1
|
Langhammer PF, Bull JW, Bicknell JE, Oakley JL, Brown MH, Bruford MW, Butchart SHM, Carr JA, Church D, Cooney R, Cutajar S, Foden W, Foster MN, Gascon C, Geldmann J, Genovesi P, Hoffmann M, Howard-McCombe J, Lewis T, Macfarlane NBW, Melvin ZE, Merizalde RS, Morehouse MG, Pagad S, Polidoro B, Sechrest W, Segelbacher G, Smith KG, Steadman J, Strongin K, Williams J, Woodley S, Brooks TM. The positive impact of conservation action. Science 2024; 384:453-458. [PMID: 38662833 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj6598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Governments recently adopted new global targets to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. It is therefore crucial to understand the outcomes of conservation actions. We conducted a global meta-analysis of 186 studies (including 665 trials) that measured biodiversity over time and compared outcomes under conservation action with a suitable counterfactual of no action. We find that in two-thirds of cases, conservation either improved the state of biodiversity or at least slowed declines. Specifically, we find that interventions targeted at species and ecosystems, such as invasive species control, habitat loss reduction and restoration, protected areas, and sustainable management, are highly effective and have large effect sizes. This provides the strongest evidence to date that conservation actions are successful but require transformational scaling up to meet global targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penny F Langhammer
- Re:wild, PO Box 129, Austin, TX 78767, USA
- Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Joseph W Bull
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, UK
- Wild Business Ltd, London, UK
| | - Jake E Bicknell
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, UK
| | | | | | - Michael W Bruford
- School of Biosciences and Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
- IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
| | - Stuart H M Butchart
- BirdLife International, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Jamie A Carr
- Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity, University of York, York YO10 15DD, UK
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- IUCN SSC Climate Change Specialist Group, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
| | - Don Church
- Re:wild, PO Box 129, Austin, TX 78767, USA
| | - Rosie Cooney
- CEESP/SSC IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, ACT 2601, Australia
| | | | - Wendy Foden
- IUCN SSC Climate Change Specialist Group, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
- South African National Parks, Cape Research Centre, Tokai, Cape Town, 7966, South Africa
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
- Global Change Biology Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Claude Gascon
- The Global Environment Facility, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA
| | - Jonas Geldmann
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen E, Denmark
| | - Piero Genovesi
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
- IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jo Howard-McCombe
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
- RZSS WildGenes, Conservation Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK
| | - Tiffany Lewis
- Arizona State University, 427 E. Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | | | - Zoe E Melvin
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
- Bangor University, School of Natural Sciences, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales LL57 2UW, UK
| | | | - Meredith G Morehouse
- LLaves: Keys to Bilingual Conservation, LLC, 346 Mayberry Hill Road, Casco, Maine 04015, USA
| | - Shyama Pagad
- University of Auckland, Auckland 1072, New Zealand
| | - Beth Polidoro
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
- Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85382, USA
| | | | - Gernot Segelbacher
- IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
- University Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kevin G Smith
- IUCN, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke St, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Janna Steadman
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Kyle Strongin
- Arizona State University, 800 S. Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Jake Williams
- Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Stephen Woodley
- IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, 64 Juniper Road, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1T3, Canada
| | - Thomas M Brooks
- IUCN, 28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
- World Agroforestry Center, University of The Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rampling EE, Zu Ermgassen SOSE, Hawkins I, Bull JW. Achieving biodiversity net gain by addressing governance gaps underpinning ecological compensation policies. Conserv Biol 2024; 38:e14198. [PMID: 37811729 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity compensation policies have emerged around the world to address the ecological harms of infrastructure expansion, but historically compliance is weak. The Westminster government is introducing a requirement that new infrastructure developments in England demonstrate they achieve a biodiversity net gain (BNG). We sought to determine the magnitude of the effects of governance gaps and regulator capacity constraints on the policy's potential biodiversity impacts. We collated BNG information from all new major developments across six early-adopter councils from 2020 to 2022. We quantified the proportion of the biodiversity outcomes promised under BNG at risk of noncompliance, explored the variation in strategies used to meet developers' biodiversity liabilities, and quantified the occurrence of simple errors in the biodiversity metric calculations. For large developments and energy infrastructure, biodiversity liabilities frequently met within the projects' development footprint. For small developments, the purchase of offsets was most common. We estimated that 27% of all biodiversity units fell into governance gaps that exposed them to a high risk of noncompliance because they were associated with better-condition habitats delivered on-site that were unlikely to be monitored or enforced. More robust governance mechanisms (e.g., practical mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement) would help ensure the delivery of this biodiversity on-site. Alternatively, more biodiversity gains could be delivered through off-site biodiversity offsetting. For the latter case, we estimated that the demand for offsets could rise by a factor of 4; this would substantially increase the financial contributions from developers for conservation activities on private land. Twenty-one percent of development applications contained a simple recurring error in their BNG calculations. One-half of these applications were approved by councils, which may indicate under-resourcing in council development assessments. Our findings demonstrate that resourcing and governance shortfalls risk undermining the policy's effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Rampling
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Sophus O S E Zu Ermgassen
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- Nature-positive Hub, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isobel Hawkins
- Nature-positive Hub, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joseph W Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- Nature-positive Hub, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bull JW. Life Is Uncertain: Inherent Variability Exhibited by Organisms, and at Higher Levels of Biological Organization. Astrobiology 2024; 24:318-327. [PMID: 38350125 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Organisms act stochastically. A not uncommon view in the ecological literature is that this is mainly due to the observer having insufficient information or a stochastic environment-and not partly because organisms themselves respond with inherent unpredictability. In this study, I compile the evidence that contradicts that view. Organisms generate uncertainty internally, which results in irreducible stochastic responses. I consider why: for instance, stochastic responses are associated with greater adaptability to changing environments and resource availability. Over longer timescales, biologically generated uncertainty influences behavior, evolution, and macroecological processes. Indeed, it could be stated that organisms are systems defined by the internal generation, magnification, and record-keeping of uncertainty as inputs to responses. Important practical implications arise if organisms can indeed be defined by an association with specific classes of inherent uncertainty: not least that isolating those signatures then provides a potential means for detecting life, for considering the forms that life could theoretically take, and for exploring the wider limits to how life might become distributed. These are all fundamental goals in astrobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Bull
