Semi-natural habitats in boreal Europe: a rise of a social-ecological research agenda

Ecology and Society: a journal of integrative science for resilience and sustainability

article

Irina Herzon¹  Kaisa J. Raatikainen³  Sølvi Wehn⁵  Solvita Rūsiņa⁷  Aveliina Helm⁸  Sara A. O. Cousins⁹  Valerijus Rašomavičius^1,10 

[1] Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki;Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science HELSUS;University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, School of Resource Wisdom, University of Jyvaskyla;University of Turku, Department of Geography and Geology, Geography Section;NIBIO - Norwegian institute of Bioeconomy Research;Multiconsult;Department of Geography, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia;Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu;Stockholm University, Department of Physical Geography;Nature Research Centre, Institute of Botany

关键词: agriculture;    biodiversity;    farmland;    social-ecological systems;    trends;   

DOI  :  10.5751/ES-12313-260213

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Resilience Alliance Publications

【 摘 要 】

The European continent contains substantial areas of semi-natural habitats, mostly grasslands, which are among the most endangered habitats in Europe. Their continued existence depends on some form of human activity, for either production or conservation purposes, or both. We examined the share of semi-natural grasslands within the general grassland areas in boreal Europe. We reviewed research literature across the region to compile evidence on semi-natural grasslands and other semi-natural habitats, such as wooded pastures, in respect to a range of topics such as ecology, land-use change, socioeconomics, and production. We also explored drivers of the research agenda and outlined future research needs. Challenges are faced when defining and quantifying semi-natural habitats even across a restricted region. Agricultural development and other policies clearly impact the research agenda in various countries. There are recent signs of a shift from classical ecological studies toward more multidisciplinary and integrated research. To sufficiently address the threats faced by semi-natural habitats, political and research frameworks in the European Union should pay more attention to the social-ecological complexity inherent in their management and should support the engagement of various actors into participatory governance processes. This is in line with a full-farm approach implicit in high nature value farming systems.

【 授权许可】

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