A Conceptual Framework for Biodiversity Monitoring Programs in Conservation Areas

Daniel T. Dalton (), Vanessa Berger, Vanessa Adams, Judith Botha, Stephan Halloy, Hanns Kirchmeir, Andrej Sovinc, Klaus Steinbauer, Vid Švara and Michael Jungmeier
Additional contact information
Daniel T. Dalton: UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas, Engineering & IT, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach, Austria
Vanessa Berger: UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas, Engineering & IT, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach, Austria
Vanessa Adams: School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Rm. 439 Geography Building, Sandy Bay Campus, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
Judith Botha: Scientific Services Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Private Bag x 402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa
Stephan Halloy: Ministry for Primary Industries, P.O. Box 2526, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Hanns Kirchmeir: E.C.O. Institute for Ecology, Lakeside Park B07b, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
Andrej Sovinc: NaravaNarave d.o.o., Pod kostanji 44, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Klaus Steinbauer: UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas, Engineering & IT, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach, Austria
Vid Švara: UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas, Engineering & IT, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach, Austria
Michael Jungmeier: UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas, Engineering & IT, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach, Austria

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Maintaining and improving the state of biodiversity is a primary factor guiding management activities in conservation areas, including protected areas (PAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Due to the complex nature of conservation programs, a common management approach cannot be prescribed. Robust monitoring programs supporting management activities are required to evaluate the state of species and habitats. However, limited resources, poor data management practices, and competing requirements of stakeholder groups increase the challenges that must be addressed through realization of monitoring programs. We propose a framework of seven basic questions to guide conservation area managers to implement effective biodiversity monitoring techniques. The result is identification of indicators, site characteristics, and resources to promote the development of a biodiversity monitoring program. We call for adoption of a strategic guideline providing this framework to harmonize decision making processes across national and international networks. Implementation of this robust framework will support comparative monitoring data, contributing to systematic approaches for adaptive management in PAs and OECMs and improving the body of knowledge surrounding global biodiversity.

Keywords: adaptive management; long-term monitoring; monitoring guideline; biodiversity assessment; conservation; evidence-based decision-making (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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