Biodiversity is under unprecedented pressure from human activities around the globe. The most common model for conservation has been in the form of ‘protected areas’ such as national parks. However, much of the world is (or until recently has been) conserved de facto, independently of this relatively recent development: more than a quarter of the global terrestrial area is cared for by local communities or indigenous peoples, overlapping with around 40% of the world’s protected areas and large ecologically intact landscapes. Yet, their commitment and stewardship are at risk of being replaced by other detrimental activities if their ways are not duly recognized for their contributions to nature conservation and human wellbeing.

Both in community conserved areas and designated protected areas, most attention has focused to date on management (what should be done) rather than governance (who decides), which may be of even greater significance.

In this special issue, we aim to focus on key actors in the selected social-ecological systems (case studies), highlighting how they contribute to conservation outcomes. Fundamental values and beliefs, as well as a diversity in governance and management, will be highlighted.

We particularly welcome contributions from voices less commonly heard, aiming to enhance our understanding and to promote more inclusive conservation and sustainable development. Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August, 2021.

If interested, please send a title and abstract to Dr Marc Foggin to discuss suitability for this issue. For further information, please see the attached information sheet or visit the special issue webpage at http://mdpi.com/si/54786.

Message from the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Marc A. Rosen

I encourage you to contribute a research or comprehensive review article for consideration for publication in Sustainability, an international Open Access journal which provides an advanced forum for research findings in areas related to sustainability and sustainable development.

The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, conference proceedings (peer-reviewed full articles) and communications. I am confident you will find the journal contributes to enhancing understanding of sustainability and fostering initiatives and applications of sustainability- based measures and activities.

* Dr. J. Marc Foggin, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada 

* Dr. Sarah J. Halvorson Department of Geography, W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA