Project publication

Social Science and Conservation Efforts Across the Central Grasslands of North America

An Integration Plan

Description

The Central Grasslands of North America provide vital habitat and ecosystem services, yet continue to decline despite ongoing conservation efforts. This integration plan addresses the gap between social science research and its application in grassland conservation delivery. Drawing on three complementary efforts (a literature review of conservation social science, a synthesis of surveys of ranchers, producers and landowners across Canada, Mexico and the United States, and a social science needs assessment), the integration plan identifies key information gaps, research priorities and opportunities for better coordination.

This integration plan is intended for conservation practitioners, social science and natural science researchers and policymakers. It outlines actionable recommendations for integrating social science into conservation delivery, strengthening communication between researchers and practitioners, and prioritizing applied, inclusive research. By aligning social science insights with on-the-ground conservation needs, the integration plan provides a foundation for more effective, coordinated and socially informed grassland conservation across the Central Grasslands.