Suchergebnisse

Most problems related to biodiversity management have an ecological as well as a socio-economic dimension. Consequently, there has been a growing recognition that adequate management recommendations directed at such problems can only be developed if knowledge from ecology, economics and various social science disciplines is taken into account in an integrated manner. To respond to the need for integrated research, a number of approaches have been proposed over the last decade or so with the aim of integrating knowledge from the natural and social sciences. These approaches emerged in different contexts and have integrated different disciplines. As the recognition of the need for integrated research is rather recent the approaches that integrate natural and social sciences are still in a phase of development. In order to further this development, a better understanding of how to tackle specific challenges that arise when knowledge from different disciplines is integrated may be helpful. The aim of this paper is to contribute to this task by analysing and comparing how selected approaches cope with one key challenge of integration: ensuring that state-of-the-art knowledge from both disciplines is used in the integrated approach. We selected the following approaches for comparison: Ecological-economic modelling, political ecology, the resilience approach, multi criteria analysis, and methods of material and energy flow accounting (MEFA) of socio-ecological systems. [.]

Flanders has endorsed the European objective to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This report evaluates the present state of nature in Flanders by reporting on 22 biodiversity indicators which give the closest interpretation of the 26 European biodiversity indicators proposed by the European Environment Agency (EEA 2007). Components of biodiversity and integrity of ecosystems Very specific habitats degrade to more common, usually nutrient-rich habitats. As a consequence, many rare species, restricted to these specific habitats, are declining. Examples are the species mentioned in the Annexes of the Habitats Directive. Many farmland species (e.g. Skylark) are also suffering from habitat change. On the other hand, a number of common species such as Magpie and some alien species such as Black Cherry, are increasing. As a result, variation in biodiversity decreases. Freshwater biodiversity (e.g. fish, water plants) declined sharply during the last century, although a significant improvement has been noticed during the last decade (e.g. fish, dragonflies). Woodland birds have also fared better in recent times (e.g. woodpeckers). Protected areas and sustainable management The Flemish government deploys a series of instruments for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Nature reserves, forest management plans and agri-environmental schemes exist, but it is difficult to meet surface area targets. Flanders has designated 7.5 % of its territory as Sites of Community Interest under the EU Habitats Directive. This is less than the European average, but more than the surrounding economic top regions. Defragmentation of water courses is in progress, but not fast enough to achieve the Benelux target of free fish migration by 2010. Biodiversity threats Protected areas are small and fragmented. Flemish agriculture is amongst the most productive in Europe, but it scores badly in terms of biodiversity. Sprawling urbanisation and intensifying agriculture exacerbate the negative impact of habitat fragmentation. Nitrogen residues on arable land, atmospheric nitrogen deposition, and phosphorus concentrations in rivers are amongst the highest in Europe. Thanks to policy efforts, the problems caused by spreading farm manure have decreased, although the decline in the practice has slowed in recent years. Meanwhile, there are indications that climate change is starting to affect nature in Flanders and the number of alien species in Flanders increases by 25 species a year. As these two new threats are on a global scale, they are difficult to manage. Footprint and public support The consumption footprint of an average Flemish inhabitant is beyond that which our planet can offer everyone. Membership of nature related clubs and societies is on the increase, although the number of actual visits to forests and nature areas is declining slightly.

We are increasingly confronted with severe social and economic impacts of environmental degradation all over the world. From a valuation perspective, environmental problems and conflicts originate from trade-offs between values. The urgency and importance to integrate nature's diverse values in decisions and actions stand out more than ever. Valuation, in its broad sense of 'assigning importance', is inherently part of most decisions on natural resource and land use. Scholars from different traditions -while moving from heuristic interdisciplinary debate to applied transdisciplinary science- now acknowledge the need for combining multiple disciplines and methods to represent the diverse set of values of nature. This growing group of scientists and practitioners share the ambition to explore how combinations of ecological, socio-cultural and economic valuation tools can support real-life resource and land use decision-making. The current sustainability challenges and the ineffectiveness of single-value approaches to offer relief demonstrate that continuing along a single path is no option. We advocate for the adherence of a plural valuation culture and its establishment as a common practice, by contesting and complementing ineffective and discriminatory single-value approaches. In policy and decision contexts with a willingness to improve sustainability, integrated valuation approaches can be blended in existing processes, whereas in contexts of power asymmetries or environmental conflicts, integrated valuation can promote the inclusion of diverse values through action research and support the struggle for social and environmental justice. The special issue and this editorial synthesis paper bring together lessons from pioneer case studies and research papers, synthesizing main challenges and setting out priorities for the years to come for the field of integrated valuation. ; Peer reviewed