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Negret PJ, Venegas R, Sonter LJ, Possingham HP, Maron M. Conservation planning for retention, not just protection. Glob Chang Biol 2024; 30:e17211. [PMID: 38439736 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17211] [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] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Most protected area (PA) planning aims to improve biota representation within the PA system, but this does not necessarily achieve the best outcomes for biota retention across regions when we also consider habitat loss in areas outside the PA system. Here, we assess the implications that different PA expansion strategies can have on the retention of species habitat across an entire region. Using retention of forest habitat for Colombia's 550 forest-dependent bird species as our outcome variable, we found that when a minimum of 30% of each species' habitat was included in the PA system, a pattern of PA expansion targeting areas at highest deforestation risk (risk-prevention) led to the retention, on average, of 7.2% more forest habitat per species by 2050 than did a pattern that targeted areas at lowest risk (risk-avoidance). The risk-prevention approach cost more per km2 of land conserved, but it was more cost-effective in retaining habitat in the landscape (50%-69% lower cost per km2 of avoided deforestation). To have the same effectiveness preventing habitat loss in Colombia, the risk-avoidance approach would require more than twice as much protected area, costing three times more in the process. Protected area expansion should focus on the contributions of PAs to outcomes not only within PA systems themselves, but across entire regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jose Negret
- Centre for Development and Environment, Institute of Geography, Wyss Academy for Nature, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ruben Venegas
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laura J Sonter
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Werner TT, Toumbourou T, Maus V, Lukas MC, Sonter LJ, Muhdar M, Runting RK, Bebbington A. Patterns of infringement, risk, and impact driven by coal mining permits in Indonesia. Ambio 2024; 53:242-256. [PMID: 37889462 PMCID: PMC10774476 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01944-y] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Coal mining is known for its contributions to climate change, but its impacts on the environment and human lives near mine sites are less widely recognised. This study integrates remote sensing, GIS, stakeholder interviews and extensive review of provincial data and documents to identify patterns of infringement, risk and impact driven by coal mining expansion across East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Specifically, we map and analyse patterns of mining concessions, land clearing, water cover, human settlement, and safety risks, and link them with mining governance and regulatory infractions related to coal mining permits. We show that excessive, improper permit granting and insufficient monitoring and oversight have led to deforestation, widespread overlaps of concessions with settlements, extensive boundary and regulatory violations, lacking reclamation, and numerous deaths. As the world's largest thermal coal exporter, Indonesia's elevated coal infringements, risks, and impacts translate to supply chain, sustainability, and human rights concerns for global coal markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim T Werner
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, 221 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tessa Toumbourou
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, 221 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Victor Maus
- Institute for Ecological Economics, Vienna University of economics and Business (WU), Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020, Vienna, Austria
- Advancing Systems Analysis Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Martin C Lukas
- Department of Geography, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Laura J Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Muhamad Muhdar
- Faculty of Law, Universitas Mulawarman, Jalan Sambaliung no. 1, Samarinda, 75119, Indonesia
| | - Rebecca K Runting
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, 221 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony Bebbington
- Graduate School of Geography, Clark University, 950 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01610, USA
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3
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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
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4
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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.
