Doing the Right Things Right: Identifying the Factors that Influence the Success or Failure of Conservation Programs Using the Conservation Excellence Model

The increasing rates of biodiversity loss and global warming necessitate the implementation of conservation interventions with the highest likelihood of success, given limited resources. Using criteria within the Conservation Excellence Model, the authors comparatively analyzed the core conservation processes of 25 conservation programs in Southeast Asia and identified the factors that influenced program success. Eight key factors emerged: Stakeholder Involvement, Process Selection and Management, Activity and Impact Monitoring Systems, Measurable Goals and Objectives, Evidence-based Approach, Adaptability and Innovativeness, Political Will, and Sustainable Financing. The authors described a management approach that illustrates how identifying measurable goals and objectives enables program success. Additionally, the authors demonstrated the benefits of using both value and technical judgments in developing interventions, shifting from activity to impact monitoring, and integrating learning and innovation into interventions. The authors also found that programs can better overcome operational barriers and increase the likelihood of sustainable outcomes by deepening engagement with conservation partners.