title: Defining biocultural approaches to conservation.
abstract: We contend that biocultural approaches to conservation can achieve effective and just conservation outcomes while addressing erosion of both cultural and biological diversity. Here, we propose a set of guidelines for the adoption of biocultural approaches to conservation. First, we draw lessons from work on biocultural diversity and heritage, social-ecological systems theory, integrated conservation and development, co-management, and community-based conservation to define biocultural approaches to conservation. Second, we describe eight principles that characterize such approaches. Third, we discuss reasons for adopting biocultural approaches and challenges. If used well, biocultural approaches to conservation can be a powerful tool for reducing the global loss of both biological and cultural diversity.
authors.affiliation: Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480, USA; School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. Electronic address: michael.gavin@colostate.edu.
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gavin
authors.affiliation: Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480, USA.
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCarter
authors.affiliation: Maori Business, School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Aroha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mead
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
authors.forename: Fikret
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Berkes
authors.affiliation: Ethnobiology Lab, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
authors.forename: John Richard
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Stepp
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
authors.forename: Debora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.affiliation: School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Ruifei
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D012931:Social Environment
keywords: biocultural conservation; biodiversity; culture; social–ecological systems