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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
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Simmonds JS, Suarez-Castro AF, Reside AE, Watson JEM, Allan JR, Atkinson SC, Borrelli P, Dudley N, Edwards S, Fuller RA, Game ET, Linke S, Maxwell SL, Panagos P, Puydarrieux P, Quétier F, Runting RK, Santini T, Sonter LJ, Maron M. Retaining natural vegetation to safeguard biodiversity and humanity. Conserv Biol 2023; 37:e14040. [PMID: 36424859 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14040] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Global efforts to deliver internationally agreed goals to reduce carbon emissions, halt biodiversity loss, and retain essential ecosystem services have been poorly integrated. These goals rely in part on preserving natural (e.g., native, largely unmodified) and seminatural (e.g., low intensity or sustainable human use) forests, woodlands, and grasslands. To show how to unify these goals, we empirically derived spatially explicit, quantitative, area-based targets for the retention of natural and seminatural (e.g., native) terrestrial vegetation worldwide. We used a 250-m-resolution map of natural and seminatural vegetation cover and, from this, selected areas identified under different international agreements as being important for achieving global biodiversity, carbon, soil, and water targets. At least 67 million km2 of Earth's terrestrial vegetation (∼79% of the area of vegetation remaining) required retention to contribute to biodiversity, climate, soil, and freshwater conservation objectives under 4 United Nations' resolutions. This equates to retaining natural and seminatural vegetation across at least 50% of the total terrestrial (excluding Antarctica) surface of Earth. Retention efforts could contribute to multiple goals simultaneously, especially where natural and seminatural vegetation can be managed to achieve cobenefits for biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem service provision. Such management can and should co-occur and be driven by people who live in and rely on places where natural and sustainably managed vegetation remains in situ and must be complemented by restoration and appropriate management of more human-modified environments if global goals are to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andres Felipe Suarez-Castro
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - April E Reside
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - James E M Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - James R Allan
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pasquale Borrelli
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Stephen Edwards
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Gland, Switzerland
| | - Richard A Fuller
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Edward T Game
- The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon Linke
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- CSIRO Land & Water, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sean L Maxwell
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Panos Panagos
- Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | - Rebecca K Runting
- School of Geography, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Talitha Santini
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Laura J Sonter
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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6
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Narain D, Sonter LJ, Lechner AM, Watson JEM, Simmonds JS, Maron M. Global Assessment of the Biodiversity Safeguards of Development Banks that Finance Infrastructure. Conserv Biol 2023:e14095. [PMID: 37042094 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14095] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Infrastructure development is a major driver of biodiversity loss globally. With upwards of US$2.5 trillion in annual investments in infrastructure, the financial sector indirectly drives this biodiversity loss. At the same time, biodiversity safeguards (project-level biodiversity impact mitigation requirements) of infrastructure financiers can help limit this damage. The coverage and harmonization of biodiversity safeguards are important factors in their effectiveness and therefore warrant scrutiny. It is equally important to examine the extent to which these safeguards align with best-practice principles for biodiversity impact mitigation outlined in international policies, such as that of the IUCN. We assessed the biodiversity safeguards of public development banks and development finance institutions for coverage, harmonization, and alignment with best practice. We used Institute of New Structural Economics and Agence Française de Développement's global database to identify development banks that invest in high-biodiversity-footprint infrastructure and have over US$500 million in assets. Of 155 banks 42% (n = 65) had biodiversity safeguards. Of the existing safeguards, 86% (56 of 65) were harmonized with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 6 (PS6). The IFC PS6 (and by extension the 56 safeguard policies harmonized with it) had high alignment with international best practice in biodiversity impact mitigation, whereas the remaining 8 exhibited partial alignment, incorporating few principles that clarify the conditions for effective biodiversity offsetting. Given their dual role in setting benchmarks and leveraging private finance, infrastructure financiers in development finance need to adopt best-practice biodiversity safeguards if the tide of global biodiversity loss is to be stemmed. The IFC PS6, if strengthened, can act as a useful template for other financier safeguards. The high degree of harmonization among safeguards is promising, pointing to a potential for diffusion of practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Narain
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Laura J Sonter
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Alex Mark Lechner
- Urban Transformations Hub, Monash University, Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) City, Jakarta
| | - James E M Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Jeremy S Simmonds
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Sonter LJ, Lloyd TJ, Kearney SG, Di Marco M, O'Bryan CJ, Valenta RK, Watson JEM. Conservation implications and opportunities of mining activities for terrestrial mammal habitat. Conservat Sci and Prac 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12806] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
| | - Thomas J. Lloyd
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
| | - Stephen G. Kearney
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
| | - Moreno Di Marco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Sapienza Università di Roma Rome Italy
| | - Christopher J. O'Bryan
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
| | - Richard K. Valenta
- Sustainable Minerals Institute The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
| | - James E. M. Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
