Biodiversity Considerations Research Articles

Biodiversity reporting: Comparing listed entities in the United Kingdom and South Africa

Purpose: This research conducts an analysis of biodiversity reporting among a sample of companies listed on the stock exchanges of South Africa (SA) and the United Kingdom (UK). The aim is to present empirical evidence on how organisations address and report on biodiversity-related matters to their stakeholders and investors.Design/methodology/approach: A disclosure schematic is developed and applied to the selected companies using content analysis to analyse their biodiversity-related disclosures and draw comparisons between the two jurisdictions.Findings/results: Results indicate that South African organisations demonstrate a higher level of visibility in their biodiversity reporting when compared to their UK counterparts. The primary reason for this is because of a higher biodiversity ranking and hosting more biodiversity hotspots, which impact South African organisations. However, UK companies tend to provide more quantitative and valuation-based disclosures because of their advanced management information systems, professional standards network support and access to financial resources. In general, it is observed that biodiversity reporting is still in its nascent stage in both jurisdictions and offers limited insight into the understanding of biodiversity by organisations and their ability to incorporate direct and indirect impacts into their business models, risk assessment and strategy implementation.Practical implications: The disclosure schematic serves as a valuable tool for evaluating biodiversity reporting in different national contexts and provides a framework for companies developing biodiversity action plans. The findings help stakeholders assess organisations’ progress in achieving biodiversity objectives and integrating biodiversity considerations into business operations.Originality/value: This study makes two unique contributions to the literature. First, it provides one of the first comparative analyses of biodiversity reporting between a developing and developed economy, offering novel insights into how different jurisdictional contexts influence reporting practices. Second, it develops and applies a comprehensive disclosure schematic that enables evaluation of both symbolic and substantive biodiversity reporting approaches, advancing our understanding of how organisations integrate biodiversity considerations into their reporting and operations.

An Empirical Study on Biodiversity Disclosure and Firm’s Market Value in North America Based on Linear Regression Model

Biodiversity loss is a pressing global risk poised to significantly impact the corporate landscape over the next decade. As companies face escalating demands for transparency, non-financial disclosures, especially those concerning ESG factors, have garnered considerable attention. However, there is a notable deficiency in disclosures specifically highlighting biodiversity, an oversight this paper aims to address. Employing an empirical approach, this study scrutinizes the influence of biodiversity disclosure on corporate market value, focusing on a U.S. firm sample. This paper uncover a robust positive relationship between the level of biodiversity disclosure and a firm's market valuation. This correlation underscores the growing investor and stakeholder interest in corporate biodiversity initiatives. This analysis further reveals that the market value impact of biodiversity disclosure is not uniform. It varies with corporate size and industry characteristics, with small-sized and high-pollution firms experiencing a more substantial effect. This variability suggests that the market rewards smaller and more environmentally impactful companies for their transparency and commitment to biodiversity conservation. Drawing on Signaling Theory, Legitimacy Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the motivations behind biodiversity disclosure and its tangible market impact. It highlights the strategic significance of integrating biodiversity considerations into corporate communications and underscores the need for further research into the nexus between ecological stewardship and financial success. The findings advocate for a proactive corporate approach to biodiversity, aligning with the growing market demand for environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.

The Doughnut Biotool: A tool to assess life-cycle biodiversity impacts from building projects

Abstract Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is widely used in certifications, regulations, and voluntary declarations covering the climate impact of buildings over their entire value chain. However, biodiversity impacts and other environmental impact categories are often disregarded. Conversely, there is a trend towards more systematic assessments of the biodiversity impacts that occur on-site as part of development projects (e.g. land transformation on the project site). However, off-site biodiversity impacts occurring throughout the rest of the value chain (e.g. from forestry activities, mining, manufacturing, heat and electricity production) are rarely considered. To bridge this gap, this article introduces the Doughnut Biotool, an open-source calculation tool to assess biodiversity impacts throughout the entire life cycle of development projects. The tool was initially developed to help implement Doughnut Economics and absolute sustainability principles in development projects. It constitutes a first step towards a better consideration of biodiversity impacts related to material- and energy use in building and construction projects. This paper presents the design of the tool and the method and data it relies on. The tool is applied to two separate case study projects, and used as a basis to discuss hotspots of biodiversity impacts within the building’s life cycle. Finally, the paper includes a discussion of the main challenges and opportunities for the future development and use of the tool, as well as for biodiversity impact assessments in the building sector as a whole.

