scholarly journals Biodiversity policies, opportunities for restoring the economy

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-169
Author(s):  
Nicoleta-Nona Ardeleanu ◽  
Iuliana-Gabriela Breaban
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Regional Development ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Institutional Integration ◽  
Correct Analysis ◽  
Funding Programs

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the strategic and legal framework of the various areas directly dependent on the protection of biodiversity and the ecosystem approach in the funding programmes related to them. Data were collected by consulting a variety of sources, including articles, project results, European and national legislation, strategies and funding programs in the fields of Water, Forestry, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agriculture and Rural Development, Energy and Regional Development. The results showed that, in the areas analyzed, there are no efficient tools for the integration of ecosystem services and natural capital. The level of integration of the ecosystem approach in the analyzed areas compared to the state of ecosystems in Romania indicates that there are not enough measures to protect natural capital through sustainable management. Both inter-institutional integration and coordination are needed to streamline the management of natural capital and the correct analysis and implementation of a payment system for ecosystem services.

Gut versichert mit Biodiversität (Essay) | Biodiversity – the insurance policy (essay)

2010 ◽  
Vol 161 (8) ◽  
pp. 299-305
Author(s):  
Sandra Limacher
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Insurance Policy ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Life On Earth

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth that underpins ecosystem services. The creation of that diversity came slow and hard: 3 billion years of evolution. Many species may have ecological functions man has not yet discovered. Does this fact entitle the society to discard seemingly useless parts? With a view to the oncoming changes such as climate change, the article admonishes the readers that the question should no longer be “how much biodiversity the society can afford”, but rather “whether the society can afford, not to conserve and enhance biodiversity as natural capital”.

scholarly journals Assessing climate change risks to the natural environment to facilitate cross-sectoral adaptation policy

2018 ◽  
Vol 376 (2121) ◽  
pp. 20170297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain Brown
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Dynamic Change ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Natural Ecosystem ◽  
Adaptation Policy

Climate change policy requires prioritization of adaptation actions across many diverse issues. The policy agenda for the natural environment includes not only biodiversity, soils and water, but also associated human benefits through agriculture, forestry, water resources, hazard alleviation, climate regulation and amenity value. To address this broad agenda, the use of comparative risk assessment is investigated with reference to statutory requirements of the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. Risk prioritization was defined by current adaptation progress relative to risk magnitude and implementation lead times. Use of an ecosystem approach provided insights into risk interactions, but challenges remain in quantifying ecosystem services. For all risks, indirect effects and potential systemic risks were identified from land-use change, responding to both climate and socio-economic drivers, and causing increased competition for land and water resources. Adaptation strategies enhancing natural ecosystem resilience can buffer risks and sustain ecosystem services but require improved cross-sectoral coordination and recognition of dynamic change. To facilitate this, risk assessments need to be reflexive and explicitly assess decision outcomes contingent on their riskiness and adaptability, including required levels of human intervention, influence of uncertainty and ethical dimensions. More national-scale information is also required on adaptation occurring in practice and its efficacy in moderating risks.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Advances in risk assessment for climate change adaptation policy’.

scholarly journals Simulating the Impact of Future Climate Change and Ecological Restoration on Trade-Offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in Two Ecological Shelters and Three Belts in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang-Jie Wang ◽  
Shuai Ma ◽  
Yong-Peng Qiao ◽  
Jin-Chi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Water Yield ◽  
Trade Offs

