Hello WildHub Members,

Here is my second article participating in the conservation catalyst programme. The programme hosted by our WildHub community focuses on content creation through interviews with conservation experts to share their lessons learned. 

This time, I bring my discussion with Elizabeth Silleck La Rue.

She is a renowned expert in environmental conservation and social justice with over 25 years of expertise in the field. Elizabeth has made a considerable impact through her work in policy advocacy, sustainable fisheries management advocacy, and ocean conservation programming. She is the CEO of Silleck Consulting Services, where she renders significant assistance to nonprofit and government personnel through her consulting services. She has a wealth of experience in environmental conservation, and project development, through which she has gained valuable knowledge, perspective, and competence.

In this interview, Elizabeth offers her insights into the complexities of the conservation field and it is really amazing. I am positive that you will find it educational and engaging. This is the first part of the interview; we are discussing how to design impactful conservation programme in terms of strategies and communication. 

Conservation programs are vital for protecting our natural environment and tackling the various problems brought on by climate change and human activity. Designing these programs effectively involves a strategic approach that incorporates detailed analysis, explicit goal setting, adaptive techniques, and comprehensive assessment. Communication also plays a critical role in inviting collaboration and motivating action within the conservation community.

Blessing: Could you please elaborate on the comprehensive steps involved in designing a conservation program from inception to completion? Additionally, how do you go about identifying your goals, formulating strategies, and assessing outcomes?

Elizabeth:

Landscape Analysis: The first stage in creating a conservation program is undertaking a landscape analysis. A landscape analysis means mapping and analyzing the activities and tactics that are already being implemented by certain stakeholders, to solve environmental challenges. By evaluating what is already happening, we can discover gaps and areas that require greater attention.

Qualitative research is a crucial aspect of this examination. Interviews with individuals most touched by environmental concerns provide great assistance. For example, if an organization seeks to combat sea level rise, they can discover that poor drainage infrastructure and excessive impermeable surfaces in some communities worsen flooding; this information may not be captured or readily available in government surveys, for example, but may be common knowledge among the residents who live there. Uncovering such data assures that no crucial issues are ignored in the program design.

Setting Measurable Goals: Once the landscape analysis is complete, the next step is to define goals that are both measurable and relevant. It's also vital to move beyond just numeric aims and examine the quality of conservation programmes and the impact on affected people. For instance, the "30 x 30" global ocean conservation goals have been criticized for overreliance on numerical targets without addressing the qualitative aspects of conservation. Effective goal-setting should integrate the perspectives and needs of those most touched by environmental concerns. This technique ensures that the goals are inclusive and really contribute to solving the problem.

Adaptability in Program Design: Adaptability is a vital part of designing efficient conservation efforts. The environmental landscape is dynamic and can change swiftly due to several variables, including political, social, and ecological changes. Programs need to be flexible enough to pivot and integrate new information and issues as they arise. Adaptive management is a framework that provides for this flexibility. It demonstrates the significance of regularly evaluating and altering plans depending on the newest facts and changes, ensuring that the program remains relevant and effective throughout time.

Comprehensive Assessment of Outcomes: Assessing the performance of a conservation program demands a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond technical metrics. While measurable data such as miles of restored habitat or the number of protected species are significant, they should be accompanied by qualitative evaluations. Sociological assessments, combining stakeholder viewpoints and community comments, provide a more thorough understanding of the program's impact. These understandings ensure that the program is reaching its intended aims and satisfies the requirements of the affected communities.

Blessing: What do you think is the role of strategic communication in fostering collaboration and building partnerships within the conservation community?

Elizabeth:

Internal and Cross-Organizational Communication: Effective communication is at the core of successful conservation efforts. Within organizations, effective and strategic communication ensures that all team members are aligned and working towards the same goals. Externally, communication among different organizations, agencies, and even private firms is crucial for collaborative success.

