Ark Nova · Board game rules
Can you lose points from completed conservation projects?
Quick answer
No, once you complete a conservation project by placing your cube on it, you do not lose the points gained from it.
Details
When you support a conservation project (via the Travail de conservation mission in the Action: Association), you place one of your player cubes on a condition of the project card. This action grants you the listed conservation points and/or reputation immediately, and these points are permanent for the rest of the game. The rules state that once a project is supported (i.e., a cube is placed on it), you cannot support it again, but there is no mechanism to remove cubes or lose points from completed projects [p.15 — ASSOCIATION].
During pauses (p.18), the only changes to the Association board involve resetting volunteers and replenishing zoo/university partners, but there is no rule that removes cubes from completed projects or reduces conservation points. Similarly, the final scoring phase (p.19) does not include any provision for losing points from conservation projects.
Watch out: While you cannot lose points from completed projects, be aware that some projects may require ongoing conditions (e.g., maintaining certain icons in your zoo) to retain their benefits. However, the core points from supporting the project are irreversible.