Development of suitable ecological protection and restoration policies for sustainable management needs to assess the potential impacts of future land use and climate change on ecosystem services. The two ecological shelters and three belts (TSTB) are significant for improving ecosystem services and ensuring China’s and global ecological security. In this study, we simulated land use in 2050 and estimated the spatial distribution pattern of net primary productivity (NPP), water yield, and soil conservation from 2010 to 2050 under future climate change. The results showed that water yield, NPP, and soil conservation exhibited a spatial pattern of decreasing from southeast to northwest, while in terms of the temporal pattern, water yield and NPP increased, but soil conservation decreased. Water yield was mainly influenced by precipitation, NPP was affected by temperature and implementation of ecological restoration, and soil conservation was controlled by precipitation and slope. There was a strong spatial heterogeneity between trade-offs and synergies. In terms of the temporal, with the combination of climate change and ecological restoration, there was a synergistic relationship between water yield and NPP. However, the relationships between water yield and soil conservation, and between NPP and soil conservation were characterized by trade-offs. In the process of ecological construction, it is necessary to consider the differences between overall and local trade-offs and synergies, as well as formulate sustainable ecological management policies according to local conditions. Understanding the response of ecosystem services to future climate change and land use policies can help address the challenges posed by climate change and achieve sustainable management of natural resources.

scholarly journals Challenges and agroecological approaches in crop production

2018 ◽  
pp. 75-89
Author(s):  
Zoltán Berzsényi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Agricultural Products ◽  
Environmental Harm ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
World Demand ◽  
Global Population

Never has the need been greater for an ecosystem approach to agriculture. As our global population exceeds 9 billion in the next 30 years, with a concomitant demand for agricultural products, ever more pressure will be placed on our agricultural systems. Meanwhile, climate change is altering the ecological settings in which agriculture is practiced, demanding adaptation. Knowledge generated by long-term research will help to address one of the grand challenges of our time: how to meet sustainably the growing world demand for agricultural products – in a way that minimizes environmental harm and enhances the delivery of a diverse array of ecosystem services.

scholarly journals Mineral resources as a constituent part of natural capital

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 63-72
Author(s):  
Margarita N. Ignatieva ◽  
◽  
Oksana A. Logvinenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Ecological Resources ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Capital Development

appraisal of the territory’s natural capital. The appraisal represents the mechanism which makes it possible to reasonably select the options for the natural capital development with the view of social-economic development being favourable to human life activity and preserving ecological balance at the same time. The appraisal’s reliability requires specified structure of the natural capital and the implemented functions. Research aim is to specify the architecture of the natural capital and functions implemented by its components. Methodology and methods. The theory and the methodology of the natural capital and the theory of ecosystem services were the theoretical basis for the research. The research contained data generalization and analysis, classification and grouping, comparative analysis, and qualitative analysis. Research results. The content of the natural resources potential with available resources and potential reserves was studied. The possibility of transferring from potential reserves (off-balance and written-off reserves and technogenic mineral bodies) to accessible mineral resources which form the mineral resource base was shown by the example of the mineral raw potential. Universally recognized ecosystem services classifications were analyzed and recommendations were made aimed at improving such a classification for further universal application. All components of the natural environment are considered from the position of ecosystem services possibility. It has been determined that they are provided by both biotic and abiotic components (such functions reside even in the lithosphere). The authors’ position has been formulated regarding eco services as ecological resources. Anthropocentric character of the approach has been proven in the definition of the natural capital, which is only considered from the position of the “income flow” for the sake of human, while its preservation is conditioned by the need for its permanency. The essence of resource and ecosystem approach is revealed when building the structure of the natural capital. It is recommended to use a combination of the options based on the principles from the present article. Summary. Natural capital appraisal reliability required unambiguity in constructing the natural capital and the implemented functions. It is proposed to use the combined structure of the natural capital which reflects the implemented resource and ecosystem functions.

scholarly journals Materiality Assessment of Natural Capital Risks in Australian Forestry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg S. Smith ◽  
Francisco Ascui ◽  
Anthony P. O’Grady ◽  
Elizabeth Pinkard
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Forestry Sector ◽  
Forestry Industry ◽  
Important Input ◽  
Negative Impacts

