Matching compensation sites with potential ecological compensation (EC) actions

(Poster)

Clara Lizarazo
clara.lizarazotorres@helsinki.fi

Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
,
Beñat Olascoaga
benat.olascoagagracia@helsinki.fi

Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
,
Panu Halme
Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

DOI: 10.17011/conference/eccb2018/107367

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Ecological compensation (EC) is the practice of transforming an area to recover ecological functions and characteristics that have been impaired due to the exploitation of natural resources (e.g. mining, logging) and changes in land-use (e.g. urbanization, transformation of the land into farmland). EC is usually done at large scales and seldom times at smaller scales that could involve citizen actions.

Our newly launched project "Science embracing art to launch small scale ecological compensation actions" aims to reach out to citizens in Finland to raise their awareness of nature conservation, make them familiar with the EC concept and increase their willingness to get involved in EC actions. The EC concept will be explored from the perspective of a wide range of citizens, including different focus groups that will be invited to participate in a set of workshops. The project will have a pseudonym name in Finnish to evoke the EC concept, so that it is easily understood and memorable by citizens.

As part of this project, we will develop an EC platform where citizens can suggest sites for EC activities. We will assess key characteristics (e.g. soil type, ecosystem type, state of degradation) in the suggested sites for EC actions. Afterwards, we will classify the sites according to shared characteristics. We will then suggest a set of potential EC actions ranging from simple/short-term to complex/long-term actions for the different sites. Thus, we aim to produce an efficient platform where sites are matched with potential EC actions. The effectiveness of the EC actions conducted on compensated sites will be assessed over time by using ecological indicators such as species richness and community structure. The above mentioned conservation ecology elements of the project, will be encompassed with the study of legal framework, social science and artistic elements.

Depending on the degree of equivalency with the original ecosystem, EC actions can be classified as either in-kind or out-of-kind (Cuperus et al. 1999; Villarroya et al. 2014). Our project will make use of both types, and will also make use of private gardens as one of the focal points where EC actions can be implemented to compensate for the environmental impact of regular citizens. The project aims to raise awareness of EC and motivate citizens to volunteer for EC actions in various sites.

A flow chart of the key characteristics to be used in building the EC platform will be presented in the congress. In addition, our poster will also show the key social and ecological aspects to be studied in the garden study.

Cuperus R., Canters K.J., Udo de Haes H.A., Friedman D.S. 1999. Guidelines for ecological compensation associated with highways. Biological Conservation 90: 41-51.

Villarroya A., Persson J., Puig J. 2014. Ecological compensation: From general guidance and expertise to specific proposals for road developments. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 45: 54-62.

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INTRO:
The manuscript discusses the involvement of citizens in the implementation of ecological compensation/biodiversity offsets action, develops a platform to facilitate the identification of potential sites and interested citizens (register of potential sites) and develops an assessment methodology to assess the suitability of potential sites.
MERITS:
It would be interesting to present this pilot project at the conference. The development of methodologies to assess losses and gains are essential to the well-functioning of biodiversity offsets. In addition, land availability and accessibility are often a key issue for developers/producers that needs to offset their impacts. Developing tools to incentivize citizens such as landowners and farmers to participate in biodiversity offsets is necessary if they are to be used more broadly. In this regard, registers and online platforms are key instruments to put in touch developers and potential offset suppliers.
CRITIQUE:
There are several points that should be further clarified: It is not clear from the abstract how the initiative fit in the existing legal framework and context in Finland. Is it linked to existing obligations to compensate negative impacts on biodiversity ? Will it only involve compensatory measures that are done on a voluntary basis ? What will be the requirements for citizens to enter the schemes and will there be any sanctions if the identified measures are not implemented ? Lastly, would citizens be paid to participate in the scheme ?
DISCUSSION:
Overall this pilot project appears to be very interesting but further clarifications are worth discussing (see critiques).

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INTRO:
The proposed poster will present a newly launched project that aims to raise the profile and conduct ecological compensation in Finland through involvement of citizen. The project seems to combine in a new way citizen science and ecological restoration/compensation activities.
MERITS:
This is a novel idea that combines two important topics: citizen science and restoration. The project is well described in this abstract and suitable for a poster at ECCB.
CRITIQUE:
I cannot identify a weakness in the abstract itself. However, regarding the project, I wonder whether the term "ecological compensation" will be attractive enough for non-scientists. For me, the term sounds a bit too abstract/technical to create enthusiasm outside of scientific research. I think the project might gain by finding an alternative term for the citizen science part of the project.
DISCUSSION:
The project described in the abstract could have important implications on how people get involved in restoration and conservation actions. The project could also lead to a more profound understanding of ecological impacts, changes in behaviors and a shift in public attitudes towards stronger support for compensation measures and restoration.