Understanding socio-economic and ecological factors for successful island restoration to deliver biodiversity netgain across land and seascapes

Supervisors:

• Thomas Bodey (University of Aberdeen)
• Katherine Simpson (University of Glasgow)
• Fraser Carter (NIRAS)
• Flurina Wartmann (University of Aberdeen)

Project Summary:

Invasive species (IS) are a key driver of anthropogenic global change, causing extensive socioeconomic and ecological damage, particularly on islands where they have caused thousands of actual/functional extinctions worldwide. The eradication of IS is a demonstrably effective tool for island restoration, powerfully demonstrating how local efforts can address a global driver. Removing predatory mammals brings particular benefits, notably through the recovery of seabirds – key island ecosystem engineers. Eradications restore nutrient cycles and ecosystem dynamics, increase revenue streams (e.g. ecotourism) and reduce socioeconomic losses (e.g. from synanthropic rodents). Given the significant multi-sectoral benefits rapidly achieved through island restoration, addressing these knowledge gaps will support the emerging policy area of marine net get (MNG). MNG differs from terrestrial net gain by focussing not only on equivalence, but with calls to consider species, habitats and ecosystem recovery.

However, most successful eradications occur on uninhabited islands, and challenges surrounding community support mean we lack effective techniques for inhabited islands. While eradications always require clear communication given the task involved, on inhabited islands local community involvement, ideally with local leadership, is essential for success. Understanding why individuals and communities are motivated to support or oppose projects, what drives preferences, and how mitigation could enhance acceptability is therefore crucial.

This project will generate the much-needed socioeconomic understanding around island eradications that will facilitate consistently achieving community-supported, and ultimately community-led, efforts that deliver effective ecological and socioeconomic gains. Using in-depth case studies (e.g. Channel Islands) and existing networks we will:

1. Conduct qualitative and quantitative social science studies (e.g. interviews, focus groups) to identify key themes around stakeholder support and participation, and socioeconomic and cultural priorities and concerns, relating to island restoration measures.
2. Evidence factors influencing public acceptance or rejection of measures across contexts using economic survey methods (e.g. discrete choice experiments). While ecological techniques for IS management are broadly transferable among contexts, we know little about the factors influencing social motivations and perspectives (e.g. age or occupations), even among within-island contexts.
3. Create and disseminate a multidisciplinary toolkit to governmental, non-governmental, industry and community stakeholders to empower diverse collaborations to broaden the potential for island restoration.

By demonstrating clear and measurable uplifts in ecosystem function through the removal of IS and the recovery of ecological processes, island restoration emerges as a tangible, scalable contribution to achieving the ambitious goals of MNG.

To apply visit: https://netgain.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/phd-projects/

Student Profile:

This project is likely to appeal to those with a background in social science, conservation, ecology or environmental economics who recognise the need to integrate ecological and socioeconomic research, and the central role communities play in successful conservation efforts. The position will involve substantial time engaging with, and likely living within, island communities, and the capacity to do so is essential. Candidates should also be willing to develop both qualitative and quantitative skills, with prior experience of both desirable. Through this project, you will gain knowledge and skills from working with a wide range of stakeholders, notably with small island communities and the renewables industry through NIRAS, the project’s industry partner. This interdisciplinary experience will provide you with core skills for careers in academia, policy, environmental or industrial roles. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team. Unsure about applying? Drop us an email.