The Experts below are selected from a list of 42291 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Paul Opdam - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Design in science: extending the Landscape Ecology paradigm
Landscape Ecology, 2008Co-Authors: Joan Iverson Nassauer, Paul OpdamAbstract:Landscape ecological science has produced knowledge about the relationship between Landscape pattern and Landscape processes, but it has been less effective in transferring this knowledge to society. We argue that design is a common ground for scientists and practitioners to bring scientific knowledge into decision making about Landscape change, and we therefore propose that the pattern–process paradigm should be extended to include a third part: design. In this context, we define design as any intentional change of Landscape pattern for the purpose of sustainably providing ecosystem services while recognizably meeting societal needs and respecting societal values. We see both the activity of design and the resulting design pattern as opportunities for science: as a research method and as topic of research. To place design within Landscape Ecology science, we develop an analytic framework based on the concept of knowledge innovation, and we apply the framework to two cases in which design has been used as part of science. In these cases, design elicited innovation in society and in science: the design concept was incorporated in societal action to improve Landscape function, and it also initiated scientific questions about pattern–process relations. We conclude that Landscape design created collaboratively by scientists and practitioners in many disciplines improves the impact of Landscape science in society and enhances the saliency and legitimacy of Landscape ecological scientific knowledge.
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bridging the gap between Ecology and spatial planning in Landscape Ecology
Landscape Ecology, 2002Co-Authors: Paul Opdam, R P B FoppenAbstract:Landscapes are studied by pattern (the geographical approach) and by process (the ecological approach within Landscape Ecology). The future of Landscape Ecology depends on whether the two approaches can be integrated. We present an approach to bridge the gap between the many detailed process studies on species, and applied activities such as Landscape evaluation and design, which require integrated knowledge. The approach consists of four components: 1) Empirical case studies of different scales, organisms and processes. 2) Modeling studies to extrapolate empirical studies across space and time. 3) Modeling studies to produce guidelines and standards for Landscape conditions. 4) Methods and tools for integration to the Landscape level, which can be built into multidisciplinary tools for design and evaluation. We conclude that in the Landscape ecological literature, the steps 1 and 2 are well represented, whereas the steps 3 and 4 are mostly neglected. We challenge Landscape ecologists to push Landscape Ecology to a higher level of maturation and to further develop its profile as a problem-oriented science.
Jala M Makhzoumi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Landscape Ecology as a foundation for Landscape architecture application in malta
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2000Co-Authors: Jala M MakhzoumiAbstract:Abstract Landscape Ecology has the potential to contribute towards a holistic approach in Landscape architecture. Such an approach can simultaneously inform, guide and inspire designers towards Landscapes that are environmentally sustainable as well as being culturally and aesthetically appropriate. This paper reviews two possible ways in which Landscape Ecology can advance Landscape architecture: (a) by providing a holistic and dynamic framework that contributes towards an alternative Landscape design (e.g. ecological Landscape design); and (b) by establishing the scientific knowledge (e.g. Landscape heterogeneity, biological and ecological diversity and ecological networks) that can inform the design process at the local and regional levels. Both contributions were tested at the Bahrija Project in Malta. The methodology of ecological design is applied, initially to allow for a comprehensive understanding of the local Landscape, and subsequently to assist in the formulation of a preliminary Landscape master plan. The paper argues that conservation policies should necessarily be complemented with a proactive approach, which can accommodate the needs of contemporary development while ensuring the protection of natural and cultural resources.
Pierre Taberlet - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Landscape genetics: Combining Landscape Ecology and population genetics
Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 2003Co-Authors: Stéphanie Manel, Michael K Schwartz, Gordon Luikart, Pierre TaberletAbstract:Understanding the processes and patterns of gene flow and local adaptation requires a detailed knowledge of how Landscape characteristics structure populations. This understanding is crucial, not only for improving ecological knowledge, but also for managing properly the genetic diversity of threatened and endangered populations. For nearly 80 years, population geneticists have investigated how physiognomy and other Landscape features have influenced genetic variation within and between populations. They have relied on sampling populations that have been identified beforehand because most population genetics methods have required discrete populations. However, a new approach has emerged for analyzing spatial genetic data without requiring that discrete populations be identified in advance. This approach, Landscape genetics, promises to facilitate our understanding of how geographical and environmental features structure genetic variation at both the population and individual levels, and has implications for Ecology, evolution and conservation biology. It differs from other genetic approaches, such as phylogeography, in that it tends to focus on processes at finer spatial and temporal scales. Here, we discuss, from a population genetic perspective, the current tools available for conducting studies of Landscape genetics.