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maron M, Quétier F, Sarmiento M, Ten Kate K, Evans MC, Bull JW, Jones JPG, Zu Ermgassen SOSE, Milner-Gulland EJ, Brownlie S, Treweek J, von Hase A. 'Nature positive' must incorporate, not undermine, the mitigation hierarchy. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:14-17. [PMID: 37735564 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martine Maron
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | | | | | | | - Megan C Evans
- Public Service Research Group, School of Business, University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Joseph W Bull
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia P G Jones
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sonter LJ, Maron M, Bull JW, Giljum S, Luckeneder S, Maus V, McDonald-Madden E, Northey SA, Sánchez LE, Valenta R, Visconti P, Werner TT, Watson JEM. How to fuel an energy transition with ecologically responsible mining. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307006120. [PMID: 37624732 PMCID: PMC10466501 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307006120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Sonter
- School of the Environment,The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science,The University of Queensland, Brisbane,QLD4072, Australia
- Sustainable Minerals Institute,The University of Queensland, Brisbane,QLD4072, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- School of the Environment,The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science,The University of Queensland, Brisbane,QLD4072, Australia
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Department of Biology,The University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Giljum
- Institute for Ecological Economics,Vienna University of Economics and Business,Vienna1020, Austria
| | - Sebastian Luckeneder
- Institute for Ecological Economics,Vienna University of Economics and Business,Vienna1020, Austria
| | - Victor Maus
- Institute for Ecological Economics,Vienna University of Economics and Business,Vienna1020, Austria
- Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability Group, Advancing Systems Analysis, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg2361, Austria
| | - Eve McDonald-Madden
- School of the Environment,The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science,The University of Queensland, Brisbane,QLD4072, Australia
| | - Stephen A. Northey
- Institute for Sustainable Futures,University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW2007, Australia
| | - Luis E. Sánchez
- Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering,University of São Paulo, São Paulo05508-220, Brazil
| | - Rick Valenta
- Sustainable Minerals Institute,The University of Queensland, Brisbane,QLD4072, Australia
| | - Piero Visconti
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Group,International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis,Laxenburg2361, Austria
| | - Tim T. Werner
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, TheUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne,VIC3052, Australia
| | - James E. M. Watson
- School of the Environment,The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science,The University of Queensland, Brisbane,QLD4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
zu Ermgassen SOSE, Devenish K, Simmons BA, Gordon A, Jones JPG, Maron M, Schulte to Bühne H, Sharma R, Sonter LJ, Strange N, Ward M, Bull JW. Evaluating the impact of biodiversity offsetting on native vegetation. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:4397-4411. [PMID: 37300408 PMCID: PMC10946555 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity offsetting is a globally influential policy mechanism for reconciling trade-offs between development and biodiversity loss. However, there is little robust evidence of its effectiveness. We evaluated the outcomes of a jurisdictional offsetting policy (Victoria, Australia). Offsets under Victoria's Native Vegetation Framework (2002-2013) aimed to prevent loss and degradation of remnant vegetation, and generate gains in vegetation extent and quality. We categorised offsets into those with near-complete baseline woody vegetation cover ("avoided loss", 2702 ha) and with incomplete cover ("regeneration", 501 ha), and evaluated impacts on woody vegetation extent from 2008 to 2018. We used two approaches to estimate the counterfactual. First, we used statistical matching on biophysical covariates: a common approach in conservation impact evaluation, but which risks ignoring potentially important psychosocial confounders. Second, we compared changes in offsets with changes in sites that were not offsets for the study duration but were later enrolled as offsets, to partially account for self-selection bias (where landholders enrolling land may have shared characteristics affecting how they manage land). Matching on biophysical covariates, we estimated that regeneration offsets increased woody vegetation extent by 1.9%-3.6%/year more than non-offset sites (138-180 ha from 2008 to 2018) but this effect weakened with the second approach (0.3%-1.9%/year more than non-offset sites; 19-97 ha from 2008 to 2018) and disappeared when a single outlier land parcel was removed. Neither approach detected any impact of avoided loss offsets. We cannot conclusively demonstrate whether the policy goal of 'net gain' (NG) was achieved because of data limitations. However, given our evidence that the majority of increases in woody vegetation extent were not additional (would have happened without the scheme), a NG outcome seems unlikely. The results highlight the importance of considering self-selection bias in the design and evaluation of regulatory biodiversity offsetting policy, and the challenges of conducting robust impact evaluations of jurisdictional biodiversity offsetting policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen
- Department of BiologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Katie Devenish
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Science and EngineeringBangor UniversityBangorUK
| | | | - Ascelin Gordon
- School of Global Urban and Social StudiesRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Julia P. G. Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Science and EngineeringBangor UniversityBangorUK
| | - Martine Maron
- The University of Queensland, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, and Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Roshan Sharma
- School of Global Urban and Social StudiesRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Laura J. Sonter
- The University of Queensland, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, and Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Niels Strange
- Department of Food and Resource EconomicsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Michelle Ward
- The University of Queensland, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, and Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- WWF—AustraliaBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Department of BiologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Taylor I, Bull JW, Ashton B, Biggs E, Clark M, Gray N, Grub HMJ, Stewart C, Milner-Gulland EJ. Nature-positive goals for an organization's food consumption. Nat Food 2023; 4:96-108. [PMID: 37118582 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Organizations are increasingly committing to biodiversity protection targets with focus on 'nature-positive' outcomes, yet examples of how to feasibly achieve these targets are needed. Here we propose an approach to achieve nature-positive targets with respect to the embodied biodiversity impacts of an organization's food consumption. We quantify these impacts using a comprehensive database of life-cycle environmental impacts from food, and map exploratory strategies to meet defined targets structured according to a mitigation and conservation hierarchy. By considering the varying needs and values across the organization's internal community, we identify a range of targeted approaches towards mitigating impacts, which balance top-down and bottom-up actions to different degrees. Delivering ambitious nature-positive targets within current constraints will be challenging, particularly given the need to mitigate cumulative impacts. Our results evidence that however committed an organization is to being nature positive in its food provision, this is unachievable in the absence of systems change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Taylor
- Wild Business Ltd., Kershen Fairfax, London, UK.
