A pivotal new study co-authored by Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) Director, Danni Parks, and Grants & Networks Officer, Lisa Wheeler, emphasises the critical need for evidence-based practices in conservation funding
Published today in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence, the paper, titled “Approaches for integrating evidence of the effectiveness of actions in conservation funding to inspire more effective practice,” underscores the importance of directing resources toward proven conservation interventions to tackle the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
The research, led by People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and supported by 18 global grant-giving organisations, draws on more than a century of collective experience in wildlife conservation. Whitley Fund For Nature is proud to have contributed to this collaboration, which aims to inspire transformative change in how conservation funding is allocated.
Driving Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Conservation
The study urges funders to encourage applicants to demonstrate the likely success of their proposed projects by referencing scientific studies or previous testing. It also advocates for providing guidance on accessing relevant evidence, a shift that could make evidence-based decision-making a cornerstone of conservation funding.
Danni Parks, WFN Director and a co-author, remarked, “At the Whitley Fund for Nature, we support grassroots conservation leaders to achieve measurable impact. This collaborative paper highlights the vital role funders can play in ensuring that limited resources are allocated to the most effective conservation actions, at a time when urgent intervention is needed to address the biodiversity crisis. It is an honour to contribute to this important body of work, which seeks to bolster conservation success.”
Lisa Wheeler, Grants and Networks Officer and a co-author, added, “Collaboration and evidence-sharing are key to advancing conservation efforts. This research not only identifies practical approaches for integrating evidence but also sets the stage for more impactful funding practices across the sector.”
Showcasing Successful Evidence-Based Interventions
An example of the type of evidence-backed projects championed in the paper is the arboreal wildlife bridge installed by PTES on the Isle of Wight. Designed to address habitat fragmentation for hazel dormice, the bridge was inspired by similar successful projects in Japan. Within just nine hours of its installation, dormice were recorded using the bridge, alongside other rare mammals such as red squirrels. This success demonstrates the value of adapting proven interventions to local contexts.
Collaborating for a Better Conservation Future
The study highlights the role of funders in shaping the future of conservation by working 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.
By fostering a culture of evidence use, the 18 participating funders aim to create a ripple effect that ensures impactful, scientifically supported solutions are implemented for the benefit of global biodiversity.
Dr. Nancy Ockendon, corresponding author and Science Manager at the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, commented, “This paper reflects on the role funders can play in encouraging an evidence-based approach. By sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire others in the conservation sector to adopt similar practices, ultimately leading to greater biodiversity recovery.”
A Call to Action for the Conservation Sector
WFN joins its partners in calling on conservation funders worldwide to adopt the practices outlined in this study. By championing evidence-based funding, the conservation sector can ensure that limited resources are used to achieve the greatest possible impact for biodiversity.
Read the full paper here.
