Global biodiversity assessments need to consider mixed multifunctional land-use systems

Rob Alkemade*, Lenny van Bussel, Susana López Rodríguez, Aafke M. Schipper

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Global scenario-based modelling efforts to support biodiversity policies typically consider agriculture only as a pressure factor. Current scenarios typically include the expansion of protected areas combined with higher agricultural productivity (as in land sparing) for reducing biodiversity loss. We argue in favour of a broader perspective on farming practices in scenario-based biodiversity modelling and, specifically, for scenario studies to include mixed multifunctional systems, applicable in land-sharing approaches. The increasing availability of monitoring data and modelling capacity opens up opportunities for more comprehensive quantification of the intricate network of relationships between agricultural land management, biodiversity and ecosystem services and, thus, enables a more balanced evaluation of the benefits and trade-offs of land sparing and land sharing and their intermediates.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101174
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability
Volume56
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

Keywords

  • agriculture
  • Biodiversity models
  • integrated assessment models
  • land sharing
  • land sparing

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