Conservation of the natural forests of Central America is of value locally and globally, but the various stakeholders - small-scale farmers, timber users, plantation foresters and the broader public - represent a diversity of interests. This paper argued that finding commonalities of interest could lead to acceptable and effective conservation strategies. The author illustrated his point with examples of innovative approaches to in situ (on site), circa situ (nearby) and ex situ (external) conservation of woody plants in Central America.