Measuring progress in marine protection: A new set of metrics to evaluate the strength of marine protected area networks

Biological Diversity ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Current Value ◽

Marine Protection ◽

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have proven to be a valuable tool for both promoting the sustainable use of marine resources and long-term biodiversity conservation outcomes. Targets for marine protection under the Convention on Biological Diversity have seen rapid growth in MPAs globally, with progress judged using targets for total area protected rather than evaluating growth based on the capacity to protect biodiversity. The value of a MPA network to biodiversity conservation depends on a range of attributes of both individual MPAs and portfolios of MPAs, which are not captured by simple area-based targets. Therefore, a clear and efficient set of metrics are needed to effectively evaluate progress towards building MPA networks, considering the representation and adequacy of protection for biodiversity. We developed a universally applicable set of metrics that can evaluate network structure in relation to its capacity to conserve marine biodiversity. These metrics combine properties of effective individual MPAs with metrics for their capacity to function collectively as a network. To demonstrate the value of these metrics, we apply them to the Australian MPA network, the largest in the world. Collectively, the indicators suggest that while Australia has made significant progress in building a representative and well-structured MPA network, the level of protection offered to marine biodiversity is generally low, with insufficient coverage of no-take MPAs across many bioregions. The metrics reveal how the current value of the MPA network could be greatly increased by reducing the prevalence of multi-use zones that allow extractive activities known to negatively impact biodiversity.

Boundary Objects and Global Consensus: Scalar Narratives of Marine Conservation in the Convention on Biological Diversity

Global Environmental Politics ◽

10.1162/glep_a_00239 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 64-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Noella J. Gray ◽

Rebecca L. Gruby ◽

Lisa M. Campbell

Keyword(s):

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Boundary Objects ◽

Marine Conservation ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Global Consensus ◽

Governance Processes

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) continues to promote marine protected areas (MPAs) as a preferred tool for marine biodiversity conservation, in spite of concerns over their effectiveness and equity. However, explanations for this consensus on the utility of MPAs focus primarily on their measurability and ignore the ways in which they are conceptualized through ongoing governance processes. Drawing on the results of collaborative event ethnography at the Tenth Conference of the Parties to the CBD, this paper adopts the concepts of boundary objects and scalar narratives to analyze the ways in which consensus on MPAs is produced, in spite of conflicting understandings of MPA forms and functions. Both a local narrative of participatory MPAs and a global narrative of science driven high seas conservation articulate a regional scale as ideal for MPA governance, although with different priorities. Ultimately, consensus at the CBD is enabled only by accommodating competing visions of MPAs.

ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences ◽

Effective Management of Trans boundary Landscapes – Geospatial Applications

10.5194/isprsarchives-xl-8-1309-2014 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol XL-8 ◽

pp. 1309-1317 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. Kotru ◽

R. S. Rawal ◽

P. K. Mathur ◽

N. Chettri ◽

S. A. Chaudhari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ecosystem Services ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Regional Cooperation ◽

Vegetation Type ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Ecological Monitoring ◽

Agroforestry System ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity advocates the use of landscape and ecosystem approaches for managing biodiversity, in recognition of the need for increased regional cooperation. In this context, ICIMOD and regional partners have evolved Transboundary Landscape concept to address the issues of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and systems (e.g., biodiversity, rangelands, farming systems, forests, wetlands, and watersheds, etc.). This concept defines the landscapes by ecosystems rather than political/administrative boundaries. The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is extremely heterogeneous, with complex inter linkages of biomes and habitats as well as strong upstream-downstream linkages related to the provisioning of ecosystem services. Seven such transboundary landscapes, identified across west to east extent of HKH, have been considered for programmatic cooperation, include: Wakhan, Karakoram-Pamir, Kailash, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Brahmaputra-Salween, and Cherrapunjee- Chittagong. The approach is people centered and considers the cultural conservation as an essential first step towards resource conservation efforts in the region. Considering the multi-scale requirements of study, the geospatial technology has been effectively adopted towards: (i) understanding temporal changes in landscapes, (ii) long term ecological and social monitoring, (ii) identifying potential bio corridors, (iii) assessing landscape level vulnerability due to climatic and non-climatic drivers, and (iv) developing local plans on extractions of high value economic species supporting livelihoods, agroforestry system and ecotourism, etc. We present here our recent experiences across different landscapes on assessment of three decadal changes, vegetation type mapping, assessment of socio-ecological drivers, corridor assessment, ecosystem services assessment, models for optimal natural resource use systems and long term socio-ecological monitoring.