| | - J W Bull
- Wild Business Ltd., Kershen Fairfax, London, UK
- Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - B Ashton
- Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - E Biggs
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M Clark
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - N Gray
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - H M J Grub
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C Stewart
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gao S, Bull JW, Wu Z, Qiao R, Xia L, Lim MK. China's restoration fees require transparency. Science 2022; 377:379-380. [PMID: 35862548 DOI: 10.1126/science.add5125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Gao
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.,St. Hilda's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Joseph W Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renlu Qiao
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xia
- School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming K Lim
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kalliolevo H, Gordon A, Sharma R, Bull JW, Bekessy SA. Biodiversity offsetting can relocate nature away from people: An empirical case study in Western Australia. Conservat Sci and Prac 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kalliolevo
- Department of Biology University of Turku Turku Finland
- Natural Resources Institute Finland Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4A Turku Finland
| | - Ascelin Gordon
- School of Global Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Roshan Sharma
- School of Global Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Sarah A. Bekessy
- School of Global Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Juffe-Bignoli D, Burgess ND, Hobbs J, Smith RJ, Tam C, Thorn JPR, Bull JW. Mitigating the Impacts of Development Corridors on Biodiversity: A Global Review. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.683949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Development corridors are extensive, often transnational and linear, geographical areas targeted for investment to help achieve sustainable development. They often comprise the creation of hard infrastructure (i.e., physical structures) and soft infrastructure (i.e., policies, plans, and programmes) involving a variety of actors. They are globally widespread, and likely to be a significant driver of habitat loss. Here, we describe the development corridors phenomenon from a biodiversity perspective and identify the elements of best practice in biodiversity impact mitigation. We use these to carry out a review of the peer reviewed literature on corridors to respond to three questions: (i) how impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are assessed; (ii) what mitigation measures are discussed to manage these impacts; and (iii) to what extent do these measures approximate to best practice. We found that of 271 publications on development corridors across all continents (except for Antarctica) mentioning biodiversity or ecosystem services, only 100 (37%) assessed impacts on biodiversity and 7 (3%) on ecosystem services. Importantly, only half of these (52, 19% of the total 271 articles) discussed mitigation measures to manage these impacts. These measures focused on avoidance and minimisation and there was scant mention of restoration or ecological compensation illustrating a deficient application of the mitigation hierarchy. We conclude that the academic literature on corridors does not give sufficient consideration to comprehensive mitigation of biodiversity impacts. To change this, impact assessment research needs to acknowledge the complexity of such multi-project and multi-stakeholder initiatives, quantify biodiversity losses due to the full suite of their potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts, and follow all the steps of the mitigation hierarchy impact framework. We suggest a series of research avenues and policy recommendations to improve impact assessments of corridors towards achieving better biodiversity outcomes.
