Ecological decision analysis in support of societal decision making : Final report of the MetZo-II project

Abstract

The MetZo II -project has applied ecological decision analysis to support societal decisions about nature conservation and land use. Spatial prioritization analyses implemented within the project using the Zonation approach have been utilized, e.g., in the South Finland Forest Biodiversity Program (METSO), in the targeting of habitat restoration for Natura 2000 areas, and in land use zoning. Additionally, design principles have been developed for biodiversity offsets, which are currently under active consideration in Finland. Background work by MetZo II has created opportunities for other projects. Forest analyses have provided administrators and land owners materials that support on-the-ground conservation decisions done as part of METSO. The Natura 2000 analyses have sought cost-effective opportunities for habitat management and restoration. Materials developed in the project have been used to assist zoning. The project has also participated in the planning of the expansion of the national peatland protection program, and marine spatial analyses implemented in association with MetZo II are groundbreaking in quality. The MetZo-II project has been primarily funded by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and it has been run by the Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland, the Finnish Environment Institute and the University of Helsinki.