Applying BioSCape: Conceptual framing of improved biodiversity decision-support in the Greater Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

Cherie Janine Forbes,  University at Buffalo, University of Cape Town,  cherie@bioscape.io (Presenter)
Erin Hestir,  University of California Merced,  ehestir@ucmerced.edu
Jasper Slingsby,  University of Cape Town, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON),  jasper.slingsby@uct.ac.za
Anabelle Cardoso,  University at Buffalo, University of Cape Town,  anabellecardoso@gmail.com
Andrew Skowno,  South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI),  a.skowno@sanbi.org.za
Adam Wilson,  University at Buffalo,  adamw@buffalo.edu

The Biodiversity Survey of the Cape (BioSCape) aims to understand the structure, function, and composition of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa. The research involves the collection and integration of field-based ecological data with data from four airborne instruments, measuring UV/visible to short wavelength infrared (UVSWIR), thermal imaging spectroscopy and laser altimetry LiDAR. Given the GCFR is a complex social-ecological system, there are dynamic non-linear feedbacks between global change, biodiversity change, ecosystem processes and functions, and the resilience and sustainability of nature’s contribution to people. The BioSCape data set is unique in its size and scope and has potential to provide answers to important ecological and evolutionary questions related to biodiversity, ecosystem services and global change within the GCFR. Given this potential, the BioSCape team seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice by exploring potential applications of the research with end-users and decision-/policy-makers. Here we illustrate the conceptual framing and work to date for the enhancement and documentation of the decision-making relevance of the individual BioSCape research projects with external knowledge holders from South African institutions. By considering the value creation of the data products related to decision-maker needs, our proposed conceptual framing uses the Value Creation Framework and a realist evaluation approach (context, mechanism and outcome) of science applications to address real-world problems. We present progress with a subset of the research teams to date.

Poster Location ID: 1-58

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session 1

Session Date: Tue (May 9) 5:00-7:00 PM

CCE Program: BDEC