Confronting parachute science in conservation

Parachute, or colonial, science is increasingly becoming a hot topic of discussion across scientific disciplines (e.g., de Vos, 2020; Stefanoudis et al., 2021), as we collectively seek to understand and improve the globalization science. Parachute conservation at critical crossroads, recognize how wealth opportunity disparity, along with enduring long shadow colonialism, hinders our progress on shared goals. We can, must, do better. occurs when scientists and/or NGOs from Global North venture South conduct research deploy programs fail invest in, fully partner with, local governance, capacity, expertise, social structures. The issue broad universal, emerging scientists, NGOs, governments alike. conservation, often well-intentioned, results in unacceptable power imbalances, hindering efforts. A simple common manifestation parachute work prioritized by outsider's motives needs, rather than in-country on-location requirements (de 2020). Bringing them resources that are not available in-country, parachuting practitioners can take control agendas drive undesirable outcomes. But, manifest many forms guises. It just result unequal partnerships between collaborators countries varying wealth, but also transpire within nonlocals come implement project. have assembled 10 examples help us explore more wide variety issues associated conservation. Through this effort, hope move practice toward holistic understanding problem and, ultimately, solutions. Our contributing authors go beyond describing discussing best practices for behaving these complex building true international collaborations. Each piece reminds there better ways involving equitable address on-the-ground priorities, benefit all parties involved, positive research, learning Key points perspectives achieving requires trust long-term commitment; built, earned, maintained; assumed handed over. There are, no doubt, additional viewpoints this. offer special feature starting point welcome submission solutions, further build globally dispersed capacity success magnify multiply decolonized approaches To resolve an issue, must first why it occurs. predominance western-centric approach disparities, hegemony English, lack pluralistic obvious drivers inappropriate structures 2022). Ultimately, challenges contributions show those their potential complicity. Over-confidence who hold financial devalues knowledge skills. soft complicity institutions helps maintain flawed system disparities. allyship amongst researchers exacerbates challenge. Crowder's (2022) personal experiences remind need humility willingness listen steps issue. Crowder emphasizes capacity-building both directions, existing provides foundation successful projects. Patel (2022), writing different experience, out whose familial roots lie South, diaspora, face unique striving either place. Mwampamba al. expand detailing costs expatriates employed they strive home lands. Four articles consider colonial hindered science, each proposing be re-envisioned alleviate Noting pro-forma forced collaborations students prone depth, opportunity, durability, Johnson highlight importance investments sustained action. Using case study program designed increase national Lao PDR, shift focus building, education measuring impact. equal globally, global imbalances access information. Local governance appear impediment collaboration, yet exist logical response prior external researchers, institutions. Genda essential respect These note situation, expertise scientist, drives initiatives. They emphasize thoughtful educational awareness programs, focusing gaps key demographics communities while being mindful respectful governing Asase argue open data platforms provide firm truly globalizing From remote sensing field collections, information under-resourced developing countries. providing step pathway through robust partnerships. Ruppert delve into recognizing purpose, process, relationships implementation process. Their using community-based collection human-wildlife conflict engage inclusive decision-making. Reflecting Kenya, colleagues situate community impacted collect credible find durable Two papers creating mutual Burivalova Rayadin resulting language, funding, information, differing cultures. While begin foreign researcher's arrival site, colleague suggest instead start grant-writing. Doing so only reduces makes space meaningful conversations about actual use capacity. Asquith efforts Bolivia create symbiosis where (practitioners) play role designing implementing ensuring mutually meets everyone's needs. Challenging imperfect, describe explicitly previously did exist. Both studies demonstrate trans-global planning allows together overarching In total, breadth viewpoints, ideas, studies, frankly, breath fresh air decolonize International collaborative put away parachutes strategically plan support locally driven, solutions-focused, sustainable Conservation requiring effort. Historical perpetuated differential training, funding hinder equitability required salient, credible, legitimate solutions pressing challenges. barriers challenge us, practitioners, speak up interests needs beneficial partners well biodiversity protect. would like thank contributed diverse rich necessary journey ahead. declare interest. Asha Vos Mark W. Schwartz equally article.