Cultivating creativity in conservation science.

摘要: Conservation practitioners and scientists are often faced with seemingly intractable problems in which traditional approaches fail. While other sectors (e.g., business) frequently emphasize creative thinking to overcome complex challenges, creativity is rarely identified as an essential skill for conservationists. Yet more urgently needed the effort sustain Earth's biodiversity. We 4 strategies develop skills discuss underlying research examples supporting each strategy. First, by breaking down barriers between disciplines surrounding oneself unfamiliar people, concepts, perspectives, one can expand base knowledge experiences increase potential new combinations of ideas. Second, meeting people where they (both literally figuratively), exposes environments again broadens increases ability communicate effectively stakeholders. Third, embracing risk responsibly, likely new, nontraditional solutions be open high-impact outcomes. Finally, following a cycle learning, struggle, reflection, trigger neurophysiological changes that allow brain become creative. Creativity learned trait, rather than innate skill. It actively developed at both individual institutional levels, learning navigate relevant social practical key process. To maximize success conservation face escalating must take advantage what has been from foster professional component career training development.