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Villarreal-Rosas J, Wells JA, Sonter LJ, Possingham HP, Rhodes JR. The impacts of land use change on flood protection services among multiple beneficiaries. Sci Total Environ 2022; 806:150577. [PMID: 34582860 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Land use change drives significant declines in ecosystem services globally. However, we currently lack an understanding of how and where different beneficiaries of ecosystem services experience the impacts of land use change. This information is needed to identify possible inequalities in the delivery among beneficiaries, and to design policy interventions to address them. Here, we used a spatially explicit and disaggregated approach to ask how land use change affects the distribution of flood protection among three beneficiary sectors (urban residents, rural communities, and the food sector). Our study focused on the Brigalow Belt Bioregion of Australia - an area affected by widespread deforestation - and assessed the effect of land use change on flood protection between 2002 and 2015. We estimated flood protection per beneficiary sector as the total upstream runoff retention (supply) linked to areas where flood protection is required for sector-specific infrastructure (demand). We calculated changes in flood protection between 2002 and 2015 at the local government area scale and for each beneficiary sector. Using counterfactual scenarios, we identified whether changes in flood protection were driven by forest loss or changes in the extent of infrastructure at risk of flooding. We found net declines in flood protection for all sectors. Urban residents experienced the greatest decline (28%), followed by rural communities (15%), and the food sector (14%). Overall declines in flood protection across the whole region were driven primarily by forest loss. However, for some local government areas and beneficiaries, changes in flood protection were also driven by increases in forest cover or spatial changes in demand. Recognition that beneficiary sectors can be impacted via different drivers of change is fundamental to revealing highly impacted sectors. In turn, this information can be used to develop management strategies to address inequalities in the distribution of ecosystem services among beneficiaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaramar Villarreal-Rosas
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Jessie A Wells
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Laura J Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Jonathan R Rhodes
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Simmonds JS, Hase A, Quétier F, Brownlie S, Maron M, Possingham HP, Souquet M, zu Ermgassen SOSE, ten Kate K, Costa HM, Sonter LJ. Aligning ecological compensation policies with the Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to achieve real net gain in biodiversity. Conservat Sci and Prac 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S. Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Amrei Hase
- Independent Consultant Cape Town South Africa
| | | | | | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- The Nature Conservancy Brisbane Australia
| | | | - Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | | | - Hugo M. Costa
- Wildlife Conservation Society Mozambique Program Maputo Mozambique
| | - Laura J. Sonter
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
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10
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Negret PJ, Marco MD, Sonter LJ, Rhodes J, Possingham HP, Maron M. Effects of spatial autocorrelation and sampling design on estimates of protected area effectiveness. Conserv Biol 2020; 34:1452-1462. [PMID: 32343014 PMCID: PMC7885028 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Estimating the effectiveness of protected areas (PAs) in reducing deforestation is useful to support decisions on whether to invest in better management of areas already protected or to create new ones. Statistical matching is commonly used to assess this effectiveness, but spatial autocorrelation and regional differences in protection effectiveness are frequently overlooked. Using Colombia as a case study, we employed statistical matching to account for confounding factors in park location and accounted for for spatial autocorrelation to determine statistical significance. We compared the performance of different matching procedures-ways of generating matching pairs at different scales-in estimating PA effectiveness. Differences in matching procedures affected covariate similarity between matched pairs (balance) and estimates of PA effectiveness in reducing deforestation. Independent matching yielded the greatest balance. On average 95% of variables in each region were balanced with independent matching, whereas 33% of variables were balanced when using the method that performed worst. The best estimates suggested that average deforestation inside protected areas in Colombia was 40% lower than in matched sites. Protection significantly reduced deforestation, but PA effectiveness differed among regions. Protected areas in Caribe were the most effective, whereas those in Orinoco and Pacific were least effective. Our results demonstrate that accounting for spatial autocorrelation and using independent matching for each subset of data is needed to infer the effectiveness of protection in reducing deforestation. Not accounting for spatial autocorrelation can distort the assessment of protection effectiveness, increasing type I and II errors and inflating effect size. Our method allowed improved estimates of protection effectiveness across scales and under different conditions and can be applied to other regions to effectively assess PA performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jose Negret
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
| | - Moreno Di Marco
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
- Department of Biology and BiotechnologiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Laura J. Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
| | - Jonathan Rhodes
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
- The Nature ConservancySouth BrisbaneQueensland4101Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQld 4072Australia
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11
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Villarreal-Rosas J, Sonter LJ, Runting RK, López-Cubillos S, Dade MC, Possingham HP, Rhodes JR. Advancing Systematic Conservation Planning for Ecosystem Services. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:1129-1139. [PMID: 32977982 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Conservation and sustainable management activities are critical for enhancing ecosystem services. Systematic conservation planning (SCP) is a spatial decision support process used to identify the most cost-effective places for intervention and is increasingly incorporating ecosystem services thinking. Yet, there is no clear guidance on how to incorporate ecosystem service components (i.e., supply, demand, and flow) for multiple beneficiaries into the decision problem underpinning SCP. As such, conservation plans may fall short of maximizing benefits for both people and nature. We propose a benefit-based approach to integrate ecosystem service components into SCP that uses the principles of decision theory. Our approach will improve the likelihood that ecosystem service benefits are enhanced in spatial planning applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaramar Villarreal-Rosas
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia.
