Confronting parachute science in conservation

Each piece reminds us that there are better ways to do science and conservation involving equitable partnerships that address on-the-ground priorities, benefit all parties involved, and result in positive research, learning and conservation outcomes. Using a case study of a program designed to increase national capacity for conservation science and practice in Lao PDR, they shift the focus toward capacity building, education and measuring long-term conservation impact. International collaborative conservation efforts need to put away the parachutes and strategically plan for building equitable scientific collaborations in support of locally driven, solutions-focused, sustainable conservation action.