Integrating carbon stocks and landscape connectivity for nature‐based climate solutions. Issue 1 (9th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Brien, Paul; Gunn, John S.; Clark, Alison; Gleeson, Jenny; Pither, Richard; Bowman, Jeff
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 13:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-01-09
• Subjects: biodiversity protection -- climate change mitigation -- conservation planning -- corridors and connectivity -- nature‐based solutions -- protected areas; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9725
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Actions to protect against biodiversity loss and climate change will require a framework that addresses synergies between these interrelated issues. In this study, we present methods for identifying areas important for the implementation of nature‐based climate solutions and biodiversity conservation by intersecting high‐resolution spatial data for carbon storage and landscape connectivity. We explored the spatial congruence of carbon and connectivity in Ontario, Canada and examined effectiveness of current protected areas coverage. We found a weak positive relationship between carbon stocks and landscape connectivity; however, our maps revealed large hotspots, with high values of both indices, throughout the boreal forest and northern peatlands and smaller, isolated hotspots, in the settled landscapes of the south. Location of hotspots varied depending on whether we considered forest or soil carbon. Further, our results show that current protected and conserved areas in Ontario only cover 13% of landscapes with the highest values for both carbon storage and connectivity. Protection or restoration of areas that maximize the co‐benefits of carbon storage and connectivity would make significant contributions toward ambitious national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity. Abstract : We identified areas important for the implementation of nature‐based climate solutions and biodiversity conservation in Ontario, Canada by intersecting high‐resolution spatial data for carbon storage and landscape connectivity. We found large hotspots, with high values for both indices, throughout the boreal forest and northern peatlands of the province. Further, our results show that current protected and conserved areas in Ontario only cover 13% of landscapes with the highest values for both carbon storage and connectivity suggesting these areas are priorities for protection and would make significant contributions toward ambitious national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity.