When is conservation leasing and ownership of lands and resources lying within ocean and coastal waters best applied?

General criteria can be used to help organizations think strategically about when and where leasing and ownership can help them achieve their ocean and coastal conservation goals. Step 2 provides a checklist of the criteria and details the decision-making process.

Intertidal ownership. Image courtesy The Nature Conservancy, Oregon

Organizations should keep in mind that leasing and ownership are only two tools in the marine conservation toolbox. Leasing and ownership cannot and should not be applied everywhere, but in certain circumstances, when specific criteria are met, they can be useful tools.

In brief, conditions might be right for leasing or ownership if the following criteria are met:

• Conservation priorities and goals are place-based.
• Threats and strategies warrant long-term exclusivity.
• Conservation organization is capable of acquisition.
• Ownership and use of the lands or resources are known.
• Laws and policies are amenable.
• Owner, agency, and political climate are amenable.
• Project partners and funders understand strategy.