Methodologies to find priority areas for the conservation of natural ecosystems

Abstract

Identification of priority areas allows to orient and optimizes conservation efforts in natural ecosystems; to do that different approaches have been generated. The purpose of this study was to review and analyze the methodologies used in the identification of priority areas for conservation, proposing a definition and establishing a general methodological scheme that guides future studies on this topic. There were found and analyzed: (a) qualitative methods that are defined by simple analysis and experience of experts, (b) quantitative methods based on the use of statistical and optimization models, and (c) spatial techniques which can be used as methodological tools that perform simple quantitative processes. Of these, the quantitative methods take advantages since they conduct more detailed analysis of criteria, constraints and threats. The minimum steps that allow a proper identification of priority areas are: to prioritize goal definition, selection and processing criteria, restrictions and threats identification, and selection of areas using optimization methods. Knowledge of the different methodologies helps to decision makers to choose or combine the most suitable for the target to prioritize.