Shifting Gears for the Use of the Shifting Baseline Syndrome in Ecological Restoration

Abstract

There are two barriers to accomplishing restoration of ecosystems: insufficient information about historical baselines to guide restoration, and shifts between the actual baselines and perceptions about historical conditions. These two conditions generate a phenomenon called shifting baseline syndrome (SBS). Our study systematically reviewed and quantitatively analyzed the SBS studies. There is an increase and subsequent stabilization in the number of publications, 32% of scientific articles added new information and 5% of them delivered biological and social information required to demonstrate the SBS presence. Meta-analysis conducted showed an inconsistency between biological and social data. The inclusion of a greater amount of species in the biological data compared to social data produced the inconsistency. There must be an improvement in reporting both biological and social information to assess SBS. The integration of both sources of information would also enhance the success of restoration projects. The consideration of perceptions about resource users are also in accordance with global agreements about sustainable use of natural resources and ecological restoration.

Investigating the implications of shifting baseline syndrome on conservation

“…Evidence of the presence and impacts of SBS within a large public sample highlights the potential magnitude of SBS as a widespread concern, holding the power to impact conservation understanding, uptake and support on a global scale (Bonebrake et al., 2010; Guerrero‐Gatica et al., 2019; Humphries & Winemiller, 2009). In terms of conservation management, our study emphasizes the potential impacts of SBS on the strength of conclusions for conservation decision‐making, especially when informed by anecdotal perceptions of long‐term biological change (Anadón, GimÉnez, Ballestar, & Pérez, 2009; McClenachan, 2009; Thurstan et al., 2016).…”

“…This requirement necessitates the use of paired data techniques which can statistically compare the level of agreement between biological and social datasets at similar spatial and temporal scales (Gilchrist & Mallory, 2007;Huntington et al, 2004). A significant barrier to diagnosing SBS using this method is a lack of reliable ecological evidence of historical conditions or consistent long-term empirical data documenting change over multiple generations for many biological systems (Bonebrake, Christensen, Boggs, & Ehrlich, 2010;Campbell, Gray, Hazen, & Shackeroff, 2009;Guerrero-Gatica et al, 2019;Pinnegar & Engelhard, 2008). A recent meta-analysis by Guerrero-Gatica et al (2019) noted that while many studies suggest the existence of SBS, many do not provide adequate empirical evidence of SBS to be conclusive, often because this was not the primary objective of the study (e.g.…”

“…A recent meta‐analysis by Guerrero‐Gatica et al. (2019) noted that while many studies suggest the existence of SBS, many do not provide adequate empirical evidence of SBS to be conclusive, often because this was not the primary objective of the study (e.g. Ainsworth, Pitcher, & Rotinsulu, 2008; Kai et al., 2014; Lozano‐Montes et al., 2008; Thurstan, Buckley, Ortiz, & Pandolfi, 2016).…”

“…A significant barrier to diagnosing SBS using this method is a lack of reliable ecological evidence of historical conditions or consistent long-term empirical data documenting change over multiple generations for many biological systems (Bonebrake, Christensen, Boggs, & Ehrlich, 2010;Campbell, Gray, Hazen, & Shackeroff, 2009;Guerrero-Gatica et al, 2019;Pinnegar & Engelhard, 2008). A recent meta-analysis by Guerrero-Gatica et al (2019) noted that while many studies suggest the existence of SBS, many do not provide adequate empirical evidence of SBS to be conclusive, often because this was not the primary objective of the study (e.g. Ainsworth, Pitcher, & Rotinsulu, 2008;Kai et al, 2014;Lozano-Montes et al, 2008;Thurstan, Buckley, Ortiz, & Pandolfi, 2016).…”

Shifting Perspectives in Assessing Socio-Environmental Vulnerability

“…The longstanding ecological restoration framework remains a powerful and appealing tool for evaluating conditions and setting management directions; however, research has recommended greater focus on social indicators and consideration of local community perceptions when evaluating baselines for ecological restoration [77]. Furthermore, ecological restoration has the potential to contribute to injustices if strategies do not account for social impacts.…”