorded using it. The bridge also benefited other species, including red squirrels. This success highlights the value of sharing knowledge and good practices globally.
Funders play a critical role in shaping conservation’s future. Encouraging evidence-based practices is expected to create a ripple effect, ensuring that impactful, scientifically supported solutions are implemented to benefit nature and people worldwide.
To read the full paper, visit: https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12404.
