The changing landscape of ecological networks

Abstract

a b s t r a c tEcological networks provide an operational methodology for the implementation of regional conservation strategy and planning that goes beyond protected area designation to integrate the spatial scale of ecological processes and social issues. However, the pertinence of ecological networks as a conservation strategy has recently provoked debate. In this paper we present a discussion of the conceptual limits of ecological network implementation in order to identify the issues which underlie the transition of models and knowledge from science to action. Our examination illustrates how a more collective and explicit management of complexity and uncertainty concerning the ecological processes which such networks supposedly integrate could greatly strengthen the links between science and policy and thereby provide for more effective spatial landscape planning. In this way, the ecological action network could be reframed not as a simple objective but rather as a means for integrated conservation policy.

Understanding protected area resilience: a multi‐scale, social‐ecological approach

“…4). PAs in contemporary conservation efforts are developed as networks (Vimal et al 2012). They are planned and increasingly managed as part of local, regional, and international conservation systems.…”

Entre expertises et jeux d’acteurs : la trame verte et bleue du Grenelle de l’environnement

“…Il semble par ailleurs que la définition et la représentation cognitive de la TVB soient clairement liées à la question de son identification spatiale, qui apparaît comme la condition sine qua non de sa mise en oeuvre. Ainsi, le guide propose qu'elle soit (Vimal et al, 2012), nous avons exposé comment la transmission d'un modèle scientifique (le modèle « taches-corridors-matrice ») de la communauté scientifique (à laquelle il permet de tester des hypothèses) à la société (où il devient l'unique repré-sentation d'un objet particulièrement complexe) suppose de considérer que le maintien d'un maillage écologique passe principalement par les capacités de déplacement des espèces d'un patch à un autre à l'échelle du paysage et relève ainsi d'une simplification conséquente de concepts écologiques complexes (Boitani et al, 2007).…”

A network approach to by-catch in a multi-species Mediterranean small-scale fishery

“…To date, however, the social and ecological components of fisheries management have been assessed separately. Ecologists have focused on an ecosystem-based approach, emphasizing species interactions -essentially food webs -and how the removal or addition of these interactions can push the ecosystems to tipping points (Beunen and Hagens, 2009;Blick and Burns, 2009;Leibenath, 2010;Vimal et al, 2012;Watts et al, 2011). Social scientists, in turn, have developed a sharper focus on interactions among stakeholders and within the governance systems (Hasler et al, 2011;Parsram and McConney, 2011;Trifonova et al, 2014).…”