Editor’s Note

Conservation is considered a ‘wicked problem’ due to its complex and interconnected nature, conflicting interests and values, uncertainties, long-term impacts, resource limitations and scale dependency. Addressing it requires interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptive approaches, stakeholder engagement, and an acknowledgment of the inherent challenges and trade-offs involved. Naturally, the field has evolved significantly over the years, calling for innovative approaches that move beyond traditional ecological frameworks. Conservation social science has since emerged as a vital discipline, helping us understand and address the complex web of social, cultural, economic, and political factors that shape conservation practice and policy.

Hari Sridhar and I first conceptualised a political ecology-themed issue at the end of 2020. There have been several detours and delays along the way, but I am ecstatic to finally be writing this note, even if the contents are a tad different from what we had imagined. Regardless, this special edition is a dream come true because it was curated by two people – Madhuri Ramesh and Chris Sandbrook – who have played
a key role in shaping the way I think about conservation. I’m even more pleased that it includes Hari's insightful interview with Bill Adams, another role model and doyen of political ecology. From answering the seemingly simple question “What is conservation?” to uncovering the human dimensions of conservation, this issue is an eye-opener. I hope you enjoy reading it.

– Devathi Parashuram