Open AccessA conservation science agenda for a changing Upper Midwest and Great Plains, United States
Author(s) -
Ahlering Marissa A.,
Cornett Meredith,
Blann Kristen,
White Mark,
Lenhart Christian,
Dixon Cami,
Dudash Michele R.,
Johnson Lucinda,
Keeler Bonnie,
Palik Brian,
Pastor John,
Sterner Robert W.,
Shaw Doug,
Biske Richard,
Feeken Neal,
Manolis James,
Possingham Hugh
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.236
Subject(s) - prioritization , multidisciplinary approach , natural resource , identification (biology) , political science , process (computing) , resource (disambiguation) , environmental planning , geography , environmental resource management , ecology , management science , computer science , engineering , economics , biology , computer network , law , operating system
Abstract The long‐term well‐being of both people and nature is achievable, assuming major changes in resource distribution and consumption at a global level. This optimistic outlook for the world requires rapid identification of major knowledge gaps that would undermine our ability to achieve a sustainable future if left unaddressed locally and regionally. Our goal was to identify the science needs that would make the biggest contribution to sustaining human society and natural systems in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains, United States. We engaged an interdisciplinary group of scientists and practitioners in an iterative exploration and prioritization process. The resulting list of 50 research questions identified science gaps for strategy implementation to achieve conservation success. Of the original list, 17 questions ranked as highly important in the region. These 17 questions constitute a conservation science agenda for the region. We call for alignment around this common agenda and a concerted, multidisciplinary approach to addressing these priority scientific needs.