| 1. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Contribution of social science to large scale biodiversity conservation : a review of research about the Natura 2000 network
- 2016
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In: Biological Conservation. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-3207 .- 1873-2917. ; 199, s. 110-122
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Successful conservation needs to be informed by social science because it is closely linked to socio-economic processes and human behaviour. Limited knowledge about ecosystems' interactions with these processes currently undermines conservation efforts. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of social science concerning the world's largest multinationally-coordinated conservation infrastructure: the European Ecological Network - ‘Natura 2000’. Based on a review of 149 publications, we analyse and discuss the main findings and outline key social-science research gaps with regard to the Natura 2000 network. The review shows that human dimension of the Natura 2000 network is complex and varies among EU Member States. In general, low level and quality of public participation in implementation of the Natura 2000 network and its management, negative public perceptions of the network, lack of flexibility of responsible authorities and insufficient consideration of the local context pose the greatest challenges to the network's functioning. Important but hitherto little studied research topics include: evaluation of participation; effects of education on potential to raise public awareness; effects of potential financing mechanisms for compensating private land-owners; economic studies on cost-effectiveness; and benefits from conservation and ecosystem services. These knowledge gaps will need to be filled for the Natura 2000 network to reach its goals.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Ahlbäck Widenfalk, Lina, et al.
(author)
-
Ekologisk kunskap för ekologisk kompensation : Syntes av forskningsprojekten Systematisera ekologisk kunskap för att effektivisera ekologisk kompensation och När kan ekologisk kompensation bidra till att bevara biologisk mångfald och ekosystemtjänster?
- 2021
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Den här rapporten sammanfattar två projekt inom Naturvårdsverkets forskningssatsning om ekologisk kompensation: Systematisera ekologisk kunskap för att effektivisera ekologisk kompensation och När kan ekologisk kompensation bevara biologisk mångfald och ekosystemtjänster?På en stor del av jordens yta har människan kraftigt försämrat förutsättningarna för biologisk mångfald och de ekosystemtjänster som den ger upphov till, vilket därför även påverkar samhällen negativt. Ekologisk kompensation har föreslagits som ett viktigt verktyg för att stoppa förlusten av biologisk mångfald. Det är dock ett relativt nytt sätt att arbeta med naturvård och det finns oklarheter kring hur det bör implementeras i praktiken. Noggranna utvärderingar av ekologisk kompensation har bara gjorts i enstaka fall. Därför finns stora kunskapsluckor kring dess tillämpning och effektivitet i stora delar av världen, samt för många naturtyper och typer av kompensationsåtgärder.Vi har genom intervjuer undersökt hur arbetet med ekologisk kompensation bedrivs och vilka utmaningar som finns i Sverige idag. Vi har även genomfört systematiska översikter och meta-analyser för att syntetisera den vetenskapliga kunskap som finns rörande ekologisk kompensation globalt, samt rörande naturvårdsrestaureringar i landsmiljöer i de delar av världen med ett klimat som liknar det som finns i Sverige.Intervjuerna med 17 tjänstemän och praktiker som arbetar med ekologisk kompensation visade att kompensationsåtgärder som reglerades av lagstiftning oftast var kopplade till art- och habitatskydd och mera sällan till naturreservat och Natura 2000-områden. Vanligast är att enskilda träd, skogar, våtmarker eller vattendrag och dammar kompenseras, och fåglar och groddjur var de artgrupper som nämndes oftast. De genomförda åtgärderna inkluderade främst olika typer av restaurering, men även anläggning av mindre dammar var vanligt. På grund av många praktiska hinder vid implementering av ekologisk kompensation (innefattande såväl lagverk och processer som rutiner hos myndigheterna kring hantering av kompensation) gjordes sällan ekologiska avvägningar kring vilken kompensation som var lämpligast. Osäkerhet kring vad som är ekologisk kompensation och om det är viktigast att prioritera närhetsprincipen (kompensationsåtgärd nära påverkan) eller likhetsprincipen (samma naturmiljö och arter kompenseras som påverkas) skapade otydlighet i tillämpningen. En avsaknad av helhetsperspektiv, som innebär att mer än det enskilda exploateringsprojektets effekt och fler aspekter av naturvärden inkluderas, och att bedömningar görs på landskapsnivå, identifierades också. Det finns en risk att nuvarande inriktning med fokus på enskilda arter, bedömningar som görs på liten skala och en inställning att allt är bättre än inget och att allt går att kompensera kan missgynna naturvården i stort. Sammantaget skapar det ett otydligt system där långsiktiga konsekvenser för biologisk mångfald är osäkra.I genomgången av vetenskaplig litteratur som har utvärderat ekologisk kompensation fann vi 40 studier, men endast en av dessa kunde utvärdera om det har skett någon nettoförlust av biologisk mångfald. Majoriteten av dessa kom från våtmarks- eller sötvatten-miljöer i Nordamerika. Generellt lyckades kompensationsprojekten inte kompensera ekosystemtjänster fullt ut. Det fanns dock en fördröjningseffekt, så att kompensationslokalerna blev mer lika referensen ju längre tid som förflutit sedan kompensationsåtgärden utfördes. För biologisk mångfald var mönstret inte lika tydligt som för ekosystemtjänster. Det var stor variation mellan olika studier och det fanns heller inte någon tydlig skillnad mellan olika organismgrupper, eller mellan olika naturtyper.När vi gick igenom utvärderingar av naturvårdsrestaureringar fann vi 93 studier som uppfyllde våra kriterier, som bland annat innebar en före-efter-kontroll-design (s.k. BACI design). Av dessa hade 36 utvärderat restaureringsåtgärder i skog, 35 i gräsmarker, 20 i våtmarker och 3 i sandmarker. Effekten av restaurering varierade stort mellan studier, och restaureringen ledde inte alltid till högre biologisk mångfald. Skillnaden i utfall mellan typerna av ekosystem var små, men det fanns något större skillnad i effekt av