Cumulative collision risk and population-level consequences of industrial wind-power plant development for two vulture species: A quantitative warning

Prioritizing renewable energy generation over the conservation of natural habitats and species on a large spatial scale, leads to the paradox of impacting biodiversity to mitigate climate change. In this study, we aim at quantifying the long-term demographic impact of the excess mortality caused by collisions with wind turbines on the populations of two vulture species of conservation concern. Using long-term monitoring data and Integrated Population Models (IPMs), we quantified demographic parameters and projected population trends under various wind power development scenarios. Our findings indicate that even under our most optimistic scenarios, annual collision mortality could reach up to 30 % of the current Cinereous vulture population and 7 % of the Griffon vulture population. Without further wind power expansion, both vulture populations are predicted to remain stable or increase over the next 20 years. However, the addition of 85 wind turbines is likely to drive the Cinereous vulture to local extinction within 18 years and significantly slow the growth of the Griffon vulture population. Scenarios involving larger numbers of turbines could result in the extinction of both species within two to five years for Cinereous vultures and up to 20 years for Griffon vultures, depending on space use intensity. Our results underscore the vulnerability of long-lived species to excess mortality and highlight the need for comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) that incorporate population dynamics analyses. Effective conservation strategies must include rigorous pre- and post-construction monitoring, the availability of monitoring data, and cumulative impact assessments that consider the entire foraging range of these species. Additionally, strategic planning to avoid critical vulture habitats and implementing mitigation measures in buffer zones are essential. This study emphasizes the necessity of integrating biodiversity considerations into renewable energy planning to balance the goals of energy production and wildlife conservation.

A metric for tradable biodiversity credits quantifying impacts on global extinction risk

AbstractThe difficulty in identifying appropriate metrics for the impacts organizations have on biodiversity remains a major barrier to the inclusion of biodiversity considerations in environmentally responsible investment. We derive and analyze a simple metric: the sum of the proportional changes in the global abundances of species caused by an organization, with a regularization to cover the case of species close to extinction. We argue mathematically that this metric quantifies changes in the mean long‐term global survival probability of species. The metric thus supports the objective “to significantly reduce extinction risk” of the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework and allows organizations to set themselves corresponding science‐based targets. We show that in a perfect market trade in biodiversity credits quantified by our metric would lead to near‐optimal allocation of resources to species conservation. We further show that metric values are quantitatively convertible to several other metrics and indices already in use. Barriers to adoption are therefore low. Used in conjunction with metrics addressing ecosystem services and integrity, potential areas of application include biodiversity related financial disclosures and voluntary or legislated biodiversity credit or no net loss policies.

Regulatory framework for the assessment of the impacts of plant protection products on biodiversity: review of strengths and limits.

The placing of plant protection products (PPPs) on the market in the European Union is governed by numerous regulations. These regulations are among the most stringent in the world, however they have been the subject of criticisms especially because of the decline in biodiversity. The objectives of this work were to review (1) the functioning and actors involved in the PPP framework processes, (2) the construction of the environmental risk assessment focused on biodiversity, and (3) the suggested ways to respond to the identified limits. Both literature from social sciences and ecotoxicology were examined. Despite the protective nature of the European regulation on PPPs, the very imperfect consideration of biodiversity in the evaluation process was underlined. The main limits are the multiplicity of applicable rules, the routinization of the evaluation procedures, the lack of consideration of social data, and the lack of independence of the evaluation. Strengths of the regulation are the decision to integrate a systemic approach in the evaluation of PPPs, the development of modeling tools, and the phytopharmacovigilance systems. The avenues for improvement concern the realism of the risk assessment (species used, cocktail effects…), a greater transparency and independence in the conduct of evaluations, and the opening of the evaluation and decision-making processes to actors such as beekeepers or NGOs. Truly interdisciplinary reflections crossing the functioning of the living world, its alteration by PPPs, and how these elements question the users of PPPs would allow to specify social actions, public policies, and their regulation to better protect biodiversity.

