Achieving forest biodiversity outcomes across scales, jurisdictions and sectors with cycles of adaptive management integrated through criteria and indicators

Abstract

The national forest strategy provided a model for Canada's international support for sustainable development, which later resulted in the development of a national biodiversity strategy. Adaptive management is a preferred approach for implementing such policies where incomplete knowledge and the highly variable dynamics associated with natural ecosystems are challenges. While the concept of adaptive management is embedded in various policies, complete implementation is only beginning in Canada. Case studies on adaptive management frameworks focusing on conservation and sustainable management of forest biodiversity compare how information has been integrated across spatial scales, jurisdictions and sectors of activity. To monitor progress in sustainable forest management, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers established a framework of criteria and indicators in 1995. The potential for criteria and indicators reporting to drive cross-scale adaptive management of Canada's biological resources is discussed. Key words: forest biodiversity, conservation, sustainable use, criteria and indicators, adaptive management, monitoring