Collapse
|
11
|
zu Ermgassen SOSE, Marsh S, Ryland K, Church E, Marsh R, Bull JW. Exploring the ecological outcomes of mandatory biodiversity net gain using evidence from early‐adopter jurisdictions in England. Conserv Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen
- School of Anthropology and Conservation Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Sally Marsh
- School of Anthropology and Conservation Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology University of Kent Canterbury UK
- High Weald AONB Partnership Flimwell East Sussex UK
| | - Kate Ryland
- Dolphin Ecological Surveys Edgedown Seaford East Sussex UK
| | - Edward Church
- Department of Planning South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils Abingdon UK
| | - Richard Marsh
- Leeds City Council, Merrion House Merrion Centre Leeds West Yorkshire UK
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- School of Anthropology and Conservation Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology University of Kent Canterbury UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Maron M, Juffe‐Bignoli D, Krueger L, Kiesecker J, Kümpel NF, ten Kate K, Milner‐Gulland E, Arlidge WNS, Booth H, Bull JW, Starkey M, Ekstrom JM, Strassburg B, Verburg PH, Watson JEM. Setting robust biodiversity goals. Conserv Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martine Maron
- The University of Queensland Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science and School of Earth and Environmental Science Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Diego Juffe‐Bignoli
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP‐WCMC) Cambridge UK
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Kent UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - William N. S. Arlidge
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Berlin Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences Albrecht Daniel Thaer Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Hollie Booth
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Wildlife Conservation Society Global Conservation Program Bronx New York USA
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Kent UK
| | | | | | - Bernardo Strassburg
- Sustainability Laboratory, Department of Geography and the Environment Pontifícia Universidade Católica Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Peter H. Verburg
- Institute for Environmental Studies Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - James E. M. Watson
- Wildlife Conservation Society Global Conservation Program Bronx New York USA
- School of Earth and Environmental Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
White TB, Bull JW, Toombs TP, Knight AT. Uncovering opportunities for effective species conservation banking requires navigating technical and practical complexities. Conservat Sci and Prac 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B. White
- Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London Berkshire UK
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | | | - Andrew T. Knight
- Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London Berkshire UK
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia (UWA) Perth Western Australia Australia
- BlueAnt Consulting Fremantle Western Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bull JW, Strange N, Smith RJ, Gordon A. Reconciling multiple counterfactuals when evaluating biodiversity conservation impact in social-ecological systems. Conserv Biol 2021; 35:510-521. [PMID: 32538478 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
When evaluating the impact of a biodiversity conservation intervention, a counterfactual is typically needed. Counterfactuals are possible alternative system trajectories in the absence of an intervention. Comparing observed outcomes against the chosen counterfactual allows the impact (change attributable to the intervention) to be determined. Because counterfactuals by definition never occur, they must be estimated. Sometimes, there may be many plausible counterfactuals, including various drivers of biodiversity change and defined on a range of spatial or temporal scales. Here, we posit that, by definition, conservation interventions always take place in social-ecological systems (SES) (i.e., ecological systems integrated with human actors). Evaluating the impact of an intervention in an SES, therefore, means taking into account the counterfactuals assumed by different human actors. Use of different counterfactuals by different actors will give rise to perceived differences in the impacts of interventions, which may lead to disagreement about its success or the effectiveness of the underlying approach. Despite that there are biophysical biodiversity trends, it is often true that no single counterfactual is definitively the right one for conservation assessment, so multiple evaluations of intervention efficacy could be considered justifiable. Therefore, we propose calculating the sum of perceived differences, which captures the range of impact estimates associated with different actors in a given SES. The sum of perceived differences gives some indication of how closely actors in an SES agree on the impacts of an intervention. We applied the concept of perceived differences to a set of global, national, and regional case studies (e.g., global realization of Aichi Target 11 for marine protected areas, effect of biodiversity offsetting on vegetation condition in Australia, and influence of conservation measures on an endangered ungulate in Central Asia). We explored approaches for minimizing the sum, including a combination of negotiation and structured decision making, careful alignment of expectations on scope and measurement, and explicit recognition of any intractable differences between stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Kent, CT2 7NR, U.K
| | - Niels Strange
- Department of Food and Resource Economics & Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, Copenhagen, 1958, Denmark
| | - Robert J Smith
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Kent, CT2 7NR, U.K
| | - Ascelin Gordon
- School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
zu Ermgassen SOSE, Baker J, Griffiths RA, Strange N, Struebig MJ, Bull JW. The ecological outcomes of biodiversity offsets under “no net loss” policies: A global review. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | | | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Niels Strange
- Department of Food and Resource Economics and Center for Macroecology, Evolution and ClimateUniversity of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Matthew J. Struebig
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Addison PFE, Bull JW, Milner‐Gulland EJ. Using conservation science to advance corporate biodiversity accountability. Conserv Biol 2019; 33:307-318. [PMID: 30009509 PMCID: PMC7379537 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity declines threaten the sustainability of global economies and societies. Acknowledging this, businesses are beginning to make commitments to account for and mitigate their influence on biodiversity and report this in sustainability reports. We assessed the top 100 of the 2016 Fortune 500 Global companies' (the Fortune 100) sustainability reports to gauge the current state of corporate biodiversity accountability. Almost half (49) of the Fortune 100 mentioned biodiversity in reports, and 31 made clear biodiversity commitments, of which only 5 were specific, measureable, and time bound. A variety of biodiversity-related activities were disclosed (e.g., managing impacts, restoring biodiversity, and investing in biodiversity), but only 9 companies provided quantitative indicators to verify the magnitude of their activities (e.g., area of habitat restored). No companies reported quantitative biodiversity outcomes, making it difficult to determine whether business actions were of sufficient magnitude to address impacts and were achieving positive outcomes for nature. Conservation science can advance approaches to corporate biodiversity accountability by helping businesses make science-based biodiversity commitments, develop meaningful indicators, and select more targeted activities to address business impacts. With the biodiversity policy super year of 2020 rapidly approaching, now is the time for conservation scientists to engage with and support businesses in playing a critical role in setting the new agenda for a sustainable future for the planet with biodiversity at its heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prue F. E. Addison
- Department of Zoology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation ScienceUniversity of OxfordOxfordU.K.
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Department of Food and Resource EconomicsCenter for Macroecology, Evolution, and ClimateUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyU.K.
| | - E. J. Milner‐Gulland
- Department of Zoology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation ScienceUniversity of OxfordOxfordU.K.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Griffiths VF, Bull JW, Baker J, Milner‐Gulland E. No net loss for people and biodiversity. Conserv Biol 2019; 33:76-87. [PMID: 30070731 PMCID: PMC7379924 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Governments, businesses, and lenders worldwide are adopting an objective of no net loss (NNL) of biodiversity that is often partly achieved through biodiversity offsetting within a hierarchy of mitigation actions. Offsets aim to balance residual losses of biodiversity caused by development in one location with commensurate gains at another. Although ecological challenges to achieve NNL are debated, the associated gains and losses for local stakeholders have received less attention. International best practice calls for offsets to make people no worse off than before implementation of the project, but there is a lack of clarity concerning how to achieve this with regard to people's use and nonuse values for biodiversity, especially given the inevitable trade-offs when compensating biodiversity losses with gains elsewhere. This is particularly challenging for countries where poor people depend on natural resources. Badly planned offsets can exacerbate poverty, and development and offset impacts can vary across spatial-temporal scales and by location, gender, and livelihood. We conceptualize the no-worse-off principle in the context of NNL of biodiversity, by exploring for whom and how the principle can be achieved. Changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of biodiversity-related social impacts of a development and its associated offset can lead to social inequity and negatively impact people's well-being. The level of aggregation (regional, village, interest group, household, and individual) at which these social impacts are measured and balanced can again exacerbate inequity in a system. We propose that a determination that people are no worse off, and preferably better off, after a development and biodiversity offset project than they were before the project should be based on the perceptions of project-affected people (assessed at an appropriate level of aggregation); that their well-being associated with biodiversity losses and gains should be at least as good as it was before the project; and that this level of well-being should be maintained throughout the project life cycle. Employing this principle could help ensure people are no worse off as a result of interventions to achieve biodiversity NNL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria F. Griffiths
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordNew Radcliffe House, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock RoadOxfordOX2 6GGU.K.
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Department of Food and Resource Economics & Center for Macroecology, Evolution and ClimateUniversity of CopenhagenRolighedsvej 23, 1958CopenhagenDenmark
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyKent, CT2 7NZU.K.
| | - Julia Baker
- Balfour Beatty5 Churchill Place, Canary WharfLondonE14 5HUU.K.
| | - E.J. Milner‐Gulland
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordNew Radcliffe House, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock RoadOxfordOX2 6GGU.K.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Affiliation(s)
- Prue F E Addison
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Joseph W Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bull JW, Ejrnaes R, Macdonald DW, Svenning JC, Sandom CJ. Fences can support restoration in human-dominated ecosystems when rewilding with large predators. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation; University of Kent; Kent CT2 7NZ U.K
- Department of Food and Resource Economics & Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate; University of Copenhagen; Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Rasmus Ejrnaes
- Department of Bioscience, Biodiversity & Conservation; Aarhus University; Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde Denmark
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL U.K
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Department of Bioscience, Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity; Aarhus University; Ny Munkegade, 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
- Department of Bioscience, Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE); Aarhus University; Ny Munkegade, 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Arlidge WNS, Bull JW, Addison PFE, Burgass MJ, Gianuca D, Gorham TM, Jacob C, Shumway N, Sinclair SP, Watson JEM, Wilcox C, Milner-Gulland EJ. A Global Mitigation Hierarchy for Nature Conservation. Bioscience 2018; 68:336-347. [PMID: 29731513 PMCID: PMC5925785 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to conserve biodiversity comprise a patchwork of international goals, national-level plans, and local interventions that, overall, are failing. We discuss the potential utility of applying the mitigation hierarchy, widely used during economic development activities, to all negative human impacts on biodiversity. Evaluating all biodiversity losses and gains through the mitigation hierarchy could help prioritize consideration of conservation goals and drive the empirical evaluation of conservation investments through the explicit consideration of counterfactual trends and ecosystem dynamics across scales. We explore the challenges in using this framework to achieve global conservation goals, including operationalization and monitoring and compliance, and we discuss solutions and research priorities. The mitigation hierarchy's conceptual power and ability to clarify thinking could provide the step change needed to integrate the multiple elements of conservation goals and interventions in order to achieve successful biodiversity outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William N S Arlidge
- PhD student.,Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Zoology, in Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph W Bull
- A Lecturer at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at the University of Kent, in the United Kingdom, and is with the Department of Food and Resource Economics and the Center for Macroecology, Evolution, and Climate at the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark
| | - Prue F E Addison
- Knowledge exchange and research Fellow.,Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Zoology, in Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Burgass
- PhD students at the Imperial College London Department of Life Sciences
| | - Dimas Gianuca
- PhD student with the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter, in Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Taylor M Gorham
- A senior research analyst with the Marine Stewardship Council, in London, United Kingdom
| | - Céline Jacob
- Postdoctoral researcher with IFREMER, UMR AMURE, in Brest, France
| | - Nicole Shumway
- Nicole Shumway is a PhD candidate and James E. M. Watson is a professor at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, in Brisbane, Australia
| | - Samuel P Sinclair
- PhD students at the Imperial College London Department of Life Sciences
| | - James E M Watson
- Nicole Shumway is a PhD candidate and James E. M. Watson is a professor at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, in Brisbane, Australia.,JEMW is also director of the Science and Research Initiative at the Wildlife Conservation Society, in the Bronx, New York
| | - Chris Wilcox
- Chris Wilcox is a senior research scientist with the Oceans and Atmosphere Business Unit, CSIRO, in Hobart, Australia
| | - E J Milner-Gulland
- Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Zoology, in Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Real R, Barbosa AM, Bull JW. Species Distributions, Quantum Theory, and the Enhancement of Biodiversity Measures. Syst Biol 2018; 66:453-462. [PMID: 27616323 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syw072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Species distributions are typically represented by records of their observed occurrence at a given spatial and temporal scale. Such records are inevitably incomplete and contingent on the spatial-temporal circumstances under which the observations were made. Moreover, organisms may respond differently to similar environmental conditions at different places or moments, so their distribution is, in principle, not completely predictable. We argue that this uncertainty exists, and warrants considering species distributions as analogous to coherent quantum objects, whose distributions are better described by a wavefunction rather than by a set of locations. We use this to extend the existing concept of "dark diversity", which incorporates into biodiversity metrics those species that could, but which have not yet been observed to, inhabit a region-thereby developing the idea of "potential biodiversity". We show how conceptualizing species' distributions in this way could help overcome important weaknesses in current biodiversity metrics, both in theory and by using a worked case study of mammal distributions in Spain over the last decade. We propose that considerable theoretical advances could eventually be gained through interdisciplinary collaboration between biogeographers and quantum physicists. [Biogeography; favorability; physics; predictability; probability; species occurrence; uncertainty; wavefunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo Real
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Joseph W Bull
- Department of Food and Resource Economics and Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Bull
- Department of Food and Resource Economics & Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate; University of Copenhagen; Rolighedsvej 23 1958 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Samuel P. Lloyd
- Department of Zoology; University of Oxford; South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS UK
- Imperial College London; Silwood Park, Buckhurst Road SL5 7QN
| | - Niels Strange
- Department of Food and Resource Economics & Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate; University of Copenhagen; Rolighedsvej 23 1958 Copenhagen Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Bull
- Department of Food and Resource Economics & Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate; University of Copenhagen; Rolighedsvej 23 1958 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Ascelin Gordon
- School of Global, Urban and Social Studies; RMIT University; Melbourne Vic. 3001 Australia
| | - James E. M. Watson
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Global Conservation Program; Wildlife Conservation Society; 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx NY 10460 USA
| | - Martine Maron
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
A central topic for conservation science is evaluating how human activities influence global species diversity. Humanity exacerbates extinction rates. But by what mechanisms does humanity drive the emergence of new species? We review human-mediated speciation, compare speciation and known extinctions, and discuss the challenges of using net species diversity as a conservation objective. Humans drive rapid evolution through relocation, domestication, hunting and novel ecosystem creation-and emerging technologies could eventually provide additional mechanisms. The number of species relocated, domesticated and hunted during the Holocene is of comparable magnitude to the number of observed extinctions. While instances of human-mediated speciation are known, the overall effect these mechanisms have upon speciation rates has not yet been quantified. We also explore the importance of anthropogenic influence upon divergence in microorganisms. Even if human activities resulted in no net loss of species diversity by balancing speciation and extinction rates, this would probably be deemed unacceptable. We discuss why, based upon 'no net loss' conservation literature-considering phylogenetic diversity and other metrics, risk aversion, taboo trade-offs and spatial heterogeneity. We conclude that evaluating speciation alongside extinction could result in more nuanced understanding of biosphere trends, clarifying what it is we actually value about biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J W Bull
- Department of Food and Resource Economics and Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Maron
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Maron M, Ives CD, Kujala H, Bull JW, Maseyk FJF, Bekessy S, Gordon A, Watson JE, Lentini PE, Gibbons P, Possingham HP, Hobbs RJ, Keith DA, Wintle BA, Evans MC. Taming a Wicked Problem: Resolving Controversies in Biodiversity Offsetting. Bioscience 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biw038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
26
|
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Bull
- Department of Life Sciences; Imperial College London; Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Rd Ascot Berkshire SL5 7PY UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Affiliation(s)
- Ascelin Gordon
- School of Global; Urban and Social Studies; RMIT University; GPO Box 2476 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Department of Life Sciences; Imperial College London; Silwood Park Campus Buckhurst Road Ascot Berkshire SL5 7PY UK
| | - Chris Wilcox
- CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research; Castray Esplanade; Hobart Tasmania 7001 Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- The University of Queensland; Landscape Ecology and Conservation Group; School of Geography; Planning and Environmental Management; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bull JW, Gordon A, Law EA, Suttle KB, Milner-Gulland EJ. Importance of baseline specification in evaluating conservation interventions and achieving no net loss of biodiversity. Conserv Biol 2014; 28:799-809. [PMID: 24945031 PMCID: PMC4241037 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to improve the evaluation of conservation interventions. This requires specifying an objective and a frame of reference from which to measure performance. Reference frames can be baselines (i.e., known biodiversity at a fixed point in history) or counterfactuals (i.e., a scenario that would have occurred without the intervention). Biodiversity offsets are interventions with the objective of no net loss of biodiversity (NNL). We used biodiversity offsets to analyze the effects of the choice of reference frame on whether interventions met stated objectives. We developed 2 models to investigate the implications of setting different frames of reference in regions subject to various biodiversity trends and anthropogenic impacts. First, a general analytic model evaluated offsets against a range of baseline and counterfactual specifications. Second, a simulation model then replicated these results with a complex real world case study: native grassland offsets in Melbourne, Australia. Both models showed that achieving NNL depended upon the interaction between reference frame and background biodiversity trends. With a baseline, offsets were less likely to achieve NNL where biodiversity was decreasing than where biodiversity was stable or increasing. With a no-development counterfactual, however, NNL was achievable only where biodiversity was declining. Otherwise, preventing development was better for biodiversity. Uncertainty about compliance was a stronger determinant of success than uncertainty in underlying biodiversity trends. When only development and offset locations were considered, offsets sometimes resulted in NNL, but not across an entire region. Choice of reference frame determined feasibility and effort required to attain objectives when designing and evaluating biodiversity offset schemes. We argue the choice is thus of fundamental importance for conservation policy. Our results shed light on situations in which biodiversity offsets may be an inappropriate policy instrument.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J W Bull
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park CampusAscot SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
- †† email
| | - A Gordon
- School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT UniversityMelbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - E A Law