The Evolution of Open Space Planning within a Developing, Biodiverse City (Durban, South Africa)

Conserving and restoring biodiversity is central to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The need to curb biodiversity loss through the mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations within land-use planning is consistently highlighted in global biodiversity assessments intended for policymakers and practitioners. We present a Global South local government-led examination of the mainstreaming of biodiversity issues within a biodiversity hotspot area. Here, we evaluated the four-decade-long evolution in open space planning in Durban, South Africa, in response to shifting urbanisation, governance and policy/legislative contexts. We assessed the role of science in responding to contextual changes, the need for champions, and key institutional interventions undertaken to embed a biodiversity function within local government. In addition, we investigated how biodiversity concerns have been incorporated into land-use planning applications via the city’s environmental planning function. We provide evidence of the advancement of mainstreaming biodiversity concerns within local government processes, institutional functions, and land-use decision-making. This has been achieved through effective and sustained leadership; the use of science and scientific information in advancing the policy and legislative environment and building political support by responding to shifting governance contexts; investment in institutional scientific capacity and generating scale-appropriate biodiversity information. Learnings from this paper may be useful for other local governments addressing biodiversity loss through land-use planning processes, by identifying critical investment areas that may shorten the time required for effective mainstreaming.

Development of Forest Carbon Offsetting: Challenges, Opportunities and Implications

The urgent need to mitigate climate change has led to the exploration of innovative strategies, with forest carbon offsetting emerging as a promising avenue for sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. This research paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of development in forest carbon offsetting initiatives, examining both advancements and persistent challenges. The paper begins by elucidating the significance of forests in the global carbon cycle and their pivotal role in climate change mitigation. It subsequently explores the evolution of forest carbon offsetting projects, encompassing afforestation, reforestation, and conservation efforts. Despite the progress made in forest carbon offsetting, the paper addresses several critical challenges hindering its widespread implementation. Issues such as land tenure uncertainties, governance gaps, and the lack of standardized protocols for carbon accounting are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the paper sheds light on the importance of community engagement, emphasizing the need for projects to align with local needs and respect cultural practices. Biodiversity considerations and potential ecological impacts are also scrutinized, emphasizing the imperative of balancing carbon sequestration goals with biodiversity preservation. The research concludes by proposing recommendations for overcoming these challenges, including the establishment of clear and standardized protocols, fostering international collaboration, and enhancing community participation. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted landscape surrounding the development of forest carbon offsetting, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners striving to advance effective and sustainable climate change mitigation strategies.

Biodiverse residential development: A review of New Zealand policies and strategies for urban biodiversity

Urban residential development is expanding globally to accommodate increasing housing demand, greatly impacting biodiversity and human wellbeing. Enhanced sustainability of these developments requires an integrated approach to conserving, supporting, and restoring biodiversity through the built environment and understanding the implications of residential development policies, regulations, and guidelines. This paper details a review of current New Zealand policies, strategies, planning documents, and design guidelines that inform urban design and planning at national, regional, and local levels. Three major gaps in biodiversity considerations and opportunities for improvement in residential developments were identified. Firstly, current policies and strategies tend to protect significant indigenous habitats, but the interventions required to improve or retain biodiversity in residential developments are not explicitly considered. Secondly, there is a need for design guidelines with explicit biodiversity outcomes. Thirdly, existing planning documents and guidelines do not account for biodiversity monitoring and management and could be amended to include biodiversity-related outcomes. We conclude that current New Zealand policies and strategies related to residential developments are inadequate and fail to recognise or encourage the enhancement of urban biodiversity in any meaningful way. Holistic and strategic ecosystem-based approaches are required to protect and enhance urban biodiversity and human wellbeing through the built environment to ensure that biodiversity continues to thrive in New Zealand cities and enrich the lives of urban residents.

