Managing Biodiversity Change
The proposed work is relevant to the needs of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS) and the EC Habitats and Birds Directives and, addresses research questions concerning biodiversity and ecosystem function set out within the Scottish Biodiversity Forum’s Research Strategy.
Integration of biodiversity concerns into the key mechanisms for change operating over the coming years is required by the SBS.
Most notably among these are the continuing impact of CAP reform, land use planning reform, the revision of the Scottish Rural Development Programme and the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
Complex interactions between social, economic and environmental causes of change (climate, pollution and land management) shape biodiversity, both directly and indirectly.
Successful Management of Biodiversity Change requires not just a predictive understanding of the processes involved. Analysis and resolution of constraints, conflicts and barriers which will otherwise hamper the development of sustainable management practices to support Scotland's conservation policies and targets is also needed.
Our work focuses on understanding the casues which are already bringing, or will bring about change in ecosystems. We also study the means by which land managers may respond to manage such change, whether to enhance, maintain or minimise damage to biodiversity. Central to this work will be the development of a predictive understanding of how human values and behaviour interact with natural changes, such as climate, to drive policy and land use change.
Consequently, there is a crucial need for novel interdisciplinary research between environmental, economic and social science, as well as the engagement of stakeholders and policy makers, which our work is focused to deliver.
More on biodiversity policy relevant research
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Updated: 10 Jan 2012, Content by: CN
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