Conserving biodiversity takes a plan: How planners implement ecological information for biodiversity conservation

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Urban Planning
• Sustainability Science

Background:

• Biodiversity conservation is vital for sustainable human settlements.
• Collaboration between ecologists and planners is essential for integrating ecological knowledge into planning.
• Understanding planners' priorities and use of ecological information is crucial for effective conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how planners in the southeastern US prioritize biodiversity conservation.
• To examine planners' engagement with ecological information and its contextual influences.
• To identify barriers and opportunities for integrating ecological science into planning practice.

Main Methods:

• Survey and interviews with planners in the southeastern United States.
• Analysis of factors influencing prioritization of biodiversity conservation and ecological information.
• Exploration of the role of social networks and context in planning decisions.

Main Results:

• Jurisdictional population density positively correlated with prioritizing tree cover and diversity.
• Planners highly value biodiversity conservation and ecological information but rely on colleagues for guidance.
• Planners' conservation priorities often diverge from ecological research foci.

Conclusions:

• Context significantly influences planners' biodiversity conservation priorities.
• Enhanced communication between ecologists and planners is needed.
• Transdisciplinary research incorporating elected officials can improve integration of ecological science and planning.