GIS-based decision support tool for evidence-based policy making for biodiversity protection

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based decision support systems can play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity in spatial planning. These systems use spatial data and analytical tools to help decision-makers identify areas of high biodiversity value and prioritize conservation efforts. By integrating data on species distribution, habitat suitability, and land use, GIS decision support systems can also identify potential threats to biodiversity and assess the impact of different management scenarios. Additionally, GIS decision support systems can be used to monitor the effectiveness of conservation efforts and identify areas where additional action is needed. GIS decision support systems provide a powerful tool for integrating biodiversity considerations into spatial planning and can help to ensure that conservation efforts are targeted to where they will be most effective. In the area of biodiversity protection, we are also faced with two phenomena: (1) overflow of data and information from various countries and areas, supported by open data policies and technical solutions (e.g. GIS) for producing and storing copious amounts of data; and (2) challenge to navigate in the data and incompatibility of data due to various methodologies, scales etc. For policy makers it is increasingly difficult to produce evidence-based policies as it is relatively easy to find arguments to support multiple attitudes and measures. The aim of this paper is to present a tool produced by Interreg DTP SaveGREEN and ConnectGREEN Projects aimed at fostering evidence-based policy making in the field of biodiversity protection. The Decision Support Tool, an interactive GIS-based support tool prepared as a help mainly in the pre-planning phase of the decision-making process about new investments in the territory. Objective of this tool is to help nature conservationists and spatial planners to provide evidence for policy makers in the policy making preparation processes aimed at protecting the biodiversity of Carpathians.

Conceptualising Marine Biodiversity Mainstreaming as an Enabler of Regional Sustainable Blue Growth: The Case of the European Atlantic Area

After recognizing the importance of marine and coastal resources and the use of marine space for economic growth, the European Union (EU) created and implemented a long-term Blue Economy (BE) strategy that supports the development of traditional and emerging marine and maritime sectors, aiming at the enhancement of Blue Growth (BG). However, despite the existence of a robust policy framework that supports the expansion of BE sectors at both an EU Sea Basin and state level, scholars have been sceptical as to whether the pursuit of BG adequately addresses the challenges that usually come with economic development, including those of climate change and marine biodiversity loss. Various frameworks for integrating sectoral goals with each other and with environmental goals that could facilitate the transition towards Sustainable Blue Growth (SBG) already exist and have been suggested and promoted by the European Commission, such as Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). They require the consideration of marine ecosystems and biodiversity and their protection as one of the BE sectors to be integrated via planning and management, which in turn requires the estimation of the value of ecosystem services and the spatial implications thereof. Nonetheless, there is little evidence or real-world examples on whether and how ecosystems, and within them coastal and marine biodiversity, are actually integrated (i.e., mainstreamed) when developing sectoral policies and planning and implementing economic activities at sea at various scales, i.e., local, national, and regional, and what the necessary steps and actions are that would facilitate such mainstreaming. By seeking evidence in EU and Atlantic Arc (AA) member states’ sectoral policies on marine tourism, ports and shipping, marine renewable energy, and fisheries and aquaculture (as promoted by the Atlantic Maritime Strategy and its corresponding action plans) and in the outcomes of the Interreg Atlantic Funded Research Project MOSES (aiming at valuating a Sustainable Blue Economy at the national and regional scale of the EU AA), the present article focused on understanding if and how marine biodiversity is taken into consideration by EU and AA BE and/or BG policies, strategies, and sectoral developments. Τhe selected sectoral policies demonstrate a good uptake of marine-ecosystem- and biodiversity-related challenges; however, at both the EU and the AA member-state level, it is unclear whether and how marine ecosystems and biodiversity are addressed as a separate BE sector. As such, we argue why and how Marine Biodiversity Mainstreaming (MBM) could address this gap, and hence it could contribute to planning, implementing, and managing maritime economic activities towards SBG at the Sea Basin level. This is demonstrated by illustrating the central role of MBM in enabling (and being further enabled by) the above integrative frameworks (i.e., MSP and EBM) and by presenting the key elements and actions required for such facilitation.