Shared understandings of concepts and objectives are vital. Misunderstandings can emerge easily, especially in global and cross-cultural environments. Establishing clear standards and benchmarks helps ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Transparency: Transparency in communication is vital for developing confidence among stakeholders. Being open about intentions, affiliations, and financial sources eliminates misunderstandings and builds better partnerships. For instance, if an organization is supported by a firm with potentially conflicting interests, exposing this information upfront maintains credibility and enables honest talks about potential conflicts and synergies.

Respectful Communication: In my experience, respectful communication is typically devalued in the technocratic conservation field. The emphasis on statistics and scientific rigor sometimes overshadows the value of human interactions and emotional intelligence. Fostering kind and inclusive communication is vital for building good partnerships and minimizing burnout, especially for those who have traditionally been excluded from or marginalized within the conservation movement.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) efforts play a vital role in promoting respectful communication where they expose and deconstruct power dynamics and institutional cultures that assign more value and power to the voices of those with dominant identities. DEI and workplace wellness are sets of expertise in their rites, and firms like mine often partner to conduct DEI assessments and training which include strategies to integrate respectful and equitable communication within organizations and among collaborative partners. ensuring that all views are heard and respected.”

Blessing: What do you think is the role of storytelling in raising awareness and driving action for environmental causes, particularly in this digital age?

Elizabeth:

Engaging the Public: Storytelling is a great tool for raising awareness and inspiring action on environmental problems. While facts and reports are vital, stories have a unique capacity to engage with people on a human level, making complex situations more approachable and urgent.

Building Momentum and Hope: Stories not only depict issues but also provide answers and encourage optimism. They can demonstrate creative methods of conservation and highlight successful efforts, encouraging others to take similar steps. Visual storytelling, particularly in the digital age, is very successful. Videos, mini-documentaries, and other visual media can reach a wide audience and convey messages in a captivating and accessible way.

Storytelling in Fundraising: Personalized tales are also vital in fundraising efforts. Impact stories that highlight the real advantages of conservation programs and tie them to real people and places can resonate with potential donors and attract financing.

Written storytelling remains a powerful tool in this environment, as well. Reports and proposals that include qualitative data and personal accounts can successfully convey the value and impact of conservation work to potential sponsors.

Blessing: What would be your advice to Emerging/Early Career Conservationists?

Elizabeth:

Broadening Knowledge: Emerging conservationists should aim to learn about numerous aspects of environmental conservation and interrelated issues, including climate, wildlife, oceans, energy, outdoor recreation, and the ways that intersecting power dynamics influence all of these. This broad knowledge base promotes versatility and can provide more opportunities in the profession.

Valuing Personal Experiences: Personal experiences and distinct worldviews are essential advantages in conservation work. You should not hesitate to bring your viewpoints to the table, even if it means criticizing prevailing conventions and practices.

Navigating Challenges: It's necessary to be aware of potential resistance and gatekeeping within the conservation sector. Finding supportive networks and like-minded individuals can help negotiate these hurdles, find supportive communities, and promote fresh perspectives.

Persistence and resilience are crucial. Despite hurdles, young conservationists should remain devoted to their goal and continue working for constructive change in the environmental sector. Also, remember your “why.” Whatever it is that drives you from within to work on conservation - whether it’s love for animals or experiencing a lack of fresh drinking water - tap into your purpose to stay the course.

My Key Takeaways:

• Effective communication is crucial for the success of an organization’s goals. It requires a shared understanding of meaning, clarity in discussions, transparency, and respect between parties.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool that can inspire action and make complex situations more relatable. It engages people on a human level and can drive awareness and support for conservation causes.
• Emerging conservationists should broaden their knowledge, value personal experiences, and prepare to face challenges with persistence and resilience.

I will be back with the second part of the interview, where we will be discussing gatekeeping and power hoarding in the conservation industry.

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to Elizabeth Silleck La Rue for sharing her journey and lessons learned with us!