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Published on: December 9, 2012
Core concepts of spatial prioritisation in systematic conservation planning
Aija S Kukkala1, Atte Moilanen
1Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
Systematic conservation planning (SCP) clarifies 12 core concepts for effective biodiversity conservation. This review ensures clear communication among global stakeholders for efficient conservation action and protected area design.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Biology
- Spatial Planning
- Biodiversity Management
Background:
- Systematic conservation planning (SCP) is crucial for implementing conservation actions and achieving biodiversity goals.
- SCP involves operational models for conservation design and implementation, emphasizing collective action.
- The field has evolved from six initial stages to include various operational models and conservation actions like reserve expansion and habitat restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and clarify the usage and meaning of 12 core biogeographic-economic concepts in Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP).
- To elucidate the historical background, definitions, applications, and prior reviews of these key SCP concepts.
- To reduce linguistic uncertainty and promote a shared understanding among diverse global stakeholders involved in conservation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) literature.
- Analysis of the historical development, definitions, and applications of 12 core SCP concepts.
- Identification of linguistic ambiguities and alternative definitions for key terms.
Main Results:
- Identified 12 core biogeographic-economic concepts within SCP: adequacy, complementarity, comprehensiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, flexibility, irreplaceability, replacement cost, representation, representativeness, threat, and vulnerability.
- Found that some concepts have clear definitions, while others have multiple or conflicting interpretations.
- Elucidated the historical context and evolution of these concepts within the field of conservation planning.
Conclusions:
- Clarifying these 12 core concepts is vital for reducing linguistic uncertainty in Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP).
- A shared understanding of these terms is essential for effective global conservation efforts and stakeholder communication.
- This review serves as a foundational resource for understanding spatial prioritization within SCP.
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