A synthesis of knowledge about motives for participation in perpetual conservation easements

Abstract

Abstract Perpetual conservation easements are a popular method in some countries for addressing conservation goals. Landowner participation plays a key role in the development of these agreements. Despite the importance of involvement by landowners, no recent efforts have been made to synthesize information about the motivations for participation in perpetual easement programs. As a result, the literature lacks a framework to guide future case studies that would facilitate comparisons and generalizations. To this end, we reviewed 43 studies that investigated individual motivations to participate in perpetual conservation easements, and categorized motivations using Ostrom's social–ecological framework. We identified a strong tendency among studies to focus only on local‐scale processes involving landowners, with little consideration of broader‐scale influences. We also highlight several cross‐study trends and gaps in the literature where future research would prove valuable.

Keywords

• conservation planning
• easement
• landowner
• privately protected area
• willingness