restaureringen mellan olika naturtyper (till exempel mellan lövskog kontra barrskog, eller öppen gräsmark kontra hedar). De flesta studier hade utvärderat effekter på växter, följt av leddjur (insekter och spindeldjur) och fåglar. Skillnaderna i effekt mellan olika artgrupper var också små. Endast för kärlväxter fanns så många utvärderingar av individuella arter (35 studier) att vi kunde analysera skillnader mellan olika grupper utifrån deras funktionella egenskaper, men även här var variationen för stor för att dra generella slutsatser. För alla typer av ekosystem där antalet studier var tillräckligt stort (skog, gräsmarker och våtmarker) ökade effektstorleken med ökande tid sedan restaureringsåtgärderna utförts.Utifrån de identifierade bristerna i enhetlig implementering av ekologisk kompensation i Sverige rekommenderar vi en nationell standard och etablerade rutiner för tillsynsmyndigheter, som bland annat kan öka fokus på landskapsperspektiv och bredare inkludering av naturvärden. Genom att tillgängliggöra goda och sämre exempel på kompensationsåtgärder kan kvalitén på genomförd kompensation höjas. Vi rekommenderar även att framtida ekologiska kompensationsprojekt systematiskt utvärderar både de naturvärden som förloras vid exploatering och de som uppstår via kompensationsåtgärder. Myndigheter som ställer krav på ekologisk kompensation bör därför samtidigt ställa krav på systematisk och långsiktig uppföljning av kompensationsåtgärdernas effekter på naturvärdena. Eftersom det ofta är flera olika naturvärden som påverkas av en och samma exploatering, måste myndigheterna vara medvetna om vilka av dessa som kompensationsåtgärderna syftar till att kompensera, och exploateringens effekter av dessa behöver också följas upp.
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| 4. |
- Ahlbäck Widenfalk, Lina, et al.
(author)
-
Systematisera ekologisk kunskap för att effektivisera ekologisk kompensation : Slutrapport
- 2021
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Ekologisk kompensation har föreslagits som ett viktigt verktyg för att stoppa förlusten av biologisk mångfald och naturmiljöer, en förlust som till stor del beror på människans utnyttjande av en allt större andel av jordens yta. Det finns oklarheter kring hur ekologisk kompensation implementeras och hur det bör utformas för att vara effektiv. Trots att ekologisk kompensation har funnits som en del i den svenska lagstiftningen sedan 1999 så har det än så länge inte använts i större omfattning i Sverige. Noggranna utvärderingar av ekologisk kompensation har bara gjorts i enstaka fall. Därför finns stora kunskapsluckor kring dess tillämpning och verkan i stora delar av världen, samt för många biotoper och typer av kompensationsåtgärder.Det övergripande syftet med projektet har varit att ta fram vägledning för att effektivisera tillämpningen av ekologisk kompensation i Sverige. Detta gjorde vi genom att dels syntetisera tillgänglig kunskap om effektiviteten i olika restaureringsåtgärder, dels utvärdera hur ekologisk kompensation tillämpas i Sverige idag för att identifiera hinder för optimal implementering. Vi har använt intervjuer och en workshop för att undersöka hur arbetet med ekologisk kompensation utförs och vilka utmaningar som är förknippade med detta. Vi har även genomfört systematiska översikter och meta-analyser för att utvärdera den vetenskapliga litteratur som utvärderar naturvårdsrestaureringar i landsmiljöer i de delar av världen med ett klimat som liknar det som råder i Sverige.Intervjuerna med 17 personer som arbetar med ekologisk kompensation visade att kompensationsåtgärder som reglerades av lagstiftning oftast var kopplade till art- och habitatskydd och mer sällan till naturreservat och Natura 2000-områden. Vanligast kompenseras enskilda träd, skog, våtmarker eller vattendrag och dammar, och vanligast nämnda artgrupper var fåglar och groddjur. De genomförda åtgärderna inkluderade främst olika typer av restaurering, men även anläggning av mindre dammar var vanligt. På grund av många praktiska hinder vid implementering av ekologisk kompensation i det svenska systemet – innefattande både lagverk och processer och rutiner hos myndigheterna kring hantering av kompensation – gjordes sällan ekologiska avvägningar kring vilken kompensation som var lämpligast. Osäkerhet kring vad som är ekologisk kompensation gjorde ibland tillämpningen otydlig. Osäkerhet fanns även kring vad som är viktigast att prioritera, närhetsprincipen (kompensationsåtgärd nära påverkan, d.v.s. ”on site” vs. ”off site”) eller likhetsprincipen (samma naturmiljö och arter kompenseras som påverkas, d.v.s. ”in-kind” vs. ”out-of kind”). En avsaknad av ett helhetsperspektiv identifierades också, d.v.s. avsaknad av ett perspektiv där mer än det enskilda exploaterings-projektets effekt och fler aspekter av naturvärden inkluderas, och bedömningar på landskapsnivå görs. Det finns en risk att nuvarande inriktning med fokus på enskilda arter, en inställning att allt är bättre än inget, att allt går att kompensera, och bedömningar på liten skala kan missgynna naturvården i stort. Sammantaget skapar det ett otydligt system där långsiktiga konsekvenser för biologisk mångfald blir osäkra.I genomgången av utvärderingar av naturvårdsrestaureringar i den vetenskapliga litteraturen fann vi 93 studier som uppfyllde våra kriterier, som bland annat krävde en före-efter-kontroll-design (s.k. BACI design). Av dessa hade 36 utvärderat restaureringsåtgärder i skog, 35 i gräsmarker, 20 i våtmarker och tre i sandmarker. Effekten av restaurering varierade stort mellan studier men var generellt svagt positiv eller gav ingen säkerställd effekt. Utfallet var likartat mellan de fyra biotopkategorierna. Det fanns något större skillnad i generell effekt mellan smalare biotopkategorier, där även negativa effekter uppvisades i vissa fall medan några biotoper hade en tydligare positiv effekt av restaurering. Flest utvärderingar var gjorda på växter, följt av leddjur (insekter och spindeldjur) och fåglar, med liknande resultat för de olika artgrupperna. Endast för kärlväxter fanns tillräckligt med utvärderingar av enskilda arter (35 studier) så att vi kunde analysera skillnader mellan olika grupper utifrån deras funktionella egenskaper, men även här var variationen för stor för att dra generella slutsatser. Det är därför svårt att dra slutsatser kring vilka restaureringsåtgärder som lämpar sig bättre som kompensationsåtgärder än andra för majoriteten av biotoper, åtgärdskategorier och artgrupper vi undersökt. Fortsatt uppbyggnad av