Integrating unperceived biodiversity into long-term socio-ecological research and conservation of austral forests

CHRISTOPHER B. ANDERSON; RICARDO ROZZI; FRANCISCA MASSARDO; JOSÉ CRISTÓBAL PIZZARRO; ANDRÉS O. MANSILLA; JAIME OJEDA; TAMARA CONTADOR; YANET MEDINA; JAMES H. KENNEDY

Bariloche

Conferencia; 5th Southern Connections Conference; 2010

Southern Connections ONG

The austral forests are known as remote, pristine and species poor, based in large part on research biased towards particular taxa (vertebrates and wood plants) and periodic studies (short, summer seasons). As a result, the area appears in few national and international conservation prioritization schemes. Such perceptions also have led to numerous government efforts to “enhance” ecosystems by introducing new, exotic species. Furthermore, the large percentage of state protected areas implies a high conservation status for the area, but many parks lack appropriate infrastructure, personnel and management plans. To overcome these challenges and to enhance the valuation of native biodiversity in research, education and conservation, the Omora Ethnobotanical Park (OEP) is developing a novel Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) approach that integrates the humanities and the sciences and attempts to bridge the gap between academia and society. We propose a four-step cycle to better link research discoveries and decision making by interrelating (i) ecological research, (ii) metaphorical communication, (iii) field activities guided by environmental philosophy and ecological science, and (iv) in situ conservation. Begun in 2000, this effort has conformed part of Chile’s nascent LTSER Network since 2008 (www.ieb-chile.cl/ltser) and produced such innovations in sustainable development as Tourism with a Hand Lens.