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Beyond tools, institutional support is critical. Arghya highlights the need for
support that values “continuity, collaboration, and context at the policy level”.
A significant requirement is “long-term flexible funding”, as conservation ef
forts often take “years... decades to yield outcomes”, unlike short project cycles.
Stronger platforms are needed for “integrating science and policy”, with “em
bedded science advisors in government bodies” to bridge the gap. Institutions
should also “invest more in people, not just projects”, providing mentorship, field
safety, mental health support, and recognition for emotional labor. Ultimately,
local communities are “not just stakeholders. They are knowledge holders, stew
ards” and the most enduring presence in any conservation effort”. Scientific pro