väl designade uppföljningsstudier borde därför prioriteras.De identifierade bristerna i enhetlig implementering av ekologisk kompensation i Sverige, tillsammans med bristen på välgrundad kunskap om effekten av olika restaureringsåtgärder, gör att vi föreslår att:En nationell standard tas fram, rutiner utarbetas för tillsynsmyndigheter, och ekologisk kompensation integreras bättre i hela beslutsprocessen. • Ett bredare helhetstänkande kring bevarandet av biologisk mångfald och ekosystemtjänster möjliggörs, genom att öka fokus på landskapsperspektiv och ta hänsyn till fördröjningseffekter för både konsekvenser av exploatering och nyttan av kompensationsåtgärder.Goda exempel på kompensationsåtgärder sammanställs och tillgängliggörs för att höja kvalitén på genomförd kompensation.Framtida kompensationsprojekt gör en systematisk uppföljning av naturvärden som förloras vid exploatering och av de som skapas via kompensationsåtgärder. Myndigheter som ställer krav på ekologisk kompensation bör samtidigt ställa krav på systematisk och långsiktig uppföljning av kompensationsåtgärdernas effekter på naturvärdena.En geografisk databas för dokumentation av alla kompensationsområden utvecklas och i den kopplas dessa till motsvarande områden som exploaterats. För att följa upp de naturvärden som förloras och de som avsätts, förstärks och restaureras för att kompensera för dessa. En sådan databas möjliggör att långsiktigt kunna följa i vilken mån kompensationsområden utgör en motvikt till de värden som förloras.
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| 5. |
- Arnqvist, Goran, et al.
(author)
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Falsk marknadsföring om hållbart skogsbruk
- 2022
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In: Svenska Dagbladet Debatt. - 1101-2412.
-
Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Dagens svenska skogsbruk är inte ekologiskt hållbart. Att saluföra det som hållbart är därför – för att tala klarspråk – falsk marknadsföring, skriver forskare.
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| 6. |
- Axelsson, Robert, et al.
(author)
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The Challenge of Transdisciplinary Research : A Case Study of Learning by Evaluation for Sustainable Transport Infrastructures
- 2020
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 12:17, s. 1-24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While transdisciplinary (TD) research is desired in order to solve real world sustainability issues, this may be challenging for both academic and non-academic participants. Supporting learning through evaluation, we analyzed a project aiming at sustainable transport infrastructures. After developing a TD research framework as a benchmark, two external independent evaluators interviewed all project researchers, representatives for end-users, and donors. The evaluators compared results with the framework, and evaluators and participants critically reflected on the results together. There were three inconsistencies relative to the framework: (1) limited understanding of TD research among project management, end-users, and most of the researchers; (2) no structured learning process among end-users; instead, they expressed very diverse opinions about what they expected from the project; (3) project leaders had limited understanding of the special challenges of TD research, did not fully understand the status of the project's social system, and thus did not act as facilitators of the required collaborative learning process. Non-academic participants saw themselves as customers and not as partners in the knowledge production process. We conclude that TD problem-solving research requires much time and needs facilitation and training. A preparatory phase with a lower level of funding would be helpful in preparing for TD processes.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Björkvik, Emma, 1987-, et al.
(author)
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Informing obligations : Best practice information for catch‐and‐release in Swedish local recreational fisheries management
- 2023
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In: Fisheries Management and Ecology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0969-997X .- 1365-2400. ; 30:3, s. 310-322
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Catch-and-release (C&R) is a popular management tool that can support sustainable development of recreational fisheries, if anglers adopt scientifically informed “best practices.” However, although the role of best practices is widely established in the academic literature, this knowledge is not always disseminated to anglers. In this paper, we investigated if and to what extent local management organizations provided best practice information to anglers. Based on a sample of 331 Swedish organizations, we reviewed the websites through which these organizations sold fishing licenses. Our review demonstrated widespread use of C&R as a management tool yet a general lack of best practice information. Among the small fraction of organizations that mentioned best practices, most mentioned only a single practice, with little consistency among practices that received attention. In addition, best practice information was particularly lacking for pike (Esox Lucius) and perch (Perca fluviatilis), which are by far the most landed and released species nationally. We discovered major knowledge deficiencies that provide insights about where and how to focus efforts for improving best practice information, in the context of local recreational fisheries management.
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| 9. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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“A Thousand flowers are flowering just now” – towards integration of ecosystem services concept into decision making
- 2018
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In: Ecosystem Services. - : Elsevier BV. - 2212-0416 .- 2212-0416. ; 30, s. 181-191
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigate the integration of the ecosystem services (ES) concept in decision making.We use the three dimensions of learning to investigate the use of the ES concept.ES concept seems to meet several positive expectations put forward in science and policy.A main contribution from the concept may potentially be its function as a “boundary object”.Implementing ES into practice is a complex process and a multifaceted task.
