A framework for engaging stakeholders on the management of alien species

Ana Novoa*, Ross Shackleton, Susan Canavan, Cathleen Cybèle, Sarah J. Davies, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz, Jana Fried, Mirijam Gaertner, Sjirk Geerts, Charles L. Griffiths, Haylee Kaplan, Sabrina Kumschick, David C. Le Maitre, G. John Measey, Ana L. Nunes, David M. Richardson, Tamara B. Robinson, Julia Touza, John R.U. Wilson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Alien species can have major ecological and socioeconomic impacts in their novel ranges and so effective management actions are needed. However, management can be contentious and create conflicts, especially when stakeholders who benefit from alien species are different from those who incur costs. Such conflicts of interests mean that management strategies can often not be implemented. There is, therefore, increasing interest in engaging stakeholders affected by alien species or by their management. Through a facilitated workshop and consultation process including academics and managers working on a variety of organisms and in different areas (urban and rural) and ecosystems (terrestrial and aquatic), we developed a framework for engaging stakeholders in the management of alien species. The proposed framework for stakeholder engagement consists of 12 steps: (1) identify stakeholders; (2) select key stakeholders for engagement; (3) explore key stakeholders' perceptions and develop initial aims for management; (4) engage key stakeholders in the development of a draft management strategy; (5) re-explore key stakeholders' perceptions and revise the aims of the strategy; (6) co-design general aims, management objectives and time frames with key stakeholders; (7) co-design a management strategy; (8) facilitate stakeholders' ownership of the strategy and adapt as required; and (9) implement the strategy and monitor management actions to evaluate the need for additional or future actions. In case additional management is needed after these actions take place, some extra steps should be taken: (10) identify any new stakeholders, benefits, and costs; (11) monitor engagement; and (12) revise management strategy. Overall, we believe that our framework provides an effective approach to minimize the impact of conflicts created by alien species management.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)286-297
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Environmental Management
Volume205
Early online date9 Oct 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Bibliographical note

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy.

Keywords

  • Biological invasions
  • Conflicts of interests
  • Environmental management
  • Invasive species management
  • Perceptions
  • Stakeholder ownership

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