| | - Laura J Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Runting
- School of Geography, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sofía López-Cubillos
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Marie C Dade
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B9, Canada
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606, USA
| | - Jonathan R Rhodes
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
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12
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Siqueira-Gay J, Soares-Filho B, Sanchez LE, Oviedo A, Sonter LJ. Proposed Legislation to Mine Brazil's Indigenous Lands Will Threaten Amazon Forests and Their Valuable Ecosystem Services. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 3:356-362. [PMID: 34173538 PMCID: PMC7500344 DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A recent proposal to regulate mining within Indigenous Lands (ILs) threatens people and the unique ecosystems of Brazil's Legal Amazon. Here, we show that this new policy could eventually affect more than 863,000 km2 of tropical forests—20% more than under current policies—assuming all known mineral deposits will be developed and impacts of mining on forests extend 70 km from lease boundaries. Not only are these forests home to some of the world's most culturally diverse communities, they also provide at least US $5 billion each year to the global economy, producing food, mitigating carbon emissions, and regulating climate for agriculture and energy production. It is unclear whether new mines within ILs will be required to compensate for their direct and indirect environmental and social impacts but failing to do so will have considerable environmental and social consequences. Mining within Indigenous Lands may impact 20% more forests than the current scenario Proposed bill could affect forests providing at least $5 billion in ecosystem services annually Impact assessments must comply with best practices to safeguard ecosystems and people
In February 2020, Brazilian President Bolsonaro signed a bill (PL 191/2020) that would permit mining inside Indigenous Lands, a unique category of protected area covering 23% of the Legal Amazon. In this study, we assess the potential impacts of this proposed legislation. We find that this proposal threatens 863,000 km2 of Amazon forests. These forests are home to 222 culturally unique indigenous groups and provide more than US $5 billion annually to society. The social and environmental impacts caused by new mines will unlikely be mitigated given the lack of environmental requirements and safeguards to indigenous rights in the current proposal. This policy could have long-lasting negative effects for Brazil's socio-biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Britaldo Soares-Filho
- Centro de Sensoriamento Remoto, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luis E Sanchez
- Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Oviedo
- Instituto Socioambiental, 01238-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laura J Sonter
- School of Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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13
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Ward M, Tulloch AIT, Radford JQ, Williams BA, Reside AE, Macdonald SL, Mayfield HJ, Maron M, Possingham HP, Vine SJ, O’Connor JL, Massingham EJ, Greenville AC, Woinarski JCZ, Garnett ST, Lintermans M, Scheele BC, Carwardine J, Nimmo DG, Lindenmayer DB, Kooyman RM, Simmonds JS, Sonter LJ, Watson JEM. Impact of 2019–2020 mega-fires on Australian fauna habitat. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1321-1326. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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14
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Rehbein JA, Watson JEM, Lane JL, Sonter LJ, Venter O, Atkinson SC, Allan JR. Renewable energy development threatens many globally important biodiversity areas. Glob Chang Biol 2020; 26:3040-3051. [PMID: 32133726 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [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: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is fundamental for halting anthropogenic climate change. However, renewable energy facilities can be land-use intensive and impact conservation areas, and little attention has been given to whether the aggregated effect of energy transitions poses a substantial threat to global biodiversity. Here, we assess the extent of current and likely future renewable energy infrastructure associated with onshore wind, hydropower and solar photovoltaic generation, within three important conservation areas: protected areas (PAs), Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and Earth's remaining wilderness. We identified 2,206 fully operational renewable energy facilities within the boundaries of these conservation areas, with another 922 facilities under development. Combined, these facilities span and are degrading 886 PAs, 749 KBAs and 40 distinct wilderness areas. Two trends are particularly concerning. First, while the majority of historical overlap occurs in Western Europe, the renewable electricity facilities under development increasingly overlap with conservation areas in Southeast Asia, a globally important region for biodiversity. Second, this next wave of renewable energy infrastructure represents a ~30% increase in the number of PAs and KBAs impacted and could increase the number of compromised wilderness areas by ~60%. If the world continues to rapidly transition towards renewable energy these areas will face increasing pressure to allow infrastructure expansion. Coordinated planning of renewable energy expansion and biodiversity conservation is essential to avoid conflicts that compromise their respective objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Rehbein