Abstract Purpose of Review Natural capital is a term for the stocks of natural assets (e.g. natural resources and ecosystems) that yield flows of ecosystem services that benefit the economy and human well-being. Forestry is one of the industries with the greatest dependencies on natural capital, as well as having the potential for substantial positive or negative impacts on natural capital. These dependencies and impacts create direct risks to a forestry enterprise’s ongoing financial viability, which translate into indirect risks for investors and society. There are growing demands from a variety of stakeholders for more reliable information to assess such risks, but at present, these risks are not always well understood, assessed or communicated in a consistent and comparable way. This paper addresses this problem by applying a standardized methodology to develop the first systematic, evidence-based review and financial materiality assessment of natural capital risks for the Australian forestry sector. Recent Findings The vast potential scope of forestry impacts and dependencies on natural capital can be reduced to twenty key areas of relevance to Australian forestry, of which only seven to nine have been assessed as highly financially material for each of the sub-sectors of softwood plantations, hardwood plantations and native forestry. The majority of risks assessed as highly financially material are related to dependencies on natural capital. This is in part due to the fact that current regulations and certification schemes focus on managing impacts, but tend to overlook dependencies. Nearly all of the natural capital risks rated as highly material are likely to be exacerbated by climate change. Summary An improved understanding of natural capital risks is an important input to better decision-making by forestry enterprises, as well as their lenders and investors, forestry regulators and other relevant stakeholders. This paper contributes to the preparedness of the forestry industry and its stakeholders to address questions about vulnerability to future changes and declining trends in natural capital.

Climate change and water governance: an International Joint Commission case study

Water Policy ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 877-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire S. Bleser ◽  
Kristen C. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Joint Commission ◽  
Transboundary Water Resources ◽  
International Joint Commission ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
International Joint

Governance has been identified by many scholars as a challenge to managing natural resources in a sustainable way. In addition, climate change is impacting natural resources, and complicating management. In light of these concerns, it is important that key characteristics of sustainable management are not ignored. Scientific legitimacy, an integrative ecosystem approach, long-term monitoring and pro-active governance are all important characteristics of successful sustainable management plans. However, these characteristics have not all been included in the day-to-day functioning of the International Joint Commission. This paper looks specifically at the key characteristics required for sustainable management of transboundary water resources and determines if the International Joint Commission, and particularly the International Rainy Lake Board of Control, are applying them to policies for regulation and management of border waters shared by Ontario (Canada) and Minnesota (USA).

scholarly journals Capitalizing on nature: how to implement an ecosystem approach

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 580-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison R. Holt ◽  
Caroline Hattam
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Environmental Management ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations

The Natural Capital Initiative ( www.naturalcapitalinitiative.org.uk ) held its first conference ‘Valuing our life support systems’ at Savoy Place, London, from 29 April to 1 May 2009. The aim of the conference was to discuss different perspectives on, and solutions to, the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem services. It particularly focused on the link between the environment and the economy, and how to implement an ecosystem approach to environmental management. This event brought together scientists across the natural and social sciences, alongside representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, business and industry.

Land use and a low-carbon society

2012 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin D. Campbell ◽  
Allan Lilly ◽  
Willie Towers ◽  
Stephen J. Chapman ◽  
Alan Werritty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Reduce Emissions

ABSTRACTLand use and the management of our natural resources such as soils and water offer great opportunities to sequester carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change. Actions on forestry, soil carbon and damaged peatlands each have the potential to reduce Scottish emissions in 2020 by hundreds of thousands of tonnes. Most actions to reduce emissions from land use have beneficial effects on other ecosystem services, so if we can cut emissions we can in many circumstances improve the environment. The cost of reducing emissions through land use change can be low in relation to other means of cutting emissions. The Scottish Land Use Strategy and the Ecosystem Approach it calls for, employing the concept of ecosystem services, offers a way of balancing environmental, social and economic demands on the land. Scotland's land, soils, forests and waters are all likely to be significantly altered by future climate change. Each of these components of the land-based environment offers opportunities for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The emerging new imperatives for securing food, water and energy at a global level are equally important for Scotland, and interact with the need for environmental security and for dealing with climate change.

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