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This is a 6-page synthesis report intended for CBD parties and practitioners interested in behaviour change for biodiversity conservation. This report synthesises behaviour change for biodiversity conservation case studies reviewed by an diverse, expert interdisciplinary team. Further evidence of behaviour change can be found on this app under the Tab 'Case Studies', where the evidence can be filtered by KM-GBF targets of interest, or by specific target audiences.

What is behaviour change?

Human behaviours significantly impact biodiversity, both positively and negatively. Therefore, promoting behaviour change is essential to achieving the KM-GBF targets. Behavioural science leverages evidence-based insights into how people behave to shape policies and strategies for behaviour change. Disciplines such as psychology, behavioural economics, education, social marketing, and law and governance, contribute to our understanding of behaviour change.

What is a behaviour change intervention?

A behaviour change intervention is a strategy designed to influence behaviours. Interventions can be directed at individuals, communities and groups, or decision-makers and governments, each requiring different strategies. The effectiveness of behaviour change interventions relies on identifying the specific behaviours to target, understanding the audience (those practising and influencing the behaviour), and recognising the barriers and enablers to change (such as values, knowledge, beliefs, assumptions, tools, costs, etc.)

How can behaviour change be undertaken ethically?

Behaviour change in conservation can be challenging due to concerns about manipulation and perceived loss of autonomy, especially among indigenous peoples and local communities. Acknowledging these challenges, the FAIR Data Principles and the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance should be adhered to throughout intervention design and implementation. Intervention designers and implementers should employ reflexive practices and approaches such as community co-design, and participatory engagement strategies. Alongside these, thorough ethics reviews and the application of appropriate safeguarding practices should be prioritised to ensure inclusive and respectful engagement throughout the design of interventions.

What are the next steps for behaviour change in biodiversity conservation?

While no single method is a silver bullet for biodiversity conservation, effective behaviour change strategies can complement traditional conservation strategies to support long-term biodiversity goals. Until recently, understanding human behaviours and how to influence them has been a missing and crucial step in traditional conservation approaches. Galvanising political will and developing policies to support the critical application of behaviour change in conservation are required to lead to transformative change.

Recommended citation: Brown, M, Tostes Ribeiro, I, Lestari, WP, Beale, C, Papworth, S, Veríssimo, D, and Wells, V. (2024) Behaviour Change for Achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Evidence Synthesis: Policy Brief. Conservation and Sustainability Consortium of Academic Institutions (CASCADE), UK.

Contact: Molly Brown, molly.brown@york.ac.uk

Wider contributor network: We are grateful to the wider network of academics and practitioners who participated equally in collaborating on this synthesis from the organisations listed below. In alphabetical order, many thanks to Burgess, G., Gillson, L., Hudson, P., Ingram, D., Outhwaite, W., Perry, L., Pettersson, H., Safaya, S., Schlich-Davies, A., Thomas, C., Touza-Montero, J., and Williams, J., who at different stages of the synthesis participated by providing data, workshop insights, and review.

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