Toward a‘Science Center without Walls’

CABS as CI’s global space for new frontiers in

applied biodiversity science

Science Summit @ Annual Planning FY09

Overview

Major scientific needs in CI Changing context for global

conservation Implications for biodiversity science Center without Walls for Science Science Summit – Objectives

Science and Conservation

Green.view

Finger on the spotApr 14th 2008

From Economist.com

Deciding what to save

“So, a message to all hotspot scientists: putting out the fire is far more important than trying to decide whether the garden gnomes or the Tretchikoff will be more useful to the next generation.”

CABS - what we do and why

Understanding biodiversity patterns and species extinction risks maximize coverage and representation in protected areas; effectively target conservation actions

Monitoring and tracking changes in ecosystems identify threats/opportunities to influence policy options for achieving conservation outcomes

Support priority-setting and conservation responses knowledge and tools for defining conservation outcomes to maximize success of actions

We generate knowledge in the form of data, tools, guidelines, maps, etc. to inform and

influence conservation practices and policies. We also contribute to building capacity.

Emerging Science priorities

Climate change and biodiversity links options for adaptation and for mitigating carbon emissions (avoided deforestation, REDD, land use tradeoffs)

Innovations for linking ecosystem services to human livelihoods harnessing biodiversity benefits for improving and sustaining quality of life

Global challenges that won’t go away

Poverty, food security, and water scarcity search for integrated solutions

Land use tradeoffs in the face of global change making the case for sustainable land use to safeguard biodiversity

Overexploitation and trade of biological resources (wildlife, fisheries) making the case for policy options

Human wellbeing is consistent among these challenges

Implications for Biodiversity Science

Challenges are enormous and complex – demands for news ways of doing science Higher economies of scale Growing urgency for results and impact

Institutional collaboration is key – synergy, complementarities, value addition

Resources are getting scarce – need for innovative ideas to attract funding and talent

Transformation starts with CABS as CI’s global ‘knowledge hub’

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CABS into the Future (1)

Scientific agenda that is Niche-based and credible Problems-based and/or demand-driven Focused and cutting-edge Integrated and holistic (systems thinking; end-to-

end) High quality and conforms to standards Based on value-addition (advancing the knowledge

frontier)

CABS into the Future (2)

Operational framework that fosters Stakeholder or “customer” orientation Coherence and cross-disciplinary integration Boundary spanning, user–producer interactions A ‘safe space’ for creativity and innovation Accountability and empowerment at all levels Growth and advancement Flexibility and adaptability Recognizes and rewards performance across the board

A ‘Centre without Walls’

The CABS Space

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Other Applied Biodiversity Science Institutions

Conservation International(Regional Programs, CBCS, CELB, CCG, GCF)

Science to Action Framework

Science= systematic, structured learning + knowledge generation

ACTION= use of knowledge to achieve some pre-defined outcome

Strategic Investments

Policy andGovernance

Public Awareness

BusinessEngagement

OutcomeDelivery

Biodiversity Science across Scales

Global – analysis and synthesis (hotspots + HBWAs), regions; coarse scale priority-setting, monitoring and modeling; influence international level actions

Regional – analysis and synthesis (biomes, countries); regional scale assessments, priority-setting, monitoring and modeling; influence regional level actions and delivery of outcomes

National – country-wide and corridor-scale assessments; influence national level actions and delivery of outcomes

Landscape/corridor – field level assessments and monitoring; management tools and incentive systems; community level engagement

Site – field level assessments and monitoring; management tools and incentive systems; community level engagement

Terrestrial Marine Freshwater

Biodiversity Assessments(Red List Assessments, Field surveys, Species baselines, Monitoring long-term trends)

Global Change and Ecosystem Services(Multi-scale assessments, land use and habitat change, climate change, landscape interactions)

Conservation Priorities and Responses(Outcome definition, priority setting, scientific outreach)

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Framework for Biodiversity Science and Early Warning

Looking Ahead to FY09

Consolidate science priorities into work plan – foster integration and coherence

Transitioning all CABS staff into scientific clusters – focus on major science initiatives

Enhance alignment within CI – Linking science across geographical scales and

thematic priorities Linking scientists through effective networking Clarify and strengthen support to other CI

programs

FY09-11 Major Science Initiatives

Cluster 1 – Biodiversity Assessments High priority biodiversity field surveys and biogeography Freshwater assessments and priorities Marine assessments and priorities Global Reptile Assessment and drylands

FY09–11 Major Science Initiatives

Cluster 2 – Global Change and Ecosystem Services

Habitat, species and community monitoring and modeling

Climate change adaptation and mitigationPredictive remote sensing and ecological

forecastingCapitalizing on bundled ecosystem servicesImpacts and benefits of biodiversity conservation

FY09–11 Major Science Initiatives

Cluster 3 - Conservation Priorities and Responses

Refining global terrestrial conservation prioritiesSupporting definition and monitoring of outcomes

CI-wideStrategic outreach of CABS scienceInvesting in capacity, our greatest asset

Operational Principles for a ‘Center without Walls’

1. Core business is science to support Biodiversity Conservation

2. Integration across CI (e.g. through networking)

3. Innovation and creativity across the board

4. Transparency, collaboration, and peer-review

5. Impact orientation and communication

6. Empowerment for all staff

MMAS

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‘team’

Cluster 1 - Biodiversity Inventory, Assessments, and Monitoring

Cluster 2 - Global Change and Ecosystem Services

Cluster 3 - Global Conservation Priorities and Responses

Clustering the CABS Core Science Leadership

TEAM

A Center without Walls?

Source: Valdis Krebs and June Holley

The Science Summit-- Objectives

Understand the nature of science in CI based on needs for outcome delivery (feet-in-the-mud) and an enabling environment (head-in-the-sky) across all scales

Discuss emerging science priorities relative to changing context for global biodiversity conservation

Reflect on ‘Center without Walls’ model that embraces science for feet-in-the-mud and the head-in-the-sky across all scales and biomes

Develop a framework to network effectively across the organization on emerging science priorities