A Synthetic Framework to Match Concepts and Approaches When Managing Anthropogenic Threats

Abstract

Anthropogenic threats impacting ecological targets should be mitigated and solved using fast and schematic tools useful in conservation strategies. Herein, we suggest a mixed and quick approach implementing coarse-grained (and expert-based) threat analysis with the fine-grained (and analytical) DPSIR (driving forces, pressure, status, impact, and response) framework of indicators, all included in a single causal chain. Both approaches are largely used in conservation but never combined. A simulated example of the application of the set of indicators (status, pressure, impact, and response) on dune ecosystems (and nested targets represented by halo-psammophilous plants) has been included. Due to its schematic format, values as targets, pressures as threats, and responses as conservation strategies have been unified in a single conceptual framework. This synthetic framework can also be used to communicate to academic students the complexities of socio-ecological systems on the conservation front lines using a simplified cause–effect chain.