- Environmental Decisions Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of QueenslandBrisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - K B Suttle
- Department of Life Sciences & Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College London, Silwood Park CampusAscot SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - E J Milner-Gulland
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park CampusAscot SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jones IL, Bull JW, Milner-Gulland EJ, Esipov AV, Suttle KB. Quantifying habitat impacts of natural gas infrastructure to facilitate biodiversity offsetting. Ecol Evol 2013; 4:79-90. [PMID: 24455163 PMCID: PMC3894890 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat degradation through anthropogenic development is a key driver of biodiversity loss. One way to compensate losses is “biodiversity offsetting” (wherein biodiversity impacted is “replaced” through restoration elsewhere). A challenge in implementing offsets, which has received scant attention in the literature, is the accurate determination of residual biodiversity losses. We explore this challenge for offsetting gas extraction in the Ustyurt Plateau, Uzbekistan. Our goal was to determine the landscape extent of habitat impacts, particularly how the footprint of “linear” infrastructure (i.e. roads, pipelines), often disregarded in compensation calculations, compares with “hub” infrastructure (i.e. extraction facilities). We measured vegetation cover and plant species richness using the line-intercept method, along transects running from infrastructure/control sites outward for 500 m, accounting for wind direction to identify dust deposition impacts. Findings from 24 transects were extrapolated to the broader plateau by mapping total landscape infrastructure network using GPS data and satellite imagery. Vegetation cover and species richness were significantly lower at development sites than controls. These differences disappeared within 25 m of the edge of the area physically occupied by infrastructure. The current habitat footprint of gas infrastructure is 220 ± 19 km2 across the Ustyurt (total ∼ 100,000 km2), 37 ± 6% of which is linear infrastructure. Vegetation impacts diminish rapidly with increasing distance from infrastructure, and localized dust deposition does not conspicuously extend the disturbance footprint. Habitat losses from gas extraction infrastructure cover 0.2% of the study area, but this reflects directly eliminated vegetation only. Impacts upon fauna pose a more difficult determination, as these require accounting for behavioral and demographic responses to disturbance by elusive mammals, including threatened species. This study demonstrates that impacts of linear infrastructure in regions such as the Ustyurt should be accounted for not just with respect to development sites but also associated transportation and delivery routes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel L Jones
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus Ascot, U. K
| | - Joseph W Bull
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus Ascot, U. K
| | | | - Alexander V Esipov
- Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Kenwyn B Suttle
- Department of Life Sciences & Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus Ascot, U. K
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bull JW. The future of computerised axial tomography. J Neuroradiol 1976; 3:335-8. [PMID: 1027919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
31
|
Bull JW. Medical and legal aspects of the increasing demand for diagnostic radiology. Proc R Soc Med 1976; 69:757-8. [PMID: 995925 PMCID: PMC1864639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
32
|
Gawler J, du Boulay G, Bull JW, Marshall J. A comparison of computer asisted tomography (EMI scanner) with conventional neuroradiologic methods in the investigation of patients clinically suspected of intracranial tumor. J Can Assoc Radiol 1976; 27:157-69. [PMID: 977636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Computerized tomography has been used as the initial radiologic investigation among 212 intracranial tumor suspects. Ninety-five of these patients were ultimately shown to have tumors as a result of all their investigations. Eighty tumors were clearly defined by EMI scanning, four further scans were suspicious but not unequivocally abnormal and six scans showed complications of the tumor rather than the lesion itself. Thus, only five scans were falsely negative in the presence of a tumor. The false positive and false negative rates for EMI scanning have been compared with conventional techniques and computerized tomography shown to compare favourably with angiography or encephalography.
Collapse
|
33
|
Gawler J, Du Boulay GH, Bull JW, Marshall J. Computerized tomography (the EMI Scanner): a comparison with pneumoencephalography and ventriculography. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1976; 39:203-11. [PMID: 1084413 PMCID: PMC492256 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.39.3.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Computerized tomography, using the EMI Scanner, allows the diagnosis of cerebral atrophy or hydrocephalus to be made with the same degree of accuracy as conventional neuroradiological methods. Ventricular measurements made on EMI scans have been compared with those from pneumoencephalograms and ventriculograms. A range of normal ventricular measurements for the EMI scan is suggested.
Collapse
|
34
|
Bull JW. Royal Scoiety of Medicine, Section of Neurology; Meeting 31 October 1974. Presiden's Address. The nervous system's blood vessels from Galen to Röntgen and after. Proc R Soc Med 1975; 68:695-702. [PMID: 1105589 PMCID: PMC1864213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
35
|
Abstract
The results of computer assisted tomography (80 x 80 matrix) of 600 patients are presented.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
A series of 38 cases of colloid cyst of the 3rd ventricle is described in most of whom the diagnosis, important for curative surgery, was made radiologically. The most useful investigative technique was pneumography, by which the tumour was outlined in almost all cases. The lateral "hanging head" projection generally demonstrated the lesion most satisfactorily. Care in manipulating air introduced at ventriculography through the foramina of Monro into the 3rd ventricle was frequently rewarded by clear definition of the tumour. In more than one-third of the cases, the lateral plain skull radiograph showed truncation of the dorsum sellae indicative of chronic obstructive hydrocephalus, and, in the large majority of these, pneumography confirmed that the 3rd ventricle, rather than the interventricular foramen, was the site of obstruction to the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Carotid angiography, showing hydrocephalus, and in the same cases elevation and lateral displacement of the anterior portion of the internal cerebral veins yielded strong supportive evidence. Vertebral angiography was less specific, and isotope scanning was quite unhelpful.
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Eight cases of vertebral haemangioma causing spinal cord or nerve root compression are described, together with one other which was not causing organic signs or symptoms. The compression was due to extradural tumour in 5 cases, bony expansion encroaching on the neural canal in 2 cases, and a combination of bony expansion and extradural tumour in one case. When present the classical radiological appearance of accentuated vertical striation or honeycomb pattern is easily recognized, but atypical features, such as apparent pedicular erosion, paravertebral soft tissue mass and bony expansion, may occur, making diagnosis more diffcult. In 2 cases the correct diagnosis was not made before surgery. In one of these there were no plain film changes and in the other a metastasis was considered the more likely diagnosis. In the asymptomatic case the absence of extra-osseous extension was an important factor in excluding any possible clinical significance of the haemangioma. The great importance of pre-operative spinal angiography is stressed.
