Latest Briefing in Ecosystems and biodiversity for 2011
Putting 'Good Practice' in Context - Lessons for Catchment Management
In recent years, collaborative and cross-sectoral approaches have been recommended as the most effective and equitable way to achieve better water quality in catchments. However, the realisation that such an approach is often the right thing to do does not mean that this is a simple and predictable process.
Previous research has identified several factors that promote collaborative management success including the use of adaptive management approaches, good communications between stakeholders and management of conflictive situations. However, critical assessment of past case studies shows that following good practice processes may not always result in successful outcomes (e.g. increased engagement, sustainable process, improved water quality) as other factors can intervene such as lack of funding, poor coordination, and difficulties in maintaining engagement with key stakeholders. This research addresses the need to understand the factors that may influence the efficacy, efficiency and equity of such processes.
Read morePublished on 6 December 2011 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity
Briefings in Ecosystems and biodiversity for 2011
High Nature Value Farming Indicators established for Scotland
A previous Knowledge Scotland Research Briefing (Identifying And Supporting High Nature Value Farming Systems, May 2009) has provided a background to the development of the European High Nature Value (HNV) farming systems concept. Read more
Published on 17 October 2011 in Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing
Clubroot in Oilseed Rape
Recent work at SRUC (formerly SAC), in collaboration with ADAS, has revealed that half of all oilseed rape fields in Scotland are infected with clubroot. Read more
Published on 26 September 2011 in Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing
Addressing farmland biodiversity concerns effectively in the Common Agricultural Policy
Farmland is one of the dominant land covers in Europe, covering over 45% (173 million hectares) of the European Union’s 27 Member States. Read more
Published on 19 July 2011 in Sustainability and Communities , Ecosystems and biodiversity
The Impacts of River Engineering on the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Scotland
Scotland is a European stronghold for the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, holding around half of the world's known breeding populations. Read more
Published on 18 February 2011 in Ecosystems and biodiversity
New diagnostic test for endemic cattle disease under development
Johne's Disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is endemic disease in cattle and its prevalence is increasing. Read more
Published on 16 February 2011 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing
Assessing diffuse pollution and land management impacts on water quality in the Lunan Water, using event-based monitoring
Diffuse pollution is the most significant pressure leading to failure of lochs and rivers to achieve objectives set out in the Water Framework Directive. Read more
Published on 16 February 2011 in Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing
Impacts of volcanic ash originating from the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) on the natural resources of Scotland
The fall out of volcanic ash from the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull caused significant travel disruption during April 2010 and raised specific concerns about the potential impacts on Scottish natural resources, such as (i) pastures and livestock; (ii) soils and (iii) surface water. Read more
Published on 8 February 2011 in Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity
