Data Justice in Conservation and Restoration

Keywords: Data; justice; conservation; restoration
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 44

Abstract

Increases in data availability, coupled with enhanced computational power and improved internet connectivity, are revolutionising conservation and ecological restoration. But in the excitement about new data sources and monitoring technologies, fewer have questioned the justice implications of the data rush in the conservation context. This is a key oversight given that conservation and restoration practices have in the past caused harm to marginalised people in conserved landscapes. We argue that a data-driven conservation must also be a data justice-driven conservation. We propose a research framework drawing from theories of environmental and data justice, comprising the elements of recognition and visibility, procedure, information, and distribution of benefits and harms. To illustrate this framework, we synthesise recent critiques of high-impact global prioritisation analyses in conservation and restoration. We argue for increased critical research into the use and material impacts of data in conservation and restoration, building on methodologies developed in the fields of political ecology and critical data studies. We also propose pragmatic steps that those working with conservation data can take to reduce the risks of data injustices, such as practicing humility when reporting findings, and diversifying research teams to reduce the risk that important social variables will be omitted when developing analyses.