The right to fail? Problematizing failure discourse in international conservation

A growing body of critical research interrogates the tendency within international conservation circles to present interventions as successful, even when evidence points substantial negative impacts. The flip side this ‘selling’ success is a emphasis on importance embracing and celebrating failure. Yet important trend in policymaking has yet be examined depth. We address gap by first tracing origins failure narrative, linking it historical handling fields such business management development. then explore implications framing for policy practice examining relevant literature illustrative case studies Tanzania Peru. Based analysis, we demonstrate how ‘right fail’ can justify both continuing discontinuing highly problematic ways. show positive outcome global learning reduce accountability significant long-lasting consequences failed interventions. Furthermore, approaches that employ narrow technical frames depoliticize issues limit possibilities fundamentally question transform dominant models with histories persistent Consequently, argue affording fail’, actors stake have taken control discourse ways reinforce instead undermine their ability ‘sell’ amidst (or limited) local outcomes. While course acknowledge order not repeat it, caution against may further exacerbate injustices hinder transformative societal change. advocate an explicitly political approach addressing conservation.