Foresight science in conservation: Tools, barriers, and mainstreaming opportunities.

Journal: Ambio
Published Date: Oct 26, 2022

Abstract

Foresight science is a systematic approach to generate future predictions for planning and management by drawing upon analytical and predictive tools to understand the past and present, while providing insights about the future. To illustrate the application of foresight science in conservation, we present three case studies: identification of emerging risks to conservation, conservation of at-risk species, and aid in the development of management strategies for multiple stressors. We highlight barriers to mainstreaming foresight science in conservation including knowledge accessibility/organization, communication across diverse stakeholders/decision makers, and organizational capacity. Finally, we investigate opportunities for mainstreaming foresight science including continued advocacy to showcase its application, incorporating emerging technologies (i.e., artificial intelligence) to increase capacity/decrease costs, and increasing education/training in foresight science via specialized courses and curricula for trainees and practicing professionals. We argue that failure to mainstream foresight science will hinder the ability to achieve future conservation objectives in the Anthropocene.

Authors

  • Gabrielle Ednie
    Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada. gab.ednie@gmail.com.
  • Tyreen Kapoor
    Biology Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
  • Olga Koppel
    Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
  • Morgan L Piczak
    Biology Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
  • Jessica L Reid
    Biology Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
  • Alyssa D Murdoch
    Biology Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
  • Carly N Cook
    School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
  • William J Sutherland
    Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK.
  • Steven J Cooke
    Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel by Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.

Keywords

External Resources

Popular Topics
Recent Journals