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
- Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, Australia
| | - James E M Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joe L Lane
- Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, Australia
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Laura J Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
| | - Oscar Venter
- Natural Resource and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | | | - James R Allan
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Sonter LJ, Simmonds JS, Watson JEM, Jones JPG, Kiesecker JM, Costa HM, Bennun L, Edwards S, Grantham HS, Griffiths VF, Jones K, Sochi K, Puydarrieux P, Quétier F, Rainer H, Rainey H, Roe D, Satar M, Soares-Filho BS, Starkey M, Ten Kate K, Victurine R, von Hase A, Wells JA, Maron M. Local conditions and policy design determine whether ecological compensation can achieve No Net Loss goals. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2072. [PMID: 32350288 PMCID: PMC7190705 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15861-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Many nations use ecological compensation policies to address negative impacts of development projects and achieve No Net Loss (NNL) of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, failures are widely reported. We use spatial simulation models to quantify potential net impacts of alternative compensation policies on biodiversity (indicated by native vegetation) and two ecosystem services (carbon storage, sediment retention) across four case studies (in Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Mozambique). No policy achieves NNL of biodiversity in any case study. Two factors limit their potential success: the land available for compensation (existing vegetation to protect or cleared land to restore), and expected counterfactual biodiversity losses (unregulated vegetation clearing). Compensation also fails to slow regional biodiversity declines because policies regulate only a subset of sectors, and expanding policy scope requires more land than is available for compensation activities. Avoidance of impacts remains essential in achieving NNL goals, particularly once opportunities for compensation are exhausted. Countries are adopting ecological compensation policies aimed at achieving no net loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Here, Sonter and colleagues apply spatial simulation models to case studies in Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Mozambique to show that compensation alone is not sufficient to preserve biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Sonter
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Jeremy S Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - James E M Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, 10460, USA
| | - Julia P G Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Engineering and Environmental Science, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | | | - Hugo M Costa
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, 10460, USA
| | - Leon Bennun
- The Biodiversity Consultancy, 3E King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ, UK and Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Stephen Edwards
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 1196, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Hedley S Grantham
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, 10460, USA
| | - Victoria F Griffiths
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Zoology Research and Administration Building, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Kendall Jones
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, 10460, USA
| | - Kei Sochi
- Global Lands, The Nature Conservancy, Fort Collins, CO, 80524, USA
| | | | - Fabien Quétier
- Biotope, 22 Boulevard Maréchal Foch, F-34140, BP 58, Mèze, France
| | - Helga Rainer
- Arcus Foundation, CB1 Business Centre, Leda House, Twenty Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2JD, UK
| | - Hugo Rainey
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, 10460, USA
| | - Dilys Roe
- International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), London, WC1X 8NH, UK
| | | | - Britaldo S Soares-Filho
- Centro de Sensoriamento Remoto, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte - MG, CEP 31270-900, Brazil
| | - Malcolm Starkey
- The Biodiversity Consultancy, 3E King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ, UK and Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | | | - Ray Victurine
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, 10460, USA
| | | | - Jessie A Wells
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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16
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Sonter LJ, Gordon A, Archibald C, Simmonds JS, Ward M, Metzger JP, Rhodes JR, Maron M. Offsetting impacts of development on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Ambio 2020; 49:892-902. [PMID: 31506844 PMCID: PMC7028886 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01245-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Offsetting-trading losses in one place for commensurate gains in another-is a tool used to mitigate environmental impacts of development. Biodiversity and carbon are the most widely used targets of offsets; however, other ecosystem services are increasingly traded, introducing new risks to the environment and people. Here, we provide guidance on how to "trade with minimal trade-offs"- i.e. how to offset impacts on biodiversity without negatively affecting ecosystem services and vice versa. We briefly survey the literature on offsetting biodiversity, carbon and other ecosystem services, revealing that each subfield addresses unique issues (often overlooking those raised by others) and rarely assesses potential trade-offs. We discuss key differences between offsets that trade biodiversity and those that trade ecosystem services, conceptualise links between these different targets in an offsetting context and describe three broad approaches to manage potential trade-offs. We conclude by proposing a research agenda to strengthen the outcomes of offsetting policies that are emerging internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Sonter