Trade-offs between higher productivity and lower environmental impacts for biodiversity-friendly and conventional cattle-oriented systems

CONTEXTBiodiversity loss caused by livestock production is a key environmental issue. Biodiversity-friendly livestock systems aim to favour biodiversity mainly for its own sake. Environmental impacts of biodiversity-friendly livestock systems have not been studied, nor have trade-offs between higher productivity and lower environmental impacts of these systems. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to (i) assess the productivity and environmental impacts of a sample of cattle-oriented production systems representing a wide range of external inputs, productivity and consideration of biodiversity; (ii) identify trade-offs among the objectives of lower input use, higher productivity, lower environmental impacts and higher energy return on investment (EROI); (iii) relate the systems' production strategies to the trade-offs identified and (iv) identify perspectives for biodiversity-friendly livestock systems. METHODSThis study assessed the productivity and environmental impacts of a sample of seven cattle-oriented production systems: an agricultural rewilding system (biodiversity-friendly, in England), three suckler beef systems (two of them considered biodiversity-friendly, in France) and three dairy systems (one biodiversity-friendly and one conventional, in France). Life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to assess six environmental impacts (i.e. terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, land occupation, and in particular, climate change and energy demand) and was combined with calculation of EROI. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSPer hectare of land occupied to produce livestock and their feed, production of human-edible animal protein and environmental impacts of these systems increased as energy demand (i.e. input use) increased. Per hectare, human-edible animal protein production, energy demand and climate change impact (considering carbon dynamics) ranged from 5 kg, 90 MJ and −5.5 t CO2-eq., respectively, for the agricultural rewilding system to 239 kg, 20,496 MJ and 8.3 t CO2-eq., respectively, for the conventional French dairy farm. Patterns of trade-offs varied among the production strategies of the farms. The four biodiversity-friendly farms in the sample had low productivity but also low environmental impacts per ha, especially for climate change and energy demand, due to being extensive systems with relatively high self-sufficiency. Biodiversity-friendly farms also had higher EROI than other farms that produced the same products. Using LCA to assess biodiversity-friendly systems, in particular agricultural rewilding, challenges its ability to consider natural baseline emissions and non-provisioning ecosystem services. SIGNIFICANCEThese results emphasise the need to consider the multiple functions of these systems and their overall environmental performances and sustainability. Current economic and social trends may provide opportunities for biodiversity-friendly livestock systems as a possible future for livestock systems.

Integrating Biodiversity into Business Strategy: Theoretical Foundations and Exemplary Cases

In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, it has become imperative to integrate biodiversity considerations into business strategies. This study explores the dynamics of integrating biodiversity concerns into corporate strategy as an innovative approach to reconciling competitiveness and profitability with biodiversity conservation. It examines the many impacts of business practices on biodiversity, explaining how unsustainable practices lead to habitat destruction, species loss and environmental degradation. By analyzing case studies, the paper shows how companies can become active contributors to biodiversity conservation through strategic changes in operating models. At the heart of the discussion is the conceptualization of biodiversity as a fundamental business asset. The paper presents a compelling case for adopting a holistic view that recognizes biodiversity as an essential resource underpinning long-term business resilience and productivity. By applying the principles of integrating biodiversity, companies can build sustainable supply chains, drive innovation, and gain a competitive advantage in a changing market.

