11. Creating a Culture of Evidence Use

Abstract

Evidence is a prerequisite for effective conservation decisions, yet its use is not ubiquitous. This can lead to wasted resources and inadequate conservation decisions. Creating a culture of evidence use within the conservation and environmental management communities is key to transforming conservation. At present, there are a range of ways in which organisations can change so that evidence use becomes routinely adopted as part of institutional processes. Auditing existing use is a useful first stage followed by creating an evidence-use plan. A wide range of possible actions should encourage evidence use and ensure the availability of resources needed. Seven case studies show how very different organisations, from funders to businesses to conservation organisations, have reworked their processes so that evidence has become fundamental to their effective practice.

Principles for using evidence to improve biodiversity impact mitigation by business

“…reviewing the practice of hired consultants and screening financed projects to ensure they are conducting effective mitigation). Creating the necessary culture may also benefit from providing capacity for staff to assess evidence, training programmes, as well as creating responsibilities and buy‐in at the senior leadership level to drive change across the organisation (Frick et al, 2022).…”