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Ascelin Gordon
- School of Global Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
| | - Carla Archibald
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Jeremy S. Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Michelle Ward
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Jean Paul Metzger
- Laboratório de Ecologia da Paisagem e Conservação, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Jonathan R. Rhodes
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
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17
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Simmonds JS, Sonter LJ, Watson JE, Bennun L, Costa HM, Dutson G, Edwards S, Grantham H, Griffiths VF, Jones JP, Kiesecker J, Possingham HP, Puydarrieux P, Quétier F, Rainer H, Rainey H, Roe D, Savy CE, Souquet M, ten Kate K, Victurine R, Hase A, Maron M. Moving from biodiversity offsets to a target‐based approach for ecological compensation. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S. Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
| | - Laura J. Sonter
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
| | - James E.M. Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Conservation Program New York New York
| | - Leon Bennun
- The Biodiversity Consultancy Cambridge United Kingdom
- Conservation Science Group, Department of ZoologyUniversity of Cambridge Cambridge United Kingdom
| | - Hugo M. Costa
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Conservation Program New York New York
| | - Guy Dutson
- The Biodiversity Consultancy Cambridge United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Edwards
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Gland Switzerland
| | - Hedley Grantham
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Conservation Program New York New York
| | | | - Julia P.G. Jones
- College of Environmental Sciences and EngineeringBangor University Bangor United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Kiesecker
- Global Conservation Lands ProgramThe Nature Conservancy Boulder Colorado
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- The Nature Conservancy Arlington Virginia
| | | | | | | | - Hugo Rainey
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Conservation Program New York New York
| | - Dilys Roe
- International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) London United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Kerry ten Kate
- Forest Trends Washington, DC
- Forest Trends Hampshire United Kingdom
| | - Ray Victurine
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Conservation Program New York New York
| | - Amrei Hase
- Forest Trends Washington, DC
- Forest Trends Cape Town South Africa
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
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18
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Watson KB, Galford GL, Sonter LJ, Koh I, Ricketts TH. Effects of human demand on conservation planning for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Conserv Biol 2019; 33:942-952. [PMID: 30614054 PMCID: PMC6850574 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Safeguarding ecosystem services and biodiversity is critical to achieving sustainable development. To date, ecosystem services quantification has focused on the biophysical supply of services with less emphasis on human beneficiaries (i.e., demand). Only when both occur do ecosystems benefit people, but demand may shift ecosystem service priorities toward human-dominated landscapes that support less biodiversity. We quantified how accounting for demand affects the efficiency of conservation in capturing both human benefits and biodiversity by comparing conservation priorities identified with and without accounting for demand. We mapped supply and benefit for 3 ecosystem services (flood mitigation, crop pollination, and nature-based recreation) by adapting existing ecosystem service models to include and exclude factors representing human demand. We then identified conservation priorities for each with the conservation planning program Marxan. Particularly for flood mitigation and crop pollination, supply served as a poor proxy for benefit because demand changed the spatial distribution of ecosystem service provision. Including demand when jointly targeting biodiversity and ecosystem service increased the efficiency of conservation efforts targeting ecosystem services without reducing biodiversity outcomes. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating demand when quantifying ecosystem services for conservation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri B. Watson
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of Vermont81 Carrigan DriveBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of Vermont617 Main StreetBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
- Department of Earth and Environmental SystemsThe University of the South, 735 University Avenue, SewaneeTN 37375U.S.A.
