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Ecological vulnerability in risk assessment--a review and perspectives
H J De Lange1, S Sala, M Vighi
1Centre for Ecosystem Studies, Alterra, Wageningen UR, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands. marieke.delange@wur.nl
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Ecological vulnerability analysis offers a more appropriate method than standard risk assessment for evaluating specific ecosystems. This approach links laboratory findings to real-world ecological impacts, enhancing environmental risk management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Standard risk assessment often uses generic exposure and effect indicators.
- Ecological vulnerability analysis provides a more tailored approach for specific ecosystems.
- This method bridges laboratory toxicology with field-level ecological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of ecological vulnerability analysis in risk assessment.
- To describe new methodological developments in ecological vulnerability.
- To present a new framework for guiding future ecological vulnerability analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing ecological vulnerability analysis methods.
- Description of methods for populations, communities, and ecosystems.
- Inclusion of socio-ecological system examples.
Main Results:
- Ecological vulnerability analysis requires biological and ecological characteristics of ecosystems.
- Common aspects include expert judgment, stakeholder input, ranking, mapping, and qualitative results.
- A new general framework for ecological vulnerability analysis is presented.
Conclusions:
- Ecological vulnerability analysis is more appropriate for site-specific risk assessment.
- The presented framework can aid both ecological risk assessment and management.
- Further quantification of ecological vulnerability is recommended for improved assessment.
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