Key information needs to move from knowledge to action for biodiversity conservation in Canada. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buxton, Rachel T.; Bennett, Joseph R.; Reid, Andrea J.; Shulman, Charles; Cooke, Steven J.; Francis, Charles M.; Nyboer, Elizabeth A.; Pritchard, Gary; Binley, Allison D.; Avery-Gomm, Stephanie; Ban, Natalie C.; Beazley, Karen F.; Bennett, Elena; Blight, Louise K.; Bortolotti, Lauren E.; Camfield, Alaine F.; Gadallah, Fawziah; Jacob, Aerin L.; Naujokaitis-Lewis, Ilona; Raudsepp-Hearne, Ciara; Roche, Dominique G.; Soulard, François; Stralberg, Diana; Sadler, Kella D.; Solarik, Kevin A.; Ziter, Carly D.; Brandt, James; McKindsey, Christopher W.; Greenwood, David A.; Boxall, Peter C.; Ngolah, Cyprian F.; Chan, Kai M.A.; Lapen, David; Poser, Scott; Girard, Judith; DiBacco, Claudio; Hayne, Shari; Orihel, Diane; Lewis, Doug; Littlechild, Danika; Marshall, Shawn J.; McDermott, Larry; Whitlow, Rod; Browne, David; Sunday, Jennifer; Smith, Paul A.;
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 256(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Convention on biological diversity -- Ethical space -- Indigenous knowledge systems -- Knowledge-action gap -- Interdisciplinary -- Transformative change; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108983
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Abstract: To address the ongoing global biodiversity crisis, conservation approaches must be underpinned by robust information. Canada is uniquely positioned to contribute to meeting global biodiversity targets, with some of the world's largest remaining intact ecosystems, and a commitment to co-application of Indigenous ways of knowing alongside scientific, socioeconomic, and other approaches. We elicited input from experts across a range of disciplines to identify the key information needed to advance policy and management actions to conserve biodiversity in Canada. Experts concluded that, in many cases, a lack of information is not the major barrier to biodiversity conservation; instead, mechanisms to translate information into action are most urgently needed. Recognizing multiple ways of knowing, especially Indigenous knowledge systems, will be critical to support the transformative change needed to conserve biodiversity at a national scale. Collaboration among natural, social and data scientists can facilitate social change and biodiversity information management. Experts identified 50 priority information needs which emphasize the importance of (i) reviewing policies and actions and disseminating lessons learned from successes and failures; (ii) better understanding mechanisms to build public support; (iii) improving, in specific instances, understanding of the status and trends of habitats, species, ecosystems, and threats for planning and management; and (iv) mobilizing biodiversity information. Through the Convention on Biological Diversity, the global community has resolved to "live in harmony with nature"; through our Canadian case-study, we conclude that the most pressing need to address this resolution is an improved understanding of how to move from conservation knowledge to conservation action. Highlights: Experts listed 50 key needs to transform biodiversity conservation in Canada. Translating information into action is often more urgent than collecting new data. Creating space for Indigenous knowledge systems is critical for success. Improving policy and building public support requires a transdisciplinary approach. Some key monitoring data are still required, where the gaps are impeding action.