Human dimensions of conservation
Conservation is a people problem. Almost all the factors driving biodiversity loss are anthropogenic - caused by human activity. To conserve landscapes and species, we need to better understand people and their relationships with the natural world. This will allow us to find and enact conservation methods that get to the very heart of the problem.
Human problems need human solutions. By understanding and addressing the root causes of unsustainable living and inter-species conflict, and by recognising and promoting how connecting to nature can benefit both nature and people, we can make a difference. Our work on the human dimensions of conservation focusses on: understanding the social drivers of conservation problems around the globe, using what we can learn from zoos to shape and improve global conservation policy, highlighting the value of zoos as drivers of education and understanding how zoos can support human wellbeing.
We are running multiple projects on these themes which are constantly developing, revealing new data and pushing forward the boundaries of what we already know. This page shares some of our flagship research into these areas.
Our Priorities:
• Provide scientific evidence to evaluate and improve our conservation education and related programmes.
• Deploy targeted social research to help better understand the drivers of in-situ conservation issues.
• Play a leading role in maximising the contribution of world zoos and aquariums to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Better understand the impact of zoos on human health and well-being
• Evidence and reinforce the pivotal role of zoos for species and society.
Discover our work
Scientists and researchers at Chester Zoo are engaged in a host of projects that deepen our understanding of how people, society and zoos intersect with conservation.
Case study: The Meta‐analysis
