Priority habitats and sustainable resources: Integrating ecological monitoring and social dimensions in conservation planning
Abstract
Effective conservation planning requires the integration of ecological, environmental and social dimensions to maintain biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being. Priority habitats?areas of high ecological value due to their biodiversity, functional importance, or vulnerability?serve as focal points for conservation interventions. Recent advances in ecological monitoring, including remote sensing, species distribution modeling and biodiversity databases, enable data-driven identification of such habitats. Concurrently, incorporating social dimensions such as stakeholder engagement, local knowledge and socio-economic considerations ensures equitable and sustainable resource management. This article synthesizes current research on ecological monitoring tools, social-ecological frameworks and integrated conservation strategies. We highlight case studies from terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems, emphasizing adaptive management approaches that balance ecological protection with sustainable resource use. Integrating ecological and social perspectives is essential for achieving long-term conservation outcomes in the Anthropocene.