ABSTRACT
Given the magnitude and implications of the worldwide decline of biocultural diversity, and the multiplicity of factors that are contributing to this decline from the local to the global scale, the projects in this sourcebook collectively represent a remarkable tour de force in working towards solutions to stem global diversity loss. In their varied approaches to addressing this crisis, these projects offer lessons that are relevant for strengthening future efforts at maintaining and enhancing biocultural diversity. In this chapter, we examine some of these ‘lessons learned’ from the projects. First we focus on the commonalities and the differences in the approaches the projects take to integrated biocultural conservation. We then highlight some of the key conditions that appear to be required for the success of biocultural diversity conservation projects, as well as some of the challenges that these efforts face. In a final reflection on lessons learned, we conclude that local-level projects can make a significant impact, but their long-term success requires continued efforts at the local, regional, national and international levels to address the complexity of factors that contribute to biocultural diversity loss.
