Human-Centred Conservation

Recognising that people are part of nature, and that just, lasting conservation depends on their rights, knowledge, and leadership

Conservation must recognise that all societies are part of and depend on nature, for food, water, air, energy, and wellbeing.

Some communities, especially those living closest to wildlife, bear the heaviest and most direct costs of conservation and climate change, while holding knowledge and rights essential to sustainable futures.

Human-Centred Conservation unites these realities: respecting the leadership of those most affected, while reminding us that people everywhere are part of nature and share responsibility for it.

The Foundations of Human-Centred Conservation

At its heart, HCC is guided by principles that anyone, anywhere, can apply:

Respect

Honouring local cultures, governance systems, and ways of knowing

Equity and Justice

Addressing historical imbalances and ensuring fairness

Local Leadership

Shifting decision-making power to communities

Knowledge Integration

Blending science, Indigenous, and lived knowledge

Adaption and Learning

Evolving approaches based on experience

Global Vision, Local Priority

Connecting international goals with local realities

Focus Areas We’re Exploring Now

Human-Centred Conservation can be applied in many ways. Right now, our partners and networks are actively working in areas such as:

Food Security

Sustainable harvests, farming, and fisheries that nourish people and ecosystems

Climate Adaption

Community-led resilience and ecosystem-based solutions

Nature-Based Economies

Livelihoods that depend on and sustain biodiversity

Health & Coexistence

Reducing conflict and building resilience where people and wildlife live side by side.

Landscapes & Jurisdictions

Large-scale approaches that align land use, livelihoods, and conservation through shared governance

These are not the limits of HCC, they are simply where we and our partners are applying the approach today. The pathway is open and expanding.

Be Part of the Journey

Human-Centred Conservation isn’t a fixed model. It’s a living approach, shaped by people like you.

Are you applying these principles in your work or community?

Do you see your efforts aligning with Human-Centred Conservation?
Would you like to connect, share, and learn with others on the same journey?

By connecting, you’ll be part of a growing community that’s redefining what conservation looks like, building a future where both people and nature thrive.