Determining the location of protected areas in France: Does “scientific interest” matter?

Protected areas are one of the main policy instruments used by policymakers to tackle current biodiversity crisis. While numerous studies highlight inability such protect full range biodiversity, procedures which protected created nevertheless remain understudied. A better understanding related processes is necessary overcome “research-implementation gap” and, hopefully, decrease loss. This article seeks fill this blind spot in conservation conducting interdisciplinary research at crossroads ecology and studies. We applied mixed methods (i.e. quantitative qualitative analysis) historical archives national nature reserve (NNR) projects identify weight scientific statements other factors involved decision-making process. Our results reveal a two-step Scientific opinion about NNR operates as primary filter. Then, another triage made under social, political economic interests. Such situation challenges idea that more evidence would lead conservation. In our opinion, key issue determine ways improve success rather than improving data algorithms. sense, we call for implementation an “informed opportunism” approach suggest some leads favor its practical application. highlights importance reach goals.