Perceptions of urban green infrastructures for climate change adaptation in Lausanne, Switzerland: unveiling the role of biodiversity and planting composition

This interdisciplinary study addresses the gap in understanding the perceptions of individuals regarding the role of urban green infrastructures (UGIs) in climate change adaptation, particularly with respect to biodiversity and planting composition. While climate-responsive design strategies commonly focus on increasing permeable green spaces and canopy coverage, the explicit consideration of biodiversity remains limited. By introducing a novel analytical framework, we investigate how residents in Lausanne, Switzerland, assess the impact of biodiversity and planting composition on the potential of UGIs to adapt cities to climate change. Through a questionnaire-based survey (N = 527) and the use of photomontages and statistics, we examine the perceived potential of biodiverse versus uniform planting compositions to address climate change adaptation in Lausanne. Our findings demonstrate that respondents perceive biodiverse planting compositions as more successful strategies, attributing greater importance to trees in adaptation efforts, while overlooking the contributions of biodiverse herbaceous and shrub strata and soil permeability. Additionally, site characteristics associated with specific urban conditions significantly influence these perceptions. This evidence is subsequently discussed in two ways. Firstly, our analytical framework contributes to assessing the potential of UGIs in climate change adaptation, shedding light on the significance of planting composition. Secondly, the research emphasizes the need to transition from conventional climate-responsive approaches to more nuanced and sensitive methodologies that consider the multifaceted aspects of biodiversity. Such an approach holds promise for advancing the understanding of UGIs in climate change adaptation and informs future research directions.

Effect of Nitrogen, Calcium and Nano Fertilizers on Growth Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.): A Review

Strawberry cultivation represents a significant sector within the agriculture industry. The use of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), and nano fertilizers has emerged as an essential practice to improve both the yield and quality of strawberries. This comprehensive review aims to explore the multifaceted influence of these fertilizers on Fragaria × ananassa Duch, encompassing growth, quality, and environmental considerations. The study begins with an examination of historical perspectives and existing research, identifying gaps in the literature. The methodology includes a rigorous selection process for studies, with data extraction, quality assessment, and statistical analysis. The effects of N, Ca, and nano fertilizers on growth yield are thoroughly examined, considering their combined and individual contributions. The quality of strawberries is assessed based on physical appearance, nutritional content, and sensory characteristics, highlighting the role of these nutrients in color development, size, texture, vitamin content, sugar-acid balance, flavor, and aroma. The environmental impact is another critical aspect, exploring the effect on soil quality, including nutrient leaching, soil structure, microbial activity, and long-term health. The impact on surrounding ecosystems considers aquatic and terrestrial effects, biodiversity considerations, and the associated sustainability considerations. These encompass resource efficiency, environmental compliance, life cycle analysis, and integration with sustainable agricultural practices. Findings indicate that while N, Ca, and nano fertilizers significantly enhance growth and quality, careful management is essential to mitigate potential environmental concerns. The application of nano fertilizers presents promising opportunities for precise nutrient delivery, promoting efficiency, and sustainability. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research, innovation, and responsible management of these fertilizers in achieving a harmonious balance between productivity, quality, and environmental stewardship. The insights provided in this review contribute valuable knowledge to both scientific and agricultural communities, offering guidance for future research and best practices in strawberry cultivation.

Vegetation on the embankment slope two years after revegetation in consideration of local biodiversity of Miyajima Island

Vegetation on the embankment slope two years after revegetation in consideration of local biodiversity of Miyajima Island

Synergies between the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement: the role of policy milestones, monitoring frameworks and safeguards

ABSTRACT The 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and Paris Agreement (PA) are highly complementary agreements where each depends on the other’s success to be effective. The GBF offers a very specific framework of interim goals and targets that break down the objective of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) into a decade-spanning work plan. Comprised of 10 sections – including a 2050 vision and a 2030 mission, four overarching goals and 23 specific targets – the GBF is expected to guide biodiversity policy around the world in the coming years to decades. A similar set of global interim climate policy targets could translate the global temperature goal into concrete policy milestones that would provide policy makers and civil society with reference points for policy making and efforts to hold governments accountable. Beyond inspiring climate policy experts to convert temperature goals into policy milestones, GBF has the potential to strengthen the implementation of the PA at the nexus of biodiversity and climate (adaptation and mitigation) action. For example, the GBF can help to ensure that nature-based climate solutions are implemented with full consideration of biodiversity concerns, of the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and with fair and transparent benefit sharing arrangements. In sum, the GBF should be mandatory reading for all climate policy makers.