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| 10. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Between biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management - A multidisciplinary assessment of the emblematic Bialowieza Forest case
- 2020
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In: Biological Conservation. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-3207 .- 1873-2917. ; 248
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The tension between biodiversity conservation and multipurpose forest management may lead to conflicts. An internationally prominent example is the Bialowieza Forest Massif (BFM), an extensive forest complex with high levels of naturalness. We apply a systematic, multidisciplinary assessment process to review empirical evidence on different dimensions of the BFM conflict. While there is broad consensus that this forest massif is an exceptional place worth conserving and that a way forward is a zonation system combining conservation with management, exactly how this should be done has yet to be agreed upon. Our assessment shows that the key reasons for the BFM controversy go beyond the availability of knowledge on the ecological status of the BFM and include: 1) evidence stemming from different sources, which is often contradictory and prone to different interpretations; 2) knowledge gaps, particularly with regard to socio-economic drivers and beneficiaries as well as uncertainties about future trends; 3) fundamentally different values and priorities among stakeholder groups, resulting in power struggles, and an overall lack of trust. We conclude that evidence-based knowledge alone is insufficient to cope with complex conservation conflicts. While more evidence may help assess the consequences of decisions, the actual management decisions depend on different actors' worldviews, which are rooted in their professional identities and power, and their political and legal realities. This calls for conflict management through a well-organized participatory process organized and supervised by a body deemed legitimate by the groups involved.
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| 11. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Bialowieza Forest : Political stands
- 2018
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In: Science. - : AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE. - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 359:6376, s. 646-646
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 12. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Biodiversity’s contributions to sustainable development
- 2019
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In: Nature Sustainability. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2398-9629. ; 2, s. 1083-1093
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- International concern to develop sustainably challenges us to act upon the inherent links between our economy, society and environment, and is leading to increasing acknowledgement of biodiversity's importance. This Review discusses the breadth of ways in which biodiversity can support sustainable development. It uses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a basis for exploring scientific evidence of the benefits delivered by biodiversity. It focuses on papers that provide examples of how biodiversity components (that is, ecosystems, species and genes) directly deliver benefits that may contribute to the achievement of individual SDGs. It also considers how biodiversity's direct contributions to fulfilling some SDGs may indirectly support the achievement of other SDGs to which biodiversity does not contribute directly. How the attributes (for example, diversity, abundance or composition) of biodiversity components influence the benefits delivered is also presented, where described by the papers reviewed. While acknowledging potential negative impacts and trade-offs between different benefits, the study concludes that biodiversity may contribute to fulfilment of all SDGs.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Context dependency and stakeholder involvement in EIA : the decisive role of practitioners
- 2011
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In: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0964-0568 .- 1360-0559. ; 54:3, s. 337-354
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The outcomes of frameworks and practices for stakeholder involvement in environmental impact assessment (EIA) for road planning, under the umbrella of a common EU legal framework, are investigated here in specific national contexts. Data for the two empirical cases examined - Poland and Sweden - are related to the recent ongoing discussion on context dependency for Environmental Assessments (EA). The analysis, informed by practitioner interviews and documentary review, comprises a historical review of the evolution of EIA and stakeholder involvement, and examines more closely the legal frameworks, formal and informal arenas for stakeholder involvement, and norms of stakeholder involvement held by professionals involved in the planning process in the two countries. The results challenge existing assumptions about the relative depth of institutionalisation of stakeholder involvement and environmental concern in a Scandinavian and Central-Eastern European context, and highlight the decisive role of practitioners in the application of EA frameworks in planning practice.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
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Effects of management intensity, function and vegetation on the biodiversity in urban ponds
- 2016
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In: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-8667 .- 1610-8167. ; 20, s. 103-112
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ponds are important elements of green areas in cities that help counteract the negative consequences of urbanization, by providing important habitats for biodiversity in cities and being essential nodes in the overall landscape-scale habitat network. However, there is relatively little knowledge about the impacts of pond management intensity, function and environmental variables on urban pond biodiversity. In this study we addressed this gap by investigating which factors were correlated with the level of biodiversity in urban ponds, indicated by species richness of aquatic insects, in Stockholm, Sweden. Our study did not confirm any direct link between the perceived intensity of management or function of ponds and overall biodiversity. However, it seems that management can influence particular groups of species indirectly, since we found that Trichoptera richness (Caddisflies) was highest at intermediate management intensity. We suggest that this is caused by management of vegetation, as the amount of floating and emergent vegetation was significantly correlated with both the overall species richness and the richness of Trichoptera (Caddisflies). This relationship was non-linear, since ponds with an intermediate coverage of vegetation had the highest richness. Interestingly, the amount of vegetation in the pond was significantly affected by pond function and pond management. The overall species richness and richness of Trichoptera were also positively correlated with pond size. Since we found that the pattern of relations between species richness and environmental variables differed between the insect groups we suggest that it will be difficult to provide overall design and management recommendations for ponds in urban green areas. Therefore, it is recommended that to provide high aquatic diversity of species in urban areas one should aim at promoting high diversity of different types of ponds with differing management and environmental factors that shape them.
