Centre for Conservation Ecology featured in leading journal

Date: 4 July 2012

BU’s Centre for Conservation Ecology’s research featured in leading journal, The Journal of Applied Ecology.

The research undertaken by Professor Adrian Newton and colleagues of the School of Applied Sciences, provided the first cost-benefit analysis of ecological networks, which were assessed in the catchment of the River Frome in Dorset.

Ecological networks are used to describe and compare the structures of real ecosystems.

Professor Adrian Newton said: “The concept of ecological networks is a very topical one right now, as it forms the basis of the UK Government’s recent White Paper on the environment. Actions are already underway to support the development of ecological networks in the UK. Our research indicates that such initiatives are likely to require significant investment, and may not provide large economic returns.”

The development of ecological networks could lead to large-scale ecological restoration being undertaken throughout the UK. The research indicated that this would provide increased benefits to people, through reduction of flood risk and increased storage of carbon.

It also indicated that the costs of establishing ecological networks is substantial, and is likely to outweigh the economic value of the increased provision of benefits.

The establishment of ecological networks forms a central element of the UK Government’s new environmental policies, as set out in the first White Paper on the subject for 20 years.

The research has direct relevance to the implementation of UK Government policy, but also has wider implications, as large-scale ecological restoration approaches are increasingly being implemented throughout the world. The research also highlighted the importance of incorporating the views of local people in land-use decisions, which were assessed using an innovative on-line mapping tool.