Turning systematic conservation. Madagascar. James Watson, University of Queensland

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1 Turning systematic conservation planning tools into action: Case studies from Australia and Madagascar James Watson, University of Queensland

2 Forest Grassland/Desert Agriculture/Grazing Boakes et al. in press. Proc Roy Soc B.

3 Madagascar is a country of extreme wealth... Diversity of habitats: humid rainforest, dry bush, prairie, savannas, spiny forests, swamp forests, mangroves Rich biological diversity: 80 million years of isolation, arrival of humans < 2000 years Highspecies endemism: High species endemism: over 85% for many taxa

4 and extreme poverty. 70% of population live in poverty (World Bank) per capita income: US$250 4% of rural population lti have access to clean water 40% ofchildren under 5 suffer from malnutrition

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6 Deforestation in Madagascar Commonly linked to high population growth and poverty Direct causes: tavy (slash and burn agriculture), charcoal making, cutting for fuel and construction wood, manioc and rice cultivation and cattle grazing Profound dimplications on global lbiodiversity it loss making it a international conservation hot spot (Myers, 2000)

7 Littoral forests

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9 The major threat is a mining proposal

10 Dredge pond and floating wet plant

11 The outcome of my thesis 8 Papers that had: a complete and accurate inventory of the bird species occur in the littoral forests an accurate assessment of how these species are currently affected by fragmentation ti and degradation d A conservation management plan that takes into account villagelocation location, mine project proposals and other developments

12 Lessons learned... Publications i were important as it raised awareness...but that s it. Withoutadvocacy groups or government support, the papers did not do anything about the situation I don t consider what I did conservation science Need to link with these groups prior/during the research Never underestimate the fact that conservation and development often sits in conflict

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14 Land clearing Woodchipping Salinity

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18 Australia: Endangered & vulnerable flora: 1320 species Endangered & vulnerable fauna: 597 species Extinct fauna: 54 species Extinct flora: 61 species

19 Two strategies Working directly with government Working directly withenvironmental non Working directly with environmental nongovernmental organisations

20 Millions of hectares protected

21 11.6%

22 Talked to key public officials to ascertain relevant questions Reviewed how growth of protected area system was actually contributing tib ti to conservation: 1. Their own standards 2. independent d standards d Review how threatened species recovery is going and providing new methodologiesfor prioritising action

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25 25 Ar rea (% of Austra alia) % 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Threatened species targets met Extra 75 million hectares if not strategic

26 Working with the NGOs

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28 The Great Western Woodlands d

29 16 million hectares of a relatively untouched functioning landscape

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31 Media and briefing politicians Named it and written a book about it Written a number of papers on it Raised awareness in the public Talked to local mining groups and indigenous groups

32 Lessons learnt from Australian experience Working with governments means that science can be effective Sometime the science is simple they just need a scientist to say it It is important to be out of the government s control, regarding publication and media Working with NGOs means that science can be effective as it directly impacts on a campaign but it needs to be science driven campaign!

33 Conservation science versus normal science Scientists need to play a role in the activity of conservation if they are to be called conservation scientist These activities range from: doing education, talking to managers,,policy makers, practitioners, or... Even advocacy or direct action!

34 So... Isthere such a thing as a theoretical conservation scientist?? Should we be more harsh on where conservation science funds go?? Should we change the very image of what conservation science is?? How do we define (and reward) what is useful, non theoretical conservation science is??

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