Systemic Spatial Decision Support Systems: An integrated, computer‐aided tool for biodiversity conservation

Abstract

In the last decades, biodiversity is facing many threats related to the expansion and development of human populations. With the aim of mainstreaming conservation together with sustainable development, several conflicting necessities related to the economic, social, environmental and institutional objectives of the society have to be balanced within complex decision-making contexts. Conventional approaches hardly cope with these demands, and therefore conceptual models are required for understanding ecosystems form and functions and how human activities impact on them. International organisations committed to conservation and development initiatives have recognised the importance and effectiveness of an integrated, participative and adaptive approach to ecosystem management. In this perspective, computerised tools to facilitate an overall view and support informed and aware decisions are required. The Systemic Spatial Decision Support System, here presented, is a comprehensive tool for a holistic, multi-scale, spatially explicit and tailor-made approach to such complex decisional environments. The core methodology builds upon several years of experience in international conservation and development projects supported by the Italian Development Cooperation, and is complemented by an ad hoc, easily customisable software shell. Its characteristics provide an ideal framework for an effective administration of biodiversity conservation initiatives, as well as for training and consolidating expert knowledge.

Keywords:

• Adaptive management
• biodiversity conservation
• capacity building
• decision support systems
• ecosystem approach
• participative development
• sustainable development
• systemic land use planning

Abbreviations:

• DPSIR, Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts, Responses; DSS, Decision Support Systems; EA, Ecosystem Approach; EM, Ecosystem Management; ES, Expert Systems; ESA, Environmental and Social Assessment; SEA, Strategic Environmental Assessment; SSDSS, Systemic Spatial Decision Support Systems; SWOT, Strengths - Weaknesses - Opportunities - Threats.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the technical and institutional staff that collaborated with the Italian Development Cooperation on its international conservation and development projects, thus participating in the development of the SSDSS by sharing their expertise and knowledge and providing precious comments and suggestions.