Integration of ecological-biological thresholds in conservation decision making.

In the Anthropocene, coupled human and natural systems dominate and only a few natural systems remain relatively unaffected by human influence. On the one hand, conservation criteria based on areas of minimal human impact are not relevant to much of the biosphere. On the other hand, conservation criteria based on economic factors are problematic with respect to their ability to arrive at operational indicators of well-being that can be applied in practice over multiple generations. Coupled human and natural systems are subject to economic development which, under current management structures, tends to affect natural systems and cross planetary boundaries. Hence, designing and applying conservation criteria applicable in real-world systems where human and natural systems need to interact and sustainably coexist is essential. By recognizing the criticality of satisfying basic needs as well as the great uncertainty over the needs and preferences of future generations, we sought to incorporate conservation criteria based on minimal human impact into economic evaluation. These criteria require the conservation of environmental conditions such that the opportunity for intergenerational welfare optimization is maintained. Toward this end, we propose the integration of ecological-biological thresholds into decision making and use as an example the planetary-boundaries approach. Both conservation scientists and economists must be involved in defining operational ecological-biological thresholds that can be incorporated into economic thinking and reflect the objectives of conservation, sustainability, and intergenerational welfare optimization.

Spray Versus Forced Coagulation in Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is the standard surgical treatment for cervical dysplasia. The optimal way to achieve local hemostasis in women undergoing LLETZ is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective, randomized trial, we compared spray coagulation and forced coagulation in women undergoing LLETZ in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was time to complete local hemostasis (TCLH). Secondary endpoints were blood loss (Δ hemoglobin before and after LLETZ), pain (numerical visual analog scale, 5-step graphical visual analog scale measured 2-3 hours after LLETZ), and perioperative/postoperative complications (intraoperative need for sutures, postoperative bleeding, infection, and unscheduled readmission). Analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one women were enrolled and were eligible for analysis. Mean (SD) TCLH in 80 women with forced coagulation was 43.3 (38.5) and 28.9 (22.9) seconds in 71 women with spray coagulation (p < 0.001). The secondary endpoints blood loss (Δ hemoglobin, -0.8 [0.8] vs -0.7 [1.1]; p = 0.115), pain (numerical visual analog scale, 4.1 [0.9] vs 4.2 [0.9]; p = 0.283, graphical visual analog scale (1.9 [1.3] vs 1.8 [1.3]; p = 0.888), and perioperative/postoperative complications (6/71 [8%] vs 7/80 [9%]; p = 0.822) were comparable between the 2 arms. In a multivariate analysis, coagulation method (odds ratio = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.09-0.38; p < 0.001) and size of the cervix (odds ratio = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.16-5.15; p = 0.021) were independent predictors of TCLH. CONCLUSIONS: Spray coagulation is superior to forced coagulation in women undergoing LLETZ and should be used as the standard approach.

Coupling socioeconomic and lake systems for sustainability: a conceptual analysis using Lake St. Clair region as a case study.

Applying sustainability at an operational level requires understanding the linkages between socioeconomic and natural systems. We identified linkages in a case study of the Lake St. Clair (LSC) region, part of the Laurentian Great Lakes system. Our research phases included: (1) investigating and revising existing coupled human and natural systems frameworks to develop a framework for this case study; (2) testing and refining the framework by hosting a 1-day stakeholder workshop and (3) creating a causal loop diagram (CLD) to illustrate the relationships among the systems' key components. With stakeholder assistance, we identified four interrelated pathways that include water use and discharge, land use, tourism and shipping that impact the ecological condition of LSC. The interrelationships between the pathways of water use and tourism are further illustrated by a CLD with several feedback loops. We suggest that this holistic approach can be applied to other case studies and inspire the development of dynamic models capable of informing decision making for sustainability.

The importance of discourse when discussing microplastic pollution with oyster stakeholders in Massachusetts, USA.

Oysters have socioeconomic and environmental importance globally and are currently threatened by microplastic pollution. Whether solutions (e.g., laws, policies, or best management practices) are needed to protect oysters from microplastic pollution is still in question given the complexity of the issue and the multitude of stakeholders involved. Minimal research has been done to examine the public's view of the microplastic problem and, separately, few economic studies have examined non-monetary values for oysters. Here, we employed a discourse-based method (deliberative multicriteria evaluation methodology) to engage with oyster-relevant stakeholders in Massachusetts, USA, to evaluate how the stakeholders discussed and interacted with each other on the topic of 'microplastics polluting oyster habitats' using hypothetical scenarios. Our qualitative analysis indicated that participants discussed human welfare and non-human welfare aspects of oysters when considering what is threatened by microplastic pollution in oyster habitats. In all the workshops, an important theme emerged which is the role of oysters in supporting services (e.g., the concept that microplastic filtration or ingestion by oysters might impact the oysters' role as eco-engineers). Decision-making is not a linear process, especially when complex pollutants (e.g., microplastics) are involved. Here, we learned that both environmental and social data are needed for the oyster stakeholders to make decisions, and discussion among stakeholders can highlight gaps in scientific knowledge. The results were then used to inform the development of a decision-making process for evaluating complex environmental issues, like microplastic pollution.

Operationalizing sustainability in urban coastal systems: a system dynamics analysis.

We propose a system dynamics approach for Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) in urban coastal systems. A systematic analysis based on theoretical considerations, policy analysis and experts' knowledge is followed in order to define the concept of ESD. The principles underlying ESD feed the development of a System Dynamics Model (SDM) that connects the pollutant loads produced by urban systems' socioeconomic activities with the ecological condition of the coastal ecosystem that it is delineated in operational terms through key biological elements defined by the EU Water Framework Directive. The receiving waters of the Athens Metropolitan area, which bears the elements of typical high population density Mediterranean coastal city but which currently has also new dynamics induced by the ongoing financial crisis, are used as an experimental system for testing a system dynamics approach to apply the concept of ESD. Systems' thinking is employed to represent the complex relationships among the components of the system. Interconnections and dependencies that determine the potentials for achieving ESD are revealed. The proposed system dynamics analysis can facilitate decision makers to define paths of development that comply with the principles of ESD.