Re-integrating ecology into integrated landscape approaches

Reed, James and Kusters, Koen and Barlow, Jos and Balinga, Michael and Borah, Joli Rumi and Carmenta, Rachel and Chervier, Colas and Djoudi, Houria and Gumbo, Davison and Laumonier, Yves and Moombe, Kaala B. and Yuliani, Elizabeth L. and Sunderland, Terry (2021) Re-integrating ecology into integrated landscape approaches. Landscape Ecology, 36. pp. 2395-2407. ISSN 0921-2973

Abstract

Context: Integrated landscape approaches (ILAs) that aim to balance conservation and development targets are increasingly promoted through science, policy, and the donor community. Advocates suggest that ILAs are viable implementing pathways for addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss, poverty alleviation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, we argue that recent advances in ILA research and discourse have tended to emphasize the social and governance dimensions, while overlooking ecological factors and inadequately considering potential trade-offs between the two fields. Objectives: By raising the issue of inadequate integration of ecology in ILAs and providing some general design suggestions, we aim to support and incentivise better design and practice of ILAs, supplementing existing design principles. Methods: In this perspective we draw on the recent literature and our collective experience to highlight the need, and the means, to re-integrate ecology into landscape approaches. Results: We suggest that better incorporation of the ecological dimension requires the integration of two approaches: one focusing on conventional scientific studies of biodiversity and biophysical parameters; and the other focusing on the engagement of relevant stakeholders using various participatory methods. We provide some general guidelines for how these approaches can be incorporated within ILA design and implementation. Conclusion: Re-integrating ecology into ILAs will not only improve ecological understanding (and related objectives, plans and monitoring), but will also generate insights into local and traditional knowledge, encourage transdisciplinary enquiry and reveal important conservation-development trade-offs and synergies.