Utilizing multi-objective decision support tools for protected area selection

Establishing and maintaining protected areas (PAs) is a key action in delivering post-2020 biodiversity targets. PAs often need to meet multiple objectives, ranging from protection ecosystem service provision climate change mitigation, but available land conservation funding limited. Therefore, optimizing resources by selecting the most beneficial vital. Here, we advocate for flexible transparent approach based on illustrate this with decision support tool global scale. The allows weighting prioritization of different objectives according user-specified preferences as well real-time comparison outcome. Applying across 1,346 terrestrial PAs, demonstrate that makers frequently face trade-offs among conflicting e.g., between species integrity. Nevertheless, show tools can reveal synergies associated PA selection, thereby helping illuminate resolve land-use conflicts embedded divergent societal political demands values.