Marc Antrop - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the language of Landscape ecologists and planners a comparative content analysis of concepts used in Landscape Ecology
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2001Co-Authors: Marc AntropAbstract:Landscape ecologists and planners are dealing with a largely similar area of interest. Scientists studying Landscapes offer new insights about the processes acting in different spatial structures and scales. This understanding can be useful for planners who are principally involved in optimization of the use of space or the improvement of the environmental conditions. The basic key for a successful application of the scientific knowledge is good communication and reciprocity in understanding. The goals of Landscape researchers and planners are different and so are many of their concepts and theories. Also, the time limits, the means and possibilities for realizing their objectives might be very different and follow different rules. A successful implementation of Landscape Ecology in practical applications of environmental and spatial planning demands careful thought how Landscape ecological concepts and thoughts can be translated and communicated to people who have to consider much more aspects than just the one dealing with the Landscape. Key concepts, theories and methods from Landscape Ecology and environmental and spatial planning are compared and evaluated. Possible connections and misunderstanding are discussed and suggestions are made to improve the interaction and to extend the interdisciplinary approach in Landscape research.
Charles A Simenstad - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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practicing coastal seascape Ecology
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2011Co-Authors: Simon J Pittman, Ronald T Kneib, Charles A SimenstadAbstract:Landscape Ecology concepts developed from terrestrial systems have recently emerged as theoretical and analytical frameworks that are equally useful for evaluating the ecological consequences of spatial patterns and structural changes in the submerged Landscapes of coastal ecosystems. The benefits of applying a spatially-explicit perspective to resource management and restoration planning in the coastal zone are rapidly becoming apparent. This Theme Section on the application of Landscape Ecology to the estuarine and coastal environment emerged from a special symposium at the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) 20th Biennial Conference (Estuaries and Coasts in a Changing World) held in Portland, Oregon, USA, in November 2009. The 7 contributions in this Theme Section collectively provide substantial insights into the current status and application of the Landscape approach in shallow marine environments, and identify significant knowledge gaps, as well as potential directions for the future advancement of ‘seascape Ecology’.
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seagrass Landscapes and their effects on associated fauna a review
Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 2006Co-Authors: Christoffer Bostrom, Emma L Jackson, Charles A SimenstadAbstract:Seagrasses comprise some of the most heterogeneous Landscape structures of shallow-water estuarine/marine ecosystems in the world. However, while knowledge at the molecular, organism, patch and community scale is pervasive, understanding of seagrass Landscape Ecology is more fragmentary and has not been synthesized. The growth and recruitment dynamics of seagrasses as well as man-made and/or natural disturbances create complex spatial configurations of seagrass over broad (metres to kilometres) spatial scales. Hence, it is important to identify mechanisms maintaining and/or threatening the diversity-promoting function of seagrass meadows and to understand their effects on benthic populations and communities. Although Landscape Ecology has recently become more integrated into seagrass research, our understanding of animal responses to variability in seagrass Landscape structure is still fragmentary. By reviewing the literature to date, this paper evaluates studies on seagrass Landscape Ecology, testing the general null hypothesis that concepts developed in terrestrial settings can be generalized across Landscapes, and (a) presenting definitions and terms used in seagrass Landscape Ecology, (b) reviewing geographical patterns of seagrass Landscape studies to identify possible key regions and target species, (c) evaluating different methodological approaches, (d) describing the spatial and temporal scales used to describe organism responses to seagrass Landscape structure, and (e) placing seagrass Landscapes into an applied context.
