Spatial Conservation Prioritization: Concepts, Methods and Applications

Spatial conservation prioritization is a relatively new field which uses spatial data and quantitative techniques to support decision-making. Several methods and tools have been developed, two of the most popular being Marxan and Zonation, which solve two different mathematical problems: the minimum set and the maximal coverage, respectively.

This course aims to:

1) introduce the main concepts underpinning spatial conservation prioritization;

2) distinguish the two major conservation problems: minimum set and the maximal coverage;

3) develop computational skills to use Marxan and Zonation programs;

4) Provide insights about different applications of these methods.