Since 2000, the field of biodiversity conservation has been reckoning with the historical lack of effective engagement with the social sciences in parallel with rapid declines in biodiversity and escalating concerns regarding socioecological justice exacerbated by many common conservation practices. As a result, there is now wide recognition among scholars and practitioners of the importance of understanding and engaging human dimensions in conservation practice. Developing and applying theoretical and practical knowledge related to the social sciences, therefore, should be a priority for people working in biodiversity conservation. We considered the training needs for the next generation of conservation social science professionals by surveying conservation professionals working in multiple sectors. Based on 119 responses, the 3 most cited soft skills (i.e., nontechnical abilities that facilitate effective interpersonal interaction, collaboration, and adaptability in diverse contexts) were cultural awareness and the ability to understand the values and perspectives of others, people management and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to develop and maintain inter- and intraorganizational networks and working relationships. The 3 most cited technical skills were expertise in behavior change expertise, expertise in government and policy, and general critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Overall, we found that current conservation social scientists believe students and early career conservationists should prioritize soft skills rather than technical skills to be effective. These skills were also correlated with the skills considered hardest to acquire through on-the-job training. We suggest early career conservationists develop essential soft and technical skills, including cultural awareness, networking, critical thinking, and statistical analysis tailored to sectoral and regional needs.
Introduction
However, the use and application of social science in conservation by those lacking appropriate training remains problematic (Martin, 2019; St John et al., 2010). Social sciences are absent in the core curricula of the majority of conservation education programs (Slater et al., 2024). Moreover, there has been limited exploration into which specific social science skills are the most sought after—or most necessary—in the conservation professional workforce. To address the pressing need for socioecological justice and achieve conservation outcomes that genuinely integrate people's central role in conservation, alongside the increasing demand for expertise in conservation social science, it is critical to enhance training for social science students (Newing, 2010). (...)
This lack of emphasis on skills development for professional practice (e.g., leadership, communication, and management skills) underscores a tension between cultivating technical skills and soft skills (Bickely et al. 2013). Technical skills encompass disciplinary expertise and knowledge required for methodological proficiency or a deep understanding of a topic, including theoretical and applied aspects, such as human−wildlife interactions, statistical analyses, and geographic information systems. Soft skills, essential for effective interaction and collaboration, include interpersonal abilities, communication skills, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural competency. Although technical skills are critical for practicing rigorous conservation social science, quantitative and qualitative soft skills are vital to fostering cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and effective communication in diverse work environments. These skills are also invaluable for career advancement, leadership, and overall workplace success because they enable individuals to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, build strong relationships, and adapt to change. Slater et al. (2024), however, found that fewer than half of the conservation courses they reviewed prioritized the development of interpersonal or project management skills. They further noted a deficiency in social science methodology training across most conservation undergraduate programs in Australia and the United Kingdom. (...)
Discussion
Overall, we found that current conservation social scientists believe students and ECCs should prioritize soft skills rather than technical skills to be effective. These skills were also correlated with the skills considered hardest to train on the job. Additionally, we observed variation in the importance of soft and technical skills by institution and region. The soft skills identified as most critical for the sector include cultural awareness and ability to understand the values and perspectives of others, people management and conflict resolution, and developing and maintaining inter- and intraorganizational networks and working relationships. The top 3 technical skills were behavior change expertise, government and policy expertise, and general critical thinking and problem-solving skills. (...)
The growing preference for soft skills among conservation social scientists highlights a critical shift in the understanding of what it takes to navigate the complex social processes inherent in conservation projects. Although knowledge of ecology and social sciences provides a solid foundation, we found that it is often the interpersonal qualities—such as empathy, cultural competency, and the ability to communicate effectively across different knowledge systems (Knight et al., 2019; Redpath et al., 2013)—that could determine the success of conservation efforts. Conservation contexts are inherently diverse, including a multitude of stakeholders ranging from Indigenous communities and local people to forest managers and researchers, each with unique backgrounds, cultures, and training. This diversity presents a challenge and an opportunity because it necessitates a nuanced understanding of different ontologies and epistemologies—the fundamental ways in which individuals and communities perceive and understand the world around them (Kohn, 2015). Skills, including cultural awareness, people management, and maintaining interorganizational networks, are crucial for navigating the diverse landscapes of stakeholders integral to successful conservation efforts. These skills improve engagement by fostering social capital and facilitate more effective negotiations with various groups, from local communities to governmental bodies and nonprofit organizations, thus significantly increasing the likelihood of project success (Pretty & Smith, 2004). Emotional intelligence and the ability to adapt to changing contexts also empower and support others, identify and manage their own emotions and stress, and maintain motivation among team members (Rice, 2022). In this context, therefore, soft skills become more than just an add-on; they are integral to the very fabric of successful conservation practice. They allow conservationists to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world application to ensure that conservation strategies are not only ecologically sound, but also socially just and culturally relevant. This shift toward valuing interpersonal and cultural competencies reflects a broader recognition that the success of conservation initiatives depends as much on mutual understanding and respect as it does on ecological understanding.
Our survey findings revealed that the most necessary soft skills were also among the hardest to train on the job, underscoring the limitations of conventional training programs in imparting such skills and highlighting the value employers place on these skills because they seek individuals who can navigate complex social situations effectively from the start.
by Laura Thomas-Walters, Francisco Gelves-Gomez, Stephanie Brittain, Lily M. van Eeden, Nick Harvey Sky, Amit Kaushik, Kaylan Kemink, Patricia Manzano-Fischer, Kyle Plotsky, Matthew Selinske, Conservation Biology | Read more:
Image: Conservation Biology
[ed. Good Advice. People have strong connections the land and its natural resources.]
