Forecast-based action for conservation.

Extreme weather events pose an immediate threat to biodiversity, but existing conservation strategies have limitations. Advances in meteorological forecasting and innovation in the humanitarian sector provide a possible solution - Forecast-based Action (FbA). The growth of ecological forecasting demonstrates huge potential to anticipate conservation outcomes, but a lack of operational examples suggests a new approach is needed to translate forecasts into action. FbA provides such a framework, formalising the use of meteorological forecasts to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. Here, I draw on experience from the humanitarian sector to suggest how FbA could work in conservation. I address likely challenges in realising FbA for conservation - including establishing a financing mechanism, allocating funds to actions, and decision-making under uncertainty - provide a theoretical example, and discuss what FbA means for conservation research, practice and governance. Article Impact statement: Humanitarian innovation provides a framework that could transform how conservation practitioners protect biodiversity from extreme weather. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.