Horizon Scanning for forward-thinking Conservation

Horizon scanning is “a systematic examination of information to identify potential threats, risks, emerging issues and opportunities”. This foresight technique can be useful to inform future strategic policy responses, particularly in uncertain and complex conditions. Findings of such participatory exercises are valuable to support proactive decision-making, future research prioritisation and efficient resource allocation. With a better awareness of potential significant future issues, risks can be better managed, negative impacts reduced whilst solutions are realistic and positive opportunities seized. This technique has been applied to a range of topics within conservation as well as more broadly for the environment, and can be adapted to suit different objectives. This session will showcase different scans from the global illegal wildlife trade to sub-saharan food security to community-based conservation, various scanning approaches and adaptations, and provide a forum to contribute