The Digital Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (DAKIS): Employing digitalisation to encourage diversified and multifunctional agricultural systems

Multifunctional and diversified agriculture can address diverging pressures and demands by simultaneously enhancing productivity, biodiversity, and the provision of ecosystem services. The use of digital technologies can support this by designing and managing resource-efficient and context-specific agricultural systems. We present the Digital Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (DAKIS) to demonstrate an approach that employs digital technologies to enable decision-making towards diversified and sustainable agriculture. To develop the DAKIS, we specified, together with stakeholders, requirements for a knowledge-based decision-support tool and reviewed the literature to identify limitations in the current generation of tools. The results of the review point towards recurring challenges regarding the consideration of ecosystem services and biodiversity, the capacity to foster communication and cooperation between farmers and other actors, and the ability to link multiple spatiotemporal scales and sustainability levels. To overcome these challenges, the DAKIS provides a digital platform to support farmers' decision-making on land use and management via an integrative spatiotemporally explicit approach that analyses a wide range of data from various sources. The approach integrates remote and in situ sensors, artificial intelligence, modelling, stakeholder-stated demand for biodiversity and ecosystem services, and participatory sustainability impact assessment to address the diverse drivers affecting agricultural land use and management design, including natural and agronomic factors, economic and policy considerations, and socio-cultural preferences and settings. Ultimately, the DAKIS embeds the consideration of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and sustainability into farmers' decision-making and enables learning and progress towards site-adapted small-scale multifunctional and diversified agriculture while simultaneously supporting farmers' objectives and societal demands.

Response relationship between vegetation structure and runoff-sediment yield in the hilly and gully area of the Loess Plateau, China

The structure of the vegetation has a significant impact on how much runoff and sediment is produced. Choosing the right parameters to evaluate the correlations between vegetation and runoff-sediment yield, however, is fraught with uncertainty. We chose 18 vegetation plots with a range of vegetation types and structural characteristics for this study to investigate the applicability of various vegetation structure parameters in identify in the response relationship between vegetation and runoff-sediment yield through field artificial rainfall experiments. The vegetation coverage, stratified vegetation cover index (Cs), species diversity and functional diversity were among the criteria of vegetation structure. The findings revealed that: (1) There was a significant difference in the runoff start time and sediment yield differed significantly between vegetation types, with shrub communities having a longer start time and the lowest sediment yield; (2) The vegetation coverage of the community had a significant impact on the runoff start time and, when combined with Cs, explained 48% of the runoff start time. (3) Simpson index (D) and functional richness (FRic) significantly influenced the total runoff yield and along with Cs explained 46% of the total runoff yield. Cs, coverage and FRic also positively influenced the runoff end time, with a total explanation of 29%. Functional divergence (FDiv) had a significant negative effect on the total sediment yield. Together with coverage and Cs, FDiv explained 66% of the total sediment yield. These results demonstrated how biodiversity consideration helped to clarify connections between vegetation structure and runoff-sediment yield.

Public authorities for transformative change: integration principle in public funding

Although science widely supports moving towards transformative change through integrating biodiversity into decision-making, and arguing for the essential role of public authorities, it falls short on suggesting specific means to that end. This article considers the EU’s approach to fostering the green transition as part of its post-pandemic recovery while exploring how the integration of biodiversity considerations could be integrated into decision-making. The rationale and implementation of the EU’s do no harm principle is examined, which functioned as a condition for public funds. The analysis shows the mentioned EU policy innovation has a very limited impact. The role of do no harm has been limited to validating, rather than initiating policy measures. It has failed to influence the design of measures such that they would benefit biodiversity and not encouraged synergies between the climate and biodiversity goals. Based on the experience with do no harm as well as the more focussed regulatory action directed at the goal of climate neutrality, the article lists key steps for fostering biodiversity integration in policy planning and policy implementation. These steps encompass substantive and procedural approaches and aim for deliberation, target-setting, tracking, verification and screening. There is considerable scope for robust regulation to play a role in support of the biodiversity goals alongside transformative bottom-up initiatives.