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| 18. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Environmental Conservation Challenges in a multi-sector system
- 2018
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In: Biodiverse. - Uppsala : Centrum för biologisk mångfald. - 1401-5064 .- 2002-3820. ; 23:4, s. 16-17
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Many sectors in society are involved in nature conservation issues, like agriculture, forestry and land-use planning. Coherence on a political level between these sectors is getting more and more important, not only to avoid conflict, but also to discover and develop synergies between the sectors. In our study, we see that nature conservation could be a tool for strengthening other sectors.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Is there a relationship between socio-economic factors and biodiversity in urban ponds? : A study in the city of Stockholm
- 2017
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In: Urban Ecosystems. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1083-8155 .- 1573-1642. ; 20:6, s. 1209-1220
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Urban small water bodies, such as ponds, are essential elements of human socio-economic landscapes. Ponds also provide important habitats for species that would otherwise not survive in the urban environment. Knowledge on the biodiversity of urban ponds and the relationship between their ecological value and factors linked to urbanization and socio-economic status is crucial for decisions on where and how to establish and manage ponds in cities to deliver maximum biodiversity benefits. Our study investigates if the pattern of urban-pond biodiversity can be related to different socio-economic factors, such as level of wealth, education or percentage of buildings of different types. Because of lack of previous studies investigating that, our study is of exploratory character and many different variables are used. We found that the biodiversity of aquatic insects was significantly negatively associated with urbanisation variables such as amount of buildings and number of residents living around ponds. This relationship did not differ depending on the spatial scale of our investigation. In contrast, we did not find a significant relationship with variables representing socio-economic status, such as education level and wealth of people. This latter result suggests that the socio-economic status of residents does not lead to any particular effect in terms of the management and function of ponds that would affect biodiversity. However, there is a need for a finer-scale investigation of the different potential mechanism in which residents in areas with differing socio-economic status could indirectly influence ponds.
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| 22. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
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Kulturella ekosystemtjänster : Vad är det egentligen och kan de användas i beslutfattande?
- 2016
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In: Biodiverse. - 1401-5064. ; 21, s. 16-17
-
Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- I en sammanställning av vetenskapliga artiklar har vi sett att det finns nästan trehundra olika företeelser som benämns kulturella ekosystemtjänster. Det gör begreppet svårhanterligt inte minst i politiska processer. Vi har identifierat några viktiga steg för att begreppet ska bli mer användbart i beslutsfattande.
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| 23. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata
(author)
-
Linkages between biodiversity attributes and ecosystem services: a systematic review
- 2014
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In: Ecosystem Services. - : Elsevier BV. - 2212-0416. ; 9, s. 191-203
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A systematic literature review was undertaken to analyse the linkages between different biodiversity attributes and 11 ecosystem services. The majority of relationships between attributes and ecosystem services cited in the 530 studies were positive. For example, the services of water quality regulation, water flow regulation, mass flow regulation and landscape aesthetics were improved by increases in community and habitat area. Functional traits, such as richness and diversity, also displayed a predominantly positive relationship across the services, most commonly discussed for atmospheric regulation, pest regulation and pollination. A number of studies also discussed a positive correlation with stand age, particularly for atmospheric regulation. Species level traits were found to benefit a number of ecosystem services, with species abundance being particularly important for pest regulation, pollination and recreation, and species richness for timber production and freshwater fishing. Instances of biodiversity negatively affecting the examined ecosystem services were few in number for all ecosystem services, except freshwater provision. The review showed that ecosystem services are generated from numerous interactions occurring in complex systems. However, improving understanding of at least some of the key relationships between biodiversity and service provision will help guide effective management and protection strategies.
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| 24. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
-
Metrics: a long-term threat to society.
- 2012
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 490, s. 343-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 25. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
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Old Trees: Cultural Value
- 2013
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 339, s. 904-
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Other publication (other academic/artistic)
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| 26. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Operationalisation of ecological compensation : Obstacles and ways forward
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Environmental Management. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4797 .- 1095-8630. ; 304
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ecological compensation (EC) has been proposed as an important tool for stopping the loss of biodiversity and natural values. However, there are few studies on its actual operationalisation and there is high uncertainty about how it should be designed and implemented to be an effective way of performing nature conservation. In this study we focus on ecological compensation in Sweden, a country where it is in the process of being implemented more broadly. Using interviews and a workshop we investigate how the work with the implementation is carried out and what challenges exist. The results show that implementation of EC is at an early stage of development and there are many practical obstacles, linked to both legislation and routines in the planning processes. There is a lack of holistic perspective and large-scale thinking, a quite strong focus on a small number of individual species, and an overall attitude that anything is better than nothing, all of which can have negative consequences for biodiversity conservation overall. Based on the results we discuss the need for better integration of EC into the entire decision-making process and for a holistic approach to preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, by increasing the focus on landscape perspective and considering delays in compensation outcomes. There is also a need for a national level standard for EC, making good and worse examples of compensation measures available and systematic monitoring of EC projects. Finally, a spatially explicit database to document all EC areas should be introduced both to ensure consistency in protection from future development plans and to enable long-term monitoring of EC outcomes.
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| 27. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata
(author)
-
Planning processes for transport and ecological infrastructures in Poland – actors’ attitudes and conflict
- 2009
-
Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Biodiversity conservation is an important contemporary issue on global, EU and national policy agendas. However, in the face of human economic development, the important question is how to protect, maintain and restore biodiversity, without compromising economic and social dimensions of sustainability. Two sectors that can to a large extent influence biodiversity are forestry and road infrastructure development. Forestry is a sector very important for biodiversity conservation, since a large amount of protected and threatened species resides in forest ecosystems and many natural processes crucial for biodiversity occur in the forest. In addition, forests and woodlands form a network of habitats for many area-demanding species. Due to intensive forest management and fragmentation of forest and woodlands many elements of biodiversity are threatened, including species, habitats and processes. Road infrastructure development is another process that can negatively influence biodiversity. A growing network of transport infrastructure without doubt affects the functionality of the forest habitat networks. Negative effects include traffic mortality due to road collisions and barrier effect for individuals caused by high traffic volume, noise, wide roads and fencing. Cumulative effects of the infrastructure development can also lead to a loss of different elements of biodiversity at the landscape scale. Poland, with a legacy of less intensive forest management and still without a well-developed road infrastructure, is fortunate in terms of biodiversity maintenance. Due to economic underdevelopment of some regions of the country, Poland is rich in natural values including specialized species, functional habitat networks and ecological processes. However, after entering the European Union, Poland has started a process of rapid economic development, mainly with the help of EU funding. Enhancing road infrastructure is presently a key issue of economic development in this country. Dramatic growth in the amount of new roads can have large scale consequences for the biodiversity of the country, and can even influence biodiversity at the European scale. Policies aiming at biodiversity maintenance underline the need for implementing sustainability ideas in the planning and management for biodiversity. Traditionally, economic, environmental and social pillars of sustainability are identified. To be able to balance these three dimensions in the efforts for biodiversity conservation, there is a need to incorporate social dimensions in the nature science research concerning biodiversity. Especially, consideration of local attitudes is necessary in planning for biodiversity conservation. The aim of this thesis is to examine actors’ attitudes and underlying values in two situations of conflict related to biodiversity conservation in Poland. One case concerns forest management in a biodiversity hot-spot, Białowieża forest and the other is about a development of a controversial road project of Augustów bypass. The results show that differences in attitudes may have various sources. The knowledge possessed by actors, their values, as well as scale at which they perceived biodiversity issues were identified as the main reasons for different attitudes. It was observed that in general, the actors whose attitudes were more “ecologically oriented” had to a large extent a cognitive view, that is their attitudes were mainly based on cognition (ecological knowledge) while “socially” or “economically oriented” actors’ attitudes were more connected to emotions. In addition to differing attitudes, lack of trust was recognized in both cases as a factor escalating the conflict. The results showed also that legal issues are crucial to consider when biodiversity conservation is at stake. The results may have implications for the practical biodiversity conservation, since they show that both learning and legal incentives would be beneficial for the biodiversity conservation in controversial planning cases. This calls for the need for neutral forum for efficient public participation, communication and trust building between the actors and learning about important issues
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| 28. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata
(author)
-
Planowanie w kontekście krajobrazowym
- 2010
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In: Konsultacje społeczne wokół inwestycji infrastrukturalnych. - 9788361067214 ; , s. 19-28
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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| 29. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
-
Practical implementation of species' recovery plans - lessons from the White-backed Woodpecker Action Plan in Sweden
- 2014
-
In: Ornis Fennica. - 0030-5685. ; 91, s. 108-128
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Successful biodiversity conservation requires safeguarding viable populations of species. To work with this challenge Sweden has introduced a concept of Action Plans, which focus on the recovery of one or more species; while keeping in mind the philosophy of addressing ecosystems in a more comprehensive way, following the umbrella concept. In this paper we investigate the implementation process of the Action Plan for one umbrella species, the White-backed Woodpecker (WBW) Dendrocopos leucotos. We describe the plan's organisation and goals, and investigate its implementation and accomplishment of particular targets, based on interviewing and surveying the key actors. The achievement of the targets in 2005-2008 was on average much lower than planned, explained partially by the lack of knowledge/data, experienced workers, and administrative flexibility. Surprisingly, the perceived importance of particular conservation measures, the investment priority accorded to them, the money available and various practical obstacles all failed to explain the target levels achieved. However qualitative data from both the interviews and the survey highlight possible implementation obstacles: competing interests with other conservation actions and the level of engagement of particular implementing actors. Therefore we suggest that for successful implementation of recovery plans, there is a need for initial and inclusive scoping prior to embarking on the plan, where not only issues like ecological knowledge and practical resources are considered, but also possible conflicts and synergies with other conservation actions. An adaptive approach with regular review of the conservation process is essential, particularly in the case of such complex action plans as the one for the WBW.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Recreational fishing for sea trout – Resource for whom and to what value?
- 2018
-
In: Fisheries Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-7836 .- 1872-6763. ; 204, s. 380-389
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recreational fishing is an important activity that delivers substantial social and economic values. Proper management of recreational fisheries relies on information about resource use and associated values by different fishers, but such information is rare, particularly for open access fisheries. In this study a survey of 471 fishers on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, assessed catches, proportion of catch-and-release (C&R), and economic value (expenditures and willingness to pay, WTP) of sea trout fishing in 2015-2016. Data was analysed in relation to gear used (fly and spin angling, nets and mixed fishery) and fisher connection to fishing site (permanent and temporary residents, Swedish and international tourists). There were marginal differences in daily catch rates, but significant differences in effort and annual catches between different fishers, with resident fishers having the highest catches. Anglers had 86% C&R rates, and fly fishers (> 95%) differed significantly from other anglers. Anglers, particularly fly fishers and fishing tourists, had much higher expenditures per year, fish caught and fish kept compared to net fishers. WTP before refraining from fishing, for doubling of fish supply and for potential fishing license was also highest among anglers. Our findings are discussed in terms of distinguishing characteristics for different types of recreational fishers. Fishing efforts, economic values and the need for further studies are also outlined in the context of fisheries and tourism management.
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| 32. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Road, forestry and regional planners’ work for biodiversity conservation and public participation : a case study in Poland’s hotspots regions
- 2011
-
In: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0964-0568 .- 1360-0559. ; 54:10, s. 1373-1395
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We studied how regional, road and forestry planning sectors work to implement policies about biodiversity conservation and public participation. Evaluations were based on a normative model for planning derived from the existing international policies and relevant literature. Key planning actors were then interviewed with regard to their understanding of biodiversity and participation policies as well as ability to act and willingness to implement them. The results indicate several gaps in planning processes, for example, insufficient knowledge about biodiversity conservation and participation, limited resources and tools for planning of functional habitat networks and collaboration, poor connections between local and regional planning, and weakly developed public participation. The main problem for effective policy implementation seems to be related to planners' ability to act, which indicates that relatively low priority was given to provide resources for biodiversity conservation and public participation by the relevant units. We discuss our findings in relation to the implementation of environmental policies in the new EU countries of Eastern and Central Europe.
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| 33. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata
(author)
-
Role of planners and public participation in planning for biodiversity
- 2011
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The European Union (EU) is committed to conserving biodiversity, both in terms of natural and cultural legacies, and also to limiting biodiversity loss. Relevant policies have underlined the importance of considering ecological and social issues, as well as the complex relations between the two spheres in conservation of biodiversity. These policies have clear implications for all sectors responsible for planning for biodiversity conservation. In order to be consistent with international legislation, it is necessary to move beyond protected areas and include biodiversity conservation considerations in planning activities of various sectors, and also to involve relevant stakeholders in the planning process. This is in line with the landscape approach to planning that has recently been advocated in research and practical planning. The landscape approach has a holistic perspective that encompasses both ecological and social considerations. This thesis focuses on the implementation of policies regarding biodiversity conservation and public participation; that is, the ecological and social dimensions of spatial planning in landscapes. In particular, I examine the role of people, such as planners implementing policies and other stakeholders who might influence biodiversity conservation. The studies within this thesis concern Poland and Sweden, and three sectors: regional, road and forestry planning. The thesis is comprised of four papers. Paper I deals with planners working to implement biodiversity and public participation policies. Paper II concentrates on the issues of stakeholder involvement in the Environmental Impact Assessment of road planning. Paper III investigates a specific conflict that influenced the conservation of biodiversity in an important biodiversity hotspot. Paper IV is a conceptual paper that discusses the tools used to integrate ecological and social dimensions when implementing the European Landscape Convention. The studies included in this thesis reveal that successfully implementing biodiversity conservation and public participation policies may require more than just ecological knowledge about how biodiversity should be maintained, and more than just formal guidelines regarding how the public should be treated in the planning process. In addition, the role of people who may influence the planning and decision making processes is crucial. Accordingly, there is a need for two key developments. Firstly, planners and the general public should be properly educated about conservation-related issues. Secondly, various incentives should be introduced that influence the behaviour and, in the longer term, the attitudes of the people who may affect biodiversity.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata
(author)
-
Scale of global road map is impractical
- 2013
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687.
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)
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| 36. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
SDG partnerships may perpetuate the global North–South divide
- 2021
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 11:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development gives equal emphasis to developed (“Northern”) countries and developing (“Southern”) countries. Thus, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demands coherent collaboration to transform society across all countries. Yet, there has been little research published on SDG partnerships and this is the first study to explore the extent to which partners from Northern and Southern countries are involved in them and their focus. It identifies that involvement is unequally distributed and may perpetuate the North–South divide in countries’ resources, including access to data and scientific capacities. Most notably, partners from low-income countries are involved in far fewer partnerships than partners from countries in all other World Bank income categories, although the former are least able to develop sustainably. As such, all those promoting sustainable development from governmental, private and third-sector organisations need to address global inequalities in establishing and implementing SDG partnerships if, collectively, they are to facilitate delivery of Agenda 2030.
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| 37. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Shades of grey challenge practical application of the Cultural Ecosystem Services concept
- 2017
-
In: Ecosystem Services. - : Elsevier BV. - 2212-0416 .- 2212-0416. ; 23, s. 55-70
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Despite rapid advances in development of the ecosystem services (ES) concept, challenges remain for its use in decision making. Cultural ES (CES) have proven particularly difficult to pin down and resultant “shades of grey” impede their consideration by decision-makers. This study undertakes a literature review of CES to highlight the shades of grey, briefly illustrates findings by reference to the Swedish mountain landscape, then addresses potential implications for practical decision making. The concept of CES is complex and difficult to operationalize. The root of confusion appears to be a lack of rigour in identifying CES, hindering identification of proper methods for determining: the ecosystem elements that underpin CES; the beneficiaries of CES and how they value benefits delivered; and how CES may vary in space and time. We conclude by proposing a framework of questions, which we relate to the ES cascade model, that is intended to help researchers and decision-makers to reflect when considering CES. Answers to the questions should enable decision-makers to prioritise policy development or implementation in relation to the differing needs of potentially competing beneficiaries and what needs to be done or not done to the ecosystem, where, when and by whom.
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| 38. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
-
Steps to overcome the North-South divide in research relevant to climate change policy and practice
- 2017
-
In: Nature Climate Change. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1758-678X .- 1758-6798. ; 7, s. 21-27
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A global North-South divide in research, and its negative consequences, has been highlighted in various scientific disciplines. Northern domination of science relevant to climate change policy and practice, and limited research led by Southern researchers in Southern countries, may hinder further development and implementation of global climate change agreements and nationally appropriate actions. Despite efforts to address the North-South divide, progress has been slow. In this Perspective, we illustrate the extent of the divide, review underlying issues and analyse their consequences for climate change policy development and implementation. We propose a set of practical steps in both Northern and Southern countries that a wide range of actors should take at global, regional and national scales to span the North-South divide, with examples of some actions already being implemented.