Aichi Target 18 beyond 2020: mainstreaming Traditional Biodiversity Knowledge in the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.9616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e9616

Author(s):

Paola Fajardo ◽

David Beauchesne ◽

Alberto Carbajal-López ◽

Rémi M. Daigle ◽

L. Denisse Fierro-Arcos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Natural World ◽

Coastal Ecosystems ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Biodiversity Knowledge ◽

Global Biodiversity

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) have inhabited coastal areas, the seas, and remote islands for millennia, and developed place-based traditional ancestral knowledge and diversified livelihoods associated with the biocultural use of marine and coastal ecosystems. Through their cultural traditions, customary wise practices, and holistic approaches to observe, monitor, understand, and appreciate the Natural World, IPLCs have been preserving, managing, and sustainably using seascapes and coastal landscapes, which has been essential for biodiversity conservation. The international community has more than ever recognized the central role of IPLCs in the conservation of biodiversity-rich ecosystems, in particular, for the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Targets determined by the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to tackle biodiversity loss. However, much remains to be done to fully recognize and protect at national levels IPLCs’ Traditional Biodiversity Knowledge (TBK), ways of life, and their internationally recognized rights to inhabit, own, manage and govern traditional lands, territories, and waters, which are increasingly threatened. At the 2018 4th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity held in Montréal, Canada, eight themed working groups critically discussed progress to date and barriers that have prevented the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets agreed for the period 2011–2020, and priority actions for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Discussions in the “Application of Biodiversity Knowledge” working group focused on Targets 11 and 18 and the equal valuation of diverse Biodiversity Knowledge Systems (BKS). This Perspective Paper summarizes the 10 Priority Actions identified for a holistic biodiversity conservation, gender equality and human rights-based approach that strengthens the role of IPLCs as biodiversity conservation decision-makers and managers at national and international levels. Furthermore, the Perspective proposes a measurable Target 18 post-2020 and discusses actions to advance the recognition of community-based alternative conservation schemes and TBK to ensure the long-lasting conservation, customary biocultural use, and sustainable multi-functional management of nature around the globe.

An interactive atlas for marine biodiversity conservation in the Coral Triangle

Earth System Science Data ◽

10.5194/essd-11-163-2019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 163-174 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Irawan Asaad ◽

Carolyn J. Lundquist ◽

Mark V. Erdmann ◽

Mark J. Costello

Keyword(s):

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Spatial Information ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Marine Ecosystem ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Coral Triangle ◽

Biodiversity Informatics ◽

Conservation Values ◽

Abstract. An online atlas of the Coral Triangle region of the Indo-Pacific biogeographic realm was developed. This online atlas consists of the three interlinked parts: (1) Biodiversity Features; (2) Areas of Importance for Biodiversity Conservation; (3) recommended priorities for Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Expansion (http://www.marine.auckland.ac.nz/CTMAPS). The first map, Biodiversity Features, provides comprehensive data on the region's marine protected areas and biodiversity features, threats, and environmental characteristics. The second provides spatial information on areas of high biodiversity conservation values, while the third map shows priority areas for expanding the current Coral Triangle MPA network. This atlas provides the most comprehensive biodiversity datasets that have been assembled for the region. The datasets were retrieved and generated systematically from various open-access sources. To engage a wider audience and to raise participation in biodiversity conservation, the maps were designed as an interactive and online atlas. This atlas presents representative information to promote a better understanding of the key marine and coastal biodiversity characteristics of the region and enables the application of marine biodiversity informatics to support marine ecosystem-based management in the Coral Triangle region.