| | - Gillian L. Galford
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of Vermont81 Carrigan DriveBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of Vermont617 Main StreetBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
| | - Laura J. Sonter
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of Vermont81 Carrigan DriveBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of Vermont617 Main StreetBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
- School of Earth and Environment SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLD 4072Australia
- Center for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLD 4072Australia
| | - Insu Koh
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of Vermont81 Carrigan DriveBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of Vermont617 Main StreetBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
| | - Taylor H. Ricketts
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of Vermont81 Carrigan DriveBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of Vermont617 Main StreetBurlingtonVT 05405U.S.A.
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19
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Thom D, Golivets M, Edling L, Meigs GW, Gourevitch JD, Sonter LJ, Galford GL, Keeton WS. The climate sensitivity of carbon, timber, and species richness covaries with forest age in boreal-temperate North America. Glob Chang Biol 2019; 25:2446-2458. [PMID: 30985960 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Climate change threatens the provisioning of forest ecosystem services and biodiversity (ESB). The climate sensitivity of ESB may vary with forest development from young to old-growth conditions as structure and composition shift over time and space. This study addresses knowledge gaps hindering implementation of adaptive forest management strategies to sustain ESB. We focused on a number of ESB indicators to (a) analyze associations among carbon storage, timber growth rate, and species richness along a forest development gradient; (b) test the sensitivity of these associations to climatic changes; and (c) identify hotspots of climate sensitivity across the boreal-temperate forests of eastern North America. From pre-existing databases and literature, we compiled a unique dataset of 18,507 forest plots. We used a full Bayesian framework to quantify responses of nine ESB indicators. The Bayesian models were used to assess the sensitivity of these indicators and their associations to projected increases in temperature and precipitation. We found the strongest association among the investigated ESB indicators in old forests (>170 years). These forests simultaneously support high levels of carbon storage, timber growth, and species richness. Older forests also exhibit low climate sensitivity of associations among ESB indicators as compared to younger forests. While regions with a currently low combined ESB performance benefitted from climate change, regions with a high ESB performance were particularly vulnerable to climate change. In particular, climate sensitivity was highest east and southeast of the Great Lakes, signaling potential priority areas for adaptive management. Our findings suggest that strategies aimed at enhancing the representation of older forest conditions at landscape scales will help sustain ESB in a changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Thom
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Marina Golivets
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Laura Edling
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Garrett W Meigs
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Jesse D Gourevitch
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Laura J Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Gillian L Galford
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - William S Keeton
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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20
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Sonter LJ, Barnes M, Matthews JW, Maron M. Quantifying habitat losses and gains made by U.S. Species Conservation Banks to improve compensation policies and avoid perverse outcomes. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Sonter
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Gund Institute for Environment University of Vermont Burlington Vermont
| | - Megan Barnes
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawaii Manoa Honolulu Hawaii
| | - Jeffrey W. Matthews
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Chicago Illinois
| | - Martine Maron
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Australia
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21
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Sonter LJ, Ali SH, Watson JEM. Mining and biodiversity: key issues and research needs in conservation science. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1926. [PMID: 30518573 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mining poses serious and highly specific threats to biodiversity. However, mining can also be a means for financing alternative livelihood paths that, over the long-term, may prevent biodiversity loss. Complex and controversial issues associated with mining and biodiversity conservation are often simplified within a narrow frame oriented towards the negative impacts of mining at the site of extraction, rather than posed as a series of challenges for the conservation science community to embrace. Here, we synthesize core issues that, if better understood, may ensure coexistence between mining and conservation agendas. We illustrate how mining impacts biodiversity through diverse pathways and across spatial scales. We argue that traditional, site-based conservation approaches will have limited effect in preventing biodiversity loss against an increasing mining footprint, but opportunities to improve outcomes (e.g. through long-term strategic assessment and planning) do exist. While future mineral supply is uncertain, projections suggest demand will grow for many metals and shift mining operations towards more dispersed and biodiverse areas. Initiating dialogue between mining companies, policy-makers and conservation organizations is urgent, given the suite of international agendas simultaneously requiring more minerals but less biodiversity loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Sonter