Collapse
|
38
|
|
39
|
Abstract
The question that the title of this lecture poses must depend considerably on the attitude of physicians and surgeons. I have indicated the very low position diagnostic radiology holds in this country relative to our peers in medicine elsewhere.If its improvement is considered to be warranted, we must:(1) Interest medical students at the beginning of their career.(2) Bear in mind that radiologists are likely to be able to teach some anatomy but the reciprocal seldom applies.(3) Obtain chairs in radiology, which are desperately needed.(4) Obtain the acceptance by the medical establishment of the proper place of radiology in clinical medicine.(5) See to the reduction in numbers of unnecessary x-ray examinations.(6) Press for the improvement and enlargement of radiological departments with proper provision for expansion.
Collapse
|
40
|
|
41
|
Iliff L, Zilkha E, Bull JW, Du Boulay GH, McAllister VL, Marshall J, Russell RW, Symon L. Effect of changes in cerebral blood flow on proportion of high and low flow tissue in the brain. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1974; 37:631-5. [PMID: 4844131 PMCID: PMC494727 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.37.6.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Regional cerebral blood flow was measured by injection of (133)Xenon into the internal carotid artery in 11 patients with cerebrovascular disease. All patients were studied under general anaesthesia, first at normocapnia and then at hypocapnia. The 15 minute isotope clearance curves were analysed by computer by two-compartmental analysis and regional changes in flow and the proportions of fast and slow clearing tissue obtained at two levels of arterial CO(2) tension. Hypocapnia caused a fall in blood flow which was consistently accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of fast clearing tissue. Regional changes were not significantly different from the hemisphere mean changes. There was no correlation between changes in blood flow through grey matter and the proportion of fast clearing tissue on a hemisphere mean basis, but on regional analysis the data from 10 out of the 11 patients showed that in areas where blood flow through grey matter changed most the proportion of fast clearing tissue changed least and vice versa. A hypothesis has been proposed to explain this phenomenon.
Collapse
|
42
|
Trevor RD, Villiers CR, du Boulay G, Kendall B, Bull JW. The problem of differentiating tumours secondarily invading the meninges from primary meningiomas. Br J Radiol 1973; 46:735. [PMID: 4726128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
|
43
|
Wong E, Bull JW, Du Boulay GH, Marshall J, Russell RW, Symon L. Regional cerebral blood flow in completed strokes and transient ischemic attacks. A clinical correlation. Neurology 1973; 23:949-52. [PMID: 4737687 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.23.9.949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
|
44
|
Rosenbaum SG, Iliff LD, Bull JW, Du Boulay GH, Marshall J, Russell RW, Symon L. Arterial peaks in regional cerebral blood flow 133 Xenon clearance curves. Stroke 1973; 4:73-9. [PMID: 4568334 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.4.1.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In patients with normal rCBF, arterial spikes are found in all regions of the cerebral hemisphere. The normal range of spike height is 17% to 31 % of H max, except over the carotid siphon (region 15), when it is 36% to 38%.
Under general anesthesia proportionate spike height increases significantly when CBF is low. Increased blood flow is not, however, significantly associated with decrease in spike height.
The possible explanations for this are discussed.
Collapse
|
45
|
Ackerman RH, Zilkha E, Bull JW, Du Boulay GH, Marshall J, Russell RW, Symon L. The relationship of the CO 2 reactivity of cerebral vessels to blood pressure and mean resting blood flow. Neurology 1973; 23:21-6. [PMID: 4734497 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.23.1.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
|
46
|
Bull JW. Neurology's debt to Becquerel. Br J Radiol 1972; 45:881-90. [PMID: 4567103 DOI: 10.1259/0007-1285-45-540-881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
|
47
|
Campbell AJ, Bull JW. Craniopharyngioma in a predominantly adult population. A radiologic review. J Can Assoc Radiol 1972; 23:182-91. [PMID: 5084427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
48
|
Shah S, Bull JW, Du Boulay GH, Marshall J, Russell RW, Symon L. A comparison of rapid serial angiography and isotope clearance measurements in cerebrovascular disease. Br J Radiol 1972; 45:294-8. [PMID: 4552911 DOI: 10.1259/0007-1285-45-532-294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
|
49
|
Symon L, Ackerman R, Bull JW, Du Boulay EP, Marshall J, Rees JE, Russell RW. The use of the xenon clearance method in subarachnoid haemorrhage. Eur Neurol 1972; 8:8-14. [PMID: 4559487 DOI: 10.1159/000114544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
50
|
Rees JE, Bull JW, Du Boulay GH, Marshall J, Russell RW, Symon L. The comparative analysis of isotope clearance curves in normal and ischemic brain. Stroke 1971; 2:444-51. [PMID: 5111581 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.2.5.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The regional cerebral blood flow has been measured by intracarotid
133
Xenon in ten normal subjects, ten with miscellaneous cerebral ischemic lesions, eight with transient ischemic attacks and seven with completed strokes. The data have been examined by the stochastic and two-compartmental methods of analysis and by reference to the slope of the initial two minutes of the clearance curves. In normal unanesthetized normocapnic subjects the correlation between the results obtained by each of these methods is high. In ischemic lesions the correlation is less god. All three methods, however, are liable to miss, or to misrepresent the significance of, disturbances which can be demonstrated when the proportion and rate of perfusion of gray and white matter are separately estimated.
Collapse
|