Managing Ecosystem Transitions Using a RAD Framework Incorporating Ecological, Social, and Economic Contexts.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Management
• Conservation Science

Background:

• The resist-accept-direct (RAD) framework offers a structured approach to ecosystem management.
• Current application of the RAD framework is limited and inconsistently applied across ecological, social, and economic dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the implementation of the RAD framework in published case studies.
• To identify common stressors, approaches, and dimensions addressed by RAD.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using a PI(E)CO-based search strategy.
• Inclusion criteria were applied to 473 identified documents, with 19 case studies meeting the requirements.

Main Results:

• The review identified 19 case studies, indicating the nascent stage of RAD framework application.
• Most case studies prioritized ecological 'resist' strategies, with limited integration of social and economic factors.
• Climate change and biodiversity loss were the primary stressors examined.

Conclusions:

• The RAD framework's application is in its early stages, with a predominant focus on ecological resistance.
• A need exists for more comprehensive integration of social and economic dimensions in RAD strategies.
• A RAD strategy advice checklist was developed to aid practitioners in assessing trade-offs and constraints.