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia .,School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, VT 05405, USA
| | - Saleem H Ali
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, VT 05405, USA.,Department of Geography and Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware, DE 19716, USA
| | - James E M Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, NY 10460, USA
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Sonter LJ, Watson KB, Wood SA, Ricketts TH. Spatial and Temporal Dynamics and Value of Nature-Based Recreation, Estimated via Social Media. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162372. [PMID: 27611325 PMCID: PMC5017630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Conserved lands provide multiple ecosystem services, including opportunities for nature-based recreation. Managing this service requires understanding the landscape attributes underpinning its provision, and how changes in land management affect its contribution to human wellbeing over time. However, evidence from both spatially explicit and temporally dynamic analyses is scarce, often due to data limitations. In this study, we investigated nature-based recreation within conserved lands in Vermont, USA. We used geotagged photographs uploaded to the photo-sharing website Flickr to quantify visits by in-state and out-of-state visitors, and we multiplied visits by mean trip expenditures to show that conserved lands contributed US $1.8 billion (US $0.18–20.2 at 95% confidence) to Vermont’s tourism industry between 2007 and 2014. We found eight landscape attributes explained the pattern of visits to conserved lands; visits were higher in larger conserved lands, with less forest cover, greater trail density and more opportunities for snow sports. Some of these attributes differed from those found in other locations, but all aligned with our understanding of recreation in Vermont. We also found that using temporally static models to inform conservation decisions may have perverse outcomes for nature-based recreation. For example, static models suggest conserved land with less forest cover receive more visits, but temporally dynamic models suggest clearing forests decreases, rather than increases, visits to these sites. Our results illustrate the importance of understanding both the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecosystem services for conservation decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Sonter
- The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States of America
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Keri B. Watson
- The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States of America
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States of America
| | - Spencer A. Wood
- The Natural Capital Project, Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Taylor H. Ricketts
- The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States of America
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States of America
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23
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Sonter LJ, Barrett DJ, Soares-Filho BS. Offsetting the impacts of mining to achieve no net loss of native vegetation. Conserv Biol 2014; 28:1068-1076. [PMID: 24673499 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Offsets are a novel conservation tool, yet using them to achieve no net loss of biodiversity is challenging. This is especially true when using conservation offsets (i.e., protected areas) because achieving no net loss requires avoiding equivalent loss. Our objective was to determine if offsetting the impacts of mining achieves no net loss of native vegetation in Brazil's largest iron mining region. We used a land-use change model to simulate deforestation by mining to 2020; developed a model to allocate conservation offsets to the landscape under 3 scenarios (baseline, no new offsets; current practice, like-for-like [by vegetation type] conservation offsetting near the impact site; and threat scenario, like-for-like conservation offsetting of highly threatened vegetation); and simulated nonmining deforestation to 2020 for each scenario to quantify avoided deforestation achieved with offsets. Mines cleared 3570 ha of native vegetation by 2020. Under a 1:4 offset ratio, mining companies would be required to conserve >14,200 ha of native vegetation, doubling the current extent of protected areas in the region. Allocating offsets under current practice avoided deforestation equivalent to 3% of that caused by mining, whereas allocating under the threat scenario avoided 9%. Current practice failed to achieve no net loss because offsets did not conserve threatened vegetation. Explicit allocation of offsets to threatened vegetation also failed because the most threatened vegetation was widely dispersed across the landscape, making conservation logistically difficult. To achieve no net loss with conservation offsets requires information on regional deforestation trajectories and the distribution of threatened vegetation. However, in some regions achieving no net loss through conservation may be impossible. In these cases, other offsetting activities, such as revegetation, will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Sonter
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, Sustainable Minerals Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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