Land Use, Landscape and Governance: How to Make Better Policies and Decisions Alister Scott Birmingham City University

Talk Outline Our Research Brief Initial Assumptions Building a Better Framework Case Study Lessons learnt

Research : National Ecosystem Assessment Follow on To further develop and communicate the evidence base of the UK NEA and make it relevant to decision and policy making at different spatial scales across the UK wcmc.org/NEWFollowonPhase/Aimoffollowup phase/tabid/128/Default.aspx

WP 9 – TABLES Project The principal aim of work package 9/10 is to mainstream the principles of the ecosystem approach (EA) by adapting policy and decision- support tools within an ecosystem services framework (ESF) to improve policy- and decision-making processes and outcomes

Initial Assumptions Each setting where policy & decision making occurs is unique Many policy & decision- making processes fail to mainstream environment Confusing range of tools for policy and decision-making Ecosystem Approach and associated lexicon are not well understood or applied

Building a better framework Challenges From academic to policy and practice Language / jargon Silos – status quo Lack of time and resources Economic growth Bandwagon, manipulation Project constraints Conflicting demands Abstract/vague concept Bolt-on Our response From practice and policy with academic insights … find common language Trans-disciplinary; new fora Co-production, co-financing Ecosystem Approach Work with champions Build partnerships / links Adapt through clear choices Examples and tools Embed (ecosystem servicing)

Building our Conceptual Framework

Ecosystem Approach (adapted) 1 Management of land is based on societal choices. 2: Management of land should be decentralized to lowest appropriate level 3. Managers should consider adjacent effects (actual or potential) of their activities 4: Manage land in an economic context. 5: Maintain and enhance ecosystem services 6: Identify environmental limits of land

Contd. 7: Manage land at appropriate spatial and temporal scales. 8: Recognize varying temporal scales & lag-effects of land management and manage for the long term. 9: Manage land use change to best advantage 10: Seek appropriate balance between conservation and use of biodiversity. 11: Consider all forms of information; scientific and indigenous &local knowledge, innovations & practices. 12: Involve all relevant sectors of society and science

Ecosystem Services (Principle 5)

Typology of Tools distinguishing between decision-support and influencing behaviour tools. Major tools category Tools for decision support Tools for influencing behaviour Ecosystem Services INVEST Payment for Ecosystem Services Regulation Strategic Environment Assessment Green Taxes Incentives Agri-environ ment schemes Valuation Cost Benefit Analysis Public Engagement All tools should engage with publics Futures Scenarios

Hooks: Policy Cycle

Exmoor: South West Water Exmoor R Barle R Exe Wimbleball Resr & R Haddeo Exebridge Pumping Station Replenishment Pumping Approx 5 miles, lifting water from 120 to 240 m AOD CO 2 Source: Charles Cowap

Lessons learnt Mainstreaming ecosystem science takes different forms reflecting realities of the settings. Engaging all key decision-makers and stakeholders in the process from outset secures necessary political buy-in Strong leadership is vital to engage with more sceptical audiences and overcome resistance to change. Simplifying complex science without diluting its impact is key: maps Need to identify hooks and best-practice examples from the end users perspective Important to demonstrate who benefits and loses from particular resource management interventions

Summary Important to capture existing good practice and not re-invent wheel Ecosystem Approach should be used to guide decisions not just ecosystem serivces We all have to get out of our silos and comfort zone (pro-active, positive change, new links) The most forgotten tool is you!