Climate-smart conservation cycle

STEP I

Define planning purpose and scope. It includes defining the purpose for developing a plan for adaptation to climate change, clarifying existing conservation goals, identifying conservation targets, geographic scope, time frame, key stakeholders, and available resources.

STEP II

Assess climate impacts and vulnerability of target species/populations to climate change. It generally considers three components: (i) exposure, which measures the impact of a change in climate in target species/population/system, (ii) sensitivity, which measures whether and how the species/population/system is likely to be affected by or responsive to particular changes in climatic variables and/or related factors, and (iii) adaptive capacity, which refers to the species/population/ system’s ability to accommodate or cope with the change (both intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics associated with the conservation target, as well as relevant institutional factors), including epigenetics (i.e. the study of how environment changes affect the way genes work without affecting the DNA sequence).

STEP III

Revise conservation goals and objectives. This generally comprises a re-evaluation of the “what” (conservation target), “why” (intended outcomes or desired condition), “where” (geographic scope), and “when” (time frame). This also implies a revision of the budget allocated for conservation actions.

STEP IV

Identify possible adaptation options. It implies considerations on how those species/population/system’ vulnerabilities may be reduced. These actions may include conservation translocations, habitat management and enhancement of evolutionary resilience (‘MANEGEMENT TECHNIQUES’ sub-section.

STEP V

Evaluate and select adaptation actions. The various management adaptation actions should be evaluated and finally selected. Evaluation of actions can be selected following four criteria: (i) conservation goals, i.e., whether the action helps achieve agreed-upon conservation goals and objectives, (ii) other goals and values, i.e. whether the action helps achieve social, cultural and/or economic goals and objectives, or provide benefits to other sectors, (iii) feasibility, whether the action is practical and realistic, and (iv) climate-smart considerations, whether the action follows the principles of climate-smart conservation. Management actions should typically be planned for periods up to 20 to 50 years, depending on the speed with which ecosystem changes are predicted (Araújo, 2009).

STEP VI

Implement priority adaptation actions. The selected management action(s) need(s) actual implementation.

STEP VII

Track action effectiveness and ecological responses. Through continued monitoring it is possible to ensure that management actions are being successful as well as help discern when and where changes in tactics may be needed, i.e. in case any shift in species population structure, fitness and/or distribution takes place.

It should be highlighted that the unpredictability or instability of conservation costs derived from climate change challenges is likely to increase the need for additional funding the revision of the conservation program and its corresponding budget is essential.