Multi-scale multi-level marine spatial planning: A novel methodological approach applied in South Africa.

ABSTRACT: This study proposes and discusses a multi-scale spatial planning method implemented simultaneously at local and national level to prioritize ecosystem management actions across landscapes and seascapes. Mismatches in scale between the occurrence of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes, and the size and nature of the human footprint, and the different levels and scope of governance, are a significant challenge in conservation planning. These scale mismatches are further confounded by data resolution disparities across and amongst the different scales. To address this challenge, we developed a multi-resolution scale-linked marine spatial planning method. We tested this approach in the development of a Conservation Plan for a significant portion of South Africa's exclusive economic

SUBMITTER: Lagabrielle E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6029778 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature