Semi-natural habitats in the European boreal region: Caught in the socio-ecological extinction vortex?

Abstract

We propose to consider semi-natural habitats—hotspots for biodiversity—being caught in a socio-ecological extinction vortex, similar to the phenomenon described for species threatened with extinction. These habitats are essentially socioecological systems, in which socioeconomic drivers are interlinked with ecological processes. We identify four highly interlinked and mutually reinforcing socio-economic processes, pertaining to the importance of semi-natural habitats for (i) agricultural production, (ii) policy, research and development; (iii) vocational education in the fields of agricultural sciences and (iv) public’s experiences with semi-natural habitats. Evidence from six countries in the boreal region demonstrates that recent slowing down or even reversal of two processes are insufficient to stop the extinction vortex phenomenon. We suggest research directions to ascertain the phenomenon, monitor its development and develop proactive actions to weaken the vortex. It is highly plausible that interventions directed at most, if not all, of the key vortex processes are needed to reverse the overall deteriorating trends of a socio-ecological system.

Contribution of High Nature Value farming systems to sustainable livestock production: A case from Finland

“…Semi-natural grasslands in particular achieve biodiversity conservation targets and act as reservoirs of genetic diversity in addition to supporting other ecosystem services, such as carbon stocking, water retention, soil erosion prevention, and aesthetic and cultural values (Herzon et al, 2022). We used the presence of semi-natural grasslands as an indicator of a specific and unique fraction of the overall biodiversity of a farm.…”

“…Forest also being the predominant land use type has lower additional values for the overall biodiversity as compared to relatively uncommon semi-natural grasslands. Therefore, abandonment of extensive managed farmland is considered having an adverse impact on biodiversity (Herzon et al, 2022;Plieninger et al, 2014).…”

Distance to semi‐natural habitats matters for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in wheat roots and wheat performance in a temperate agricultural landscape

“…This knowledge may help improve CAP regulations as well as local conflicts between nature protection agencies and farmers (Kernecker et al, 2022). Small semi‐natural habitats in agricultural landscapes are slowly recognised not only to be important for biodiversity conservation (Herzon et al, 2022; Tscharntke et al, 2021; Wintle et al, 2019), but also for sustainable crop production (Pywell et al, 2015). Farmers are under pressure to produce high yields as well as contribute to sustainable landscape management.…”

Transitions through the dynamics of adaptive cycles: Evolution of the Finnish agrifood system

“…The CAP, however, is not a very effective tool in intervening in issues such as recycling nutrients throughout the food system or disengaging from the use of fossil inputs. The overarching trends of specialisation and centralisation of production are difficult to counteract through the measures offered by agri-environmental schemes, and thus the measures can, at best, only slow down the negative environmental developments such as declining agricultural biodiversity or dwindling carbon content in the soil (Herzon et al, 2022;Yli-Viikari, 2019). For these reasons, the agri-environmental policies are considered to have failed to meet their environmental targets Kuokkanen et al, 2018).…”