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| 39. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Steps to overcome the North-South divide in research relevant to climate-change policy and practice
- 2017
-
In: Nature Climate Change. - 1758-678X .- 1758-6798. ; 7, s. 21-27
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A global North-South divide in research, and its negative consequences, has been highlighted in various scientific disciplines. Northern domination of science relevant to climate change policy and practice, and limited research led by Southern researchers in Southern countries, may hinder further development and implementation of global climate change agreements and nationally appropriate actions. Despite efforts to address the North-South divide, progress has been slow. In this Perspective, we illustrate the extent of the divide, review underlying issues and analyse their consequences for climate change policy development and implementation. We propose a set of practical steps in both Northern and Southern countries that a wide range of actors should take at global, regional and national scales to span the North-South divide, with examples of some actions already being implemented.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
The water–energy–food–land–climate nexus : Policy coherence for sustainable resource management in Sweden
- 2023
-
In: Environmental Policy and Governance. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1756-932X .- 1756-9338.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The concept of a ‘nexus’ across issues regarding the management of natural resources has gained increasing academic attention in recent years, but there is still relatively limited research on the application of the nexus approach for evaluating policies. This study analyses coherence among the main goals of five policy areas (water, energy, food, land, and climate) in Sweden, drawing upon a desk review, expert assessment, and interaction with stakeholders. The main objective is to enhance understanding of opportunities and challenges posed by such a nexus, understand policy interactions in Sweden, and provide insights into the use of policy coherence analysis as an integral part of resource nexus assessments. The analysis reveals synergies and conflicts between policy goals. For example, Sweden's environmental quality objectives (EQOs) regarding land and all the goals regarding water are either synergistic or neutral. Likewise, climate policy goals are well aligned with the goals regarding energy and ground water quality. On the other hand, the key goal for agriculture, which is food production, is the least coherent with those of the other policy areas. There are conflicts between the EQOs and goals regarding agricultural and forestry production. Stakeholders also indicate that climate goals are treated with higher priority than the goals of other policy areas. Notably, some interactions between policy goals are synergistic or conflicting depending on the context or their interpretation. Implementation of existing goals depends on relevant stakeholders' interests, priorities and interpretations, and on existing prevailing discourses in society, often supported by higher level policies.
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| 42. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
-
Think bigger for conservation
- 2011
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 470, s. 39-39
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
-
Urban ponds for people and by people
- 2016
-
In: Urban Landscape Ecology. - : Routledge. - 9781317497806 - 9781138888517 ; , s. 164-180
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)
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| 45. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata
(author)
-
What a forest? Whose forest? Struggles over concepts and meanings in the debate about the conservation of the Bialowieza Forest in Poland
- 2015
-
In: Forest Policy and Economics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1389-9341 .- 1872-7050. ; 57, s. 22-30
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper addresses the long-standing debate over the conservation and management of the Bialowieza Forest in North-eastern Poland, frequently referred to as the last, large, close-to-natural, temperate, lowland forest in Europe. With the present research we aim to document how particular conceptualisations of "forest" shaped the debate and the fate of the Bialowieza Forest. Based on our reconstruction and analysis of argumentation, three dominant discourses could be distinguished, each offering different concepts of forest and people-forest relationships: 1. 'managerial' - with foresters presented as stewards of the forest, actively managing it for sustainable outcomes; 2. 'livelihood' - considering the forest as local heritage and underlining its role in fulfilling people's needs; and 3. 'primaeval' - highlighting the forest's intrinsic value and natural processes, being an international concern. The three discourses remained remarkably stable over the past two decades, but their status of institutionalisation evolved, which in turn influenced their hegemony and power. Importantly, our study demonstrates the active role of parties involved in the debate as they used particular concepts (their own, those of others or new ones) for strategic purposes. We conclude that both the achieved hegemony of a discourse and the particular ways by which its concepts are mobilised by actors may play a decisive role in shaping debate and its policy outcomes. We suggest that future research should focus more on the role of actors in strategically using particular forest-related concepts in concrete situations and to what effects. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
What factors enable or hinder engagement of civil society in ecosystem management? : The case of "pike factories' and wetland restoration in Sweden
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0964-0568 .- 1360-0559. ; 61:5-6, s. 950-969
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Engaging civil society in conservation activities is an important complementary strategy to counteract ongoing biodiversity decline and loss of ecosystem services. Since 2011, the Swedish Anglers Association (SAA) has cooperated with landowners to restore wetlands nationwide. We investigated factors that enabled or hindered civil society-led wetland restoration in Sweden through interviews and surveys with the SAA's project leaders and landowners. Principal internal and external factors contributing to the project's implementation included: flexibility and adaptive management of its leadership; support from authorities and policies; the good reputation of the SAA team; and landowners' willingness to cooperate. The latter was linked to their feelings of environmental responsibility, the low investment required by them, and expectations of some benefits. We discuss the need to enable adaptive management in environmental management projects, adjust existing policies to their needs, and re-think funding strategies to consider the long-term nature of such projects.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, et al.
(author)
-
Why is it difficult to enlarge a protected area? Ecosystem services perspective on the conflict around the extension of the Bialowieza National Park in Poland
- 2014
-
In: Land Use Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0264-8377 .- 1873-5754. ; 38, s. 314-329
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study explains the difficulties with the enlargement of the Bialowieza National Park in Poland through an ecosystem services perspective. We carried out a questionnaire survey among the local communities to investigate local use of ecosystem services and respondents' attitude towards the national park enlargement. The results indicate that local people are not as dependent on forest resources as often claimed. Firewood proved a crucial resource as the vast majority of the respondents depended on it for heating their houses. We also found that the local population has a rather low awareness of the national park territory and rules involved. The results suggest that previous enlargement attempts might have failed because decision makers did not adequately consider resources the local people depend on. Lack of clear information and transparent decision-making also amplified the conflict. Future enlargement initiatives should provide clear rules concerning the local use of ecosystem services and the access to firewood in particular. Furthermore, new policies should be developed in cooperation with local people and accompanied by an appropriate information campaign. It is argued that the ecosystem services perspective provides important data which can inform more effective conservation policy-making. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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