This study examines the social dynamics underlying grassland conservation efforts to identify enhanced conservation approaches in North America’s Central Grasslands. We solicited expert perspectives from 29 diverse stakeholders representing the eight sectors identified by the Central Grasslands Roadmap. Through a series of online workshops and a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats analyses, we mapped stakeholder connections and identified barriers to desired grassland outcomes.
Through this research, we uncovered four main themes. First, siloed organizational structures often lead to cross-purpose policies and decision-making, hindering effective conservation efforts. Second, relationship-building proves crucial for successful conservation, particularly when engaging with tribal nations and diverse landowner types. Third, conservation strategies must connect with non-livestock producers and non-traditional landowners to ensure comprehensive approaches. Finally, conservation efforts must account for the varied local complexities across the grasslands.
While collaborative processes are increasing, significant challenges remain in developing and funding long-term relationship-building capacity. Stakeholder participants emphasized the importance of moving beyond project-based targets to understand diverse perspectives and interests. They highlighted the need for more integrated approaches that bridge siloed agency structures and foster cross-sector collaboration. Participants identified the Central Grasslands Roadmap as a valuable platform for stakeholder connection and starting point for discussing conservation ideas, though they raised concerns about funding and local implementation.
The study underscored the importance of meaningful tribal engagement and the need to expand conservation efforts beyond traditional livestock producers to include diverse landowner types. Stakeholders also stressed the necessity of flexible, locally-adapted conservation strategies that account for on-the-ground complexities.
The challenge in devising conservation approaches appropriate for local realities, in large part, is due to a lack of frameworks and metrics which can direct funding appropriately to diverse on-the-ground dynamics. Looking forward, we identify two key areas for future study: developing frameworks to assess co-benefits between rural community health and grassland ecological integrity, and examining household-level decision-making factors in land-use changes.
This research highlights the critical role of social science in addressing the complexities of grassland conservation. By engaging with the diverse human interactions across the landscape, social science can contribute to frameworks and metrics which quantify the value and conservation benefits derived from social relationships and relationship-building. By understanding and leveraging social dynamics, conservation practitioners can design more inclusive, effective, and resilient efforts in the face of complex social-ecological challenges. The findings provide a foundation for conservation professionals to develop strategies that align with the diverse needs and perspectives of grassland stakeholders.
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