An adaptable toolkit to assess commercial fishery costs and benefits related to marine protected area network design

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.7312.1 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 1234 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rémi M. Daigle ◽

Cristián J. Monaco ◽

Ashley K. Elgin

Keyword(s):

Network Design ◽

Protected Area ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Atlantic Cod ◽

Population Connectivity ◽

Area Network ◽

Around the world, governments are establishing Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks to meet their commitments to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. MPAs are often used in an effort to conserve biodiversity and manage fisheries stocks. However, their efficacy and effect on fisheries yields remain unclear. We conducted a case-study on the economic impact of different MPA network design strategies on the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) fisheries in Canada. The open-source R toolbox that we developed to analyze this case study can be customized to conduct similar analyses for other systems. We used a spatially-explicit individual-based model of population growth and dispersal coupled with a fisheries management and harvesting component. We found that MPA networks that both protect the target species’ habitat (particularly the spawning grounds), and were spatially optimized to improve population connectivity had the highest net present value (i.e., were most profitable for the fishing industry). These higher profits were achieved primarily by reducing the distance travelled for fishing and reducing the probability of a moratorium event. These findings add to a growing body of knowledge demonstrating the importance of incorporating population connectivity in the MPA planning process, as well as the ability of this R toolbox to explore ecological and economic consequences of alternative MPA network designs.

Sharing the benefits of taxonomic research: time to upgrade the model

Biodiversity Information Science and Standards ◽

10.3897/biss.3.35406 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher Lyal ◽

Dirk Neumann ◽

Anne Nivart

Keyword(s):

Biological Samples ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Genetic Material ◽

New Model ◽

Taxonomic Research ◽

Informatics Tools

Many permits for collecting biological samples have simple conditions, such as returning specimens and information. In meeting them researchers are ‘sharing benefits’ in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). However, the documents giving such conditions are often poorly connected to long-term research by many individuals, leading to tail-off of delivery. The conditions and the benefits shared are also often ineffective for biodiversity conservation because of inefficient linkage to environmental managers and policy priorities. A new model is needed to better manage permit conditions so that users of biological and genetic material are aware of the agreements and can deliver with minimal additional effort, and to provide better linkage to application in provider countries. Many of the informatics tools to permit this are already available. The paper will outline the elements of the model and suggest means of implementation.

Digital map of the Coral Triangle: An online atlas for marine biodiversity conservation

10.5194/essd-2018-80 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Irawan Asaad ◽

Carolyn J. Lundquist ◽

Mark V. Erdmann ◽

Mark J. Costello

Keyword(s):

Spatial Information ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Marine Ecosystem ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Coral Triangle ◽

Digital Map ◽

Digital Maps ◽

Conservation Values ◽

Abstract. An online atlas of the Coral Triangle region of the Indo Pacific biogeographic realm was developed. This online atlas consists of the three interlinked digital maps: (1) Biodiversity Features; (2) Areas of Importance for Biodiversity Conservation; (3) Recommended Priorities for Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Expansion (www.marine.auckland.ac.nz/CTMAPS). The first map, Biodiversity Features, provides comprehensive data on the region's marine protected areas and biodiversity features, threats and environmental characteristics. The second provides spatial information on areas of high biodiversity conservation values, while the third map shows priority areas for expanding the current Coral Triangle MPA network. This digital map provides the most comprehensive biodiversity datasets yet assembled for the region. The datasets were retrieved and generated systematically from various open-access sources. To engage a wider audience and to raise participation in biodiversity conservation, the maps were designed as an interactive and online atlas. This digital map presents representative information to promote a better understanding of the key marine and coastal biodiversity characteristics of the region and enables the application of marine biodiversity informatics to support marine ecosystem-based management in the Coral Triangle region.

