1/17 #Rewilding Paper 4 is by Reed Noss published in 2003, a couple of years after Paper 3. It is titled ‘A checklist for wildlands network designs.’ And can be found in Conservation Biology.
2/17 Ever wondered how to design a science-based wildlands network / #rewilding project? Then check out this thread and this paper: researchgate.net/publication/22…
3/17 #rewilding is defined as ‘restoration of wilderness qualities and intact food webs' and the paper reports a checklist designed to assist the Wildlands Project develop regional conservation assessments and wildlands network designs that achieve science-based standards.
4/17 The checklist consists of 8 general standards, each of which has many specific criteria. The general standards are given below and you’ll have to check out the paper for the specific criteria.
5/17 1) ‘Scientists and other experts are intimately involved throughout the planning process, from the initial formulation of goals and hypotheses to the completion of the design and, in some cases, its implementation.’
6/17 2) ‘The methodology is rigorous and systematic, within the constraints imposed by broad-scale conservation planning, and seeks to address the stated goals and questions.’
7/17 3) ‘Methodology includes the three tracks of special elements, representation, and focal-species analysis. In addition, existing or potential threats to biodiversity are addressed.’
8/17 4) ‘Methodology is well documented and replicable; studies could be repeated by others.’
9/17 5) ‘Interpretation and application of results are congruent with principles (i.e., empirical generalizations) of conservation biology, demonstrate a good command of relevant literature and theory, and apply the precautionary principle.’
10/17 6) ‘Project is thoroughly peer reviewed. In addition, the wildlands network design is available to the public for review. Review comments are thoughtfully considered and addressed.’
11/17 7) ‘At least some of the results are publishable in reputable, peer-reviewed journals, as well as other outlets.’
12/17 8)‘The entire process, from developing research methods through implementation, is iterative and adaptive. There is no ‘final plan’; rather, the wildlands network design is continually refined and improved with feedback from research, monitoring, peer review, and practice.’
13/17 The features of this #rewilding plan checklist: 1) Very science focused in terms of including scientists and using science; 2) Strong commitment to transparency and peer-review; 3) Iterative and adaptive to ensure ever improvement.
14/17 The checklist is meant to be flexible and to encourage creativity and innovation. (Something I think is hugely important and needed in the conservation sector!) #ConservationOptimism
15/17 The specific standards are worth checking out and give some guidance to young rewilders about the skills they should develop: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Site-selection algorithms, Habitat suitability & population viability analysis. #rewilding skills
16/17 That is paper 4! Some practical/process-orientated advice to thinking about setting up a Wildlands Network. I think a key message is to ensure ecological knowledge is at the forefront of decision making.
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