Description

There is no universal definition of conservation easement. In general, it refers to a voluntary and legally-binding agreement, similar to a deed restriction, that permanently limits a property’s uses in order to protect conservation values and achieve conservation goals. ^1 2 Typically, a landowner will negotiate with a conservation organization or government agency to sell or donate a conservation easement on their property that will restrict the use of the land (preventing certain development, for example), regardless of future ownership, to protect valuable resources in perpetuity (agriculture, habitats, water quality, scenic views etc.). The conservation organization or government agency that has acquired the conservation easement is responsible for upholding the agreed restrictions through stewardship.

IPBES 2018 ¹

Lausche (2021) ²