Toward a More Expansive Discourse in a Changing World: An Analysis of Political Leaders’ Speeches on Biodiversity

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13052899 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 2899

Author(s):

Sang Hun Lee ◽

Yi Hyun Kang ◽

Rong Dai

Keyword(s):

Policy Process ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Decision Making Process ◽

Political Leaders ◽

Host Countries ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

The Subject ◽

High Level

Speeches delivered in the Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the Convention on Biological Diversity represent leading discourses about biodiversity conservation. The discourse shared by high-level politicians is especially influential in the financing and decision-making process of global biodiversity governance. However, the speeches given in the COPs have not been the subject of systematic analyses until now. This study analyzes the host countries’ speeches given at the six most recent COPs and investigates which discourses have been expressed in the speeches. The regulatory discourse that views nature as a resource was found to be the dominant discourse, while other discourses that view nature as a scientific object or a spiritual entity were represented only marginally. As the need for a transformational policy for biodiversity conservation is growing amid a global pandemic, it is essential to deepen our understanding of the dynamics and complexity of nature and reflect it in the policy process. This study suggests that more balanced discourse on biodiversity may earn broader audiences’ consensus on biodiversity conservation.

Justice and the Convention on Biological Diversity

Ethics & International Affairs ◽

10.1111/j.1747-7093.2009.00217.x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 267-280 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Doris Schroeder ◽

Thomas Pogge

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Natural Habitat ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

International Economic Order ◽

Social Utility ◽

Benefit Sharing ◽

Social Rules ◽

Biological Resources ◽

Thomas Pogge

Justice and the Convention on Biological DiversityDoris Schroeder and Thomas PoggeBenefit sharing as envisaged by the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a relatively new idea in international law. Within the context of non-human biological resources, it aims to guarantee the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use by ensuring that its custodians are adequately rewarded for its preservation.Prior to the adoption of the CBD, access to biological resources was frequently regarded as a free-for-all. Bioprospectors were able to take resources out of their natural habitat and develop commercial products without sharing benefits with states or local communities. This paper asks how CBD-style benefit-sharing fits into debates of justice. It is argued that the CBD is an example of a set of social rules designed to increase social utility. It is also argued that a common heritage of humankind principle with inbuilt benefit-sharing mechanisms would be preferable to assigning bureaucratic property rights to non-human biological resources. However, as long as the international economic order is characterized by serious distributive injustices, as reflected in the enormous poverty-related death toll in developing countries, any morally acceptable means toward redressing the balance in favor of the disadvantaged has to be welcomed. By legislating for a system of justice-in-exchange covering nonhuman biological resources in preference to a free-for-all situation, the CBD provides a small step forward in redressing the distributive justice balance. It therefore presents just legislation sensitive to the international relations context in the 21st century.

Convention on Biological Diversity: Towards a sustainable future

Social Change ◽

10.1177/004908570303300311 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 33 (2-3) ◽

pp. 173-191

Keyword(s):

Genetic Resources ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Technology Development ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

United Nations Environment Programme ◽

Benefit Sharing ◽

Biological Resources ◽

Transfer Benefit ◽

Global Agreement

In an era of a rapidly shrinking biological resources, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a historic landmark, being the first global agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The CBD is one of the few international agreements in the area of natural resource conservation in which sustainability and equitable benefit-sharing are central concerns. The CBD links traditional conservation efforts to the economic goal of using biological resources sustainably and sets forth principles for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, notably those destined for commercial use. Importantly, the CBD also gives traditional knowledge its due place in the sustainable use of genetic resources. The CBD also covers the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology, addressing technology development and transfer, benefit-sharing and biosafety, in an equitable framework. In the coming years, the CBD is likely to have major repercussions on the way biodiversity is conserved and benefits thereof, shared between the developing and developed worlds. The following commentary on the CBD has drawn heavily from a document produced by Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the United Nations Environment Programme. Articles 1 to 21 of the CBD have also been reproduced here in order to disseminate knowledge regarding the principles of the CBD-Editor.