Embedding biodiversity research into climate adaptation policy and practice.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Effective climate change adaptation requires collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Biodiversity management faces challenges in a changing climate, necessitating improved research application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a model for increasing the useability of biodiversity research in climate adaptation policy and practice.
• To enhance the capacity of a state government agency and natural resource practitioners in Australia to manage biodiversity under climate change.

Main Methods:

• A five-stage process was developed: research initiation, co-design, implementation with decision tools, collaborative dissemination, and impact evaluation.
• Stakeholder engagement was central, involving co-design and collaborative dissemination through working groups.
• The model focused on translating scientific knowledge into actionable conservation strategies.

Main Results:

• The study reports on the development and implementation of the five-stage model.
• Lessons learned from challenges operating with diverse stakeholder objectives are shared.
• A template for creating impactful environmental research programs is provided.

Conclusions:

• The implemented model demonstrated potential for enhancing the impact of biodiversity research in climate adaptation.
• Collaboration and co-design are crucial for bridging the gap between research and practice.
• The findings offer a framework for developing future environmental research programs with real-world impact.