Policy and Science

1. Applied ecology/science

The concept of applied ecology uses the application of ecological/environmental science to understand real-world problems and get solutions to guide decision making and management. In our scientific research projects, BSL employs the concept of applied science to collect, analyze and interpret highly relevant information or data to aid development of pragmatic solutions to challenges, threats or problems being faced in natural resources management, biodiversity conservation and/or economic/infrastructural development.

This guides management in proper decision making and developing of guiding principles, procedures, policies or strategies to achieve the desired goals and objectives.

2. Conservation Social Science

Understanding of human and social dimensions of environmental issues improves conservation and management. Given the fact that conservation actions are ultimately the result of human behaviors, it is vital to understand how social factors (e.g., markets, cultural beliefs, and values, laws and policies, demographic change) shape human interactions with the environment and choices to exploit or conserve biodiversity and natural resources.

It is for this reason that BSL embraces this approach; because we acknowledge that natural science alone cannot solve environmental conservation problems. We take into consideration this approach whenever confronted with a natural resources management project, so as to holistically advise clients on best practical solutions to challenges.

3. Adaptive management

We apply adaptive management approach in conservation projects by integrating scientific research into conservation actions to improve upon understanding of challenges and designing better solutions through systematic monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Adaptive management is an iterative process of vigorous decision making amidst uncertainty and it aims at reducing uncertainty. It provides the latitude to adjust direction to improve progress towards desired outcomes.

BSL applies this approach in natural resources management planning and conservation science to guide decision making and designing of appropriate protocols, principles, strategies and guidelines.

Natural Resources Management Approaches

4. Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM)

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) refers to the collective use and management of natural resources in rural areas by a group of people with a self-defined, distinct identity, using communally owned facilities. Biodiversity Solutions Limited (BSL) acknowledges the importance of CBNRM in sustainable utilization and management of biodiversity resources and ecosystems.

We thus apply this principle in projects involving natural resources management and work with different communities to ensure the implementation of diverse aspects of CBNRM. The sustainable use of natural resources employed in CBNRM promotes conservation by affirming a sense ownership for natural resources by the communities; empowers local communities and enables them to generate income used to enhance social welfare or infrastructure development, thereby enhancing rural development and livelihoods, subsequently also promoting democratic governance in local institutions and communities at large.

5. Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM)

Is a multidisciplinary approach involving the integrated assessment and management of natural resources to sustain livelihoods while maintaining environmental balance and sustainability. Natural resources can be destroyed or depleted through agriculture and other landuse types, and hence the need for them to be managed in a holistic and integrated manner, taking into consideration the complexities of the ecosystem and the inter-relations amongst its various components.

INRM integrates research on different types of natural resources into stakeholder-driven processes of adaptive management and innovation, to improve livelihoods, agro-ecosystem resilience, agricultural productivity and ecosystem services, at either community, eco-regional and/or global scales of intervention and impact.
BSL recognizes the importance of INRM and has well experienced experts in applying this concept as and where appropriate or required by a client.

6. Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) of Biodiversity and Natural Resources

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is an integrated approach that considers the entire ecosystem, including humans, instead of only single species, issues or ecosystem services in isolation. It requires managing ecosystems as a whole instead of separately managing their individual components or uses, and accounts for economic and social benefits as well as environmental stewardship concerns. It also recognizes that ecosystems are not defined or constrained by political boundaries. It can be applied to studies in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

The concept of EBM is underpinned by sound science and adaptive management as information or changing conditions present new challenges and opportunities. It draws heavily on natural and social science to conserve and protect our cultural and natural heritage, sustaining diverse, productive, resilient ecosystems and the services they provide, thereby promoting the long-term health, security, and well-being of livelihoods and economies. EBM takes into consideration three main principles of; cross-sectoral interactions, cumulative impacts and explicit consideration of tradeoffs - is the fundamental difference between EBM and most current management practices.

Because ecosystem-based management is applied to large, diverse areas encompassing an array of interactions between species, ecosystem components, and humans, it is often perceived as a complex process that is difficult to implement. However, in light of significant ecosystem degradation, there is a need for a holistic approach that combines environmental knowledge and co-ordination with governing agencies to initiate, sustain and enforce habitat and species protection, and include public education and involvement. EBM should have clear goals and objectives, and involve; scoping, defining indicators, setting thresholds, analyzing risks involved and undertaking Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E).