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Synopsis: When prioritising areas of land and sea for protection, conservation planners must consider a wide range of biological, economic and socio-political factors if a plan is to be effective. Systematic conservation planning has gained popularity with policy makers worldwide, as a planning framework designed to provide transparency in value-laden decision making. However, literature on the evaluation of systematic conservation plans is scarce, making it difficult to advise when and where they can be implemented most effectively.

 By employing innovative evidence synthesis methods, I conducted a comprehensive review of the academic and grey literature on systematic conservation planning. Despite screening over 10,000 articles, I identified only three high-quality impact evaluations. I also interviewed senior decision makers involved in marine and forestry planning case studies in Australia to understand the outcomes of landmark policies. My findings highlight barriers to the evaluation of complex planning interventions, and how to promote impact evaluation in conservation.

Bio:  Emma is concluding a Visiting Scholarship at CEP, having recently submitted her PhD at the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford. She is also Coordinator of the Great British Oceans coalition, a partnership of six leading conservation organisations working to promote marine protection.