The most recent issue of Risk Analysis is a special edition focused on invasive species and emergent diseases. The editors note that the risk assessment paradigm is becoming more widely recognised by ecologists as providing a useful language and methodology to accomplish ecologists' frequently-stated goal - the integration of their science into environmental policy decisions. The papers in the special issue demonstrate how the interaction between classic ecological research and environmental management can lead to a better understanding of the management of ecological systems. For example, the paper by Stohlgren et al. (page 224) presents an approach to mapping plant invasive species. Yemshanov et al. (page 261) discuss the interactions between mapping and field surveys in determining the extent of knowledge gaps when estimating risks due to a new invasive organism. Burgman and colleagues present two papers in the issue. The first paper (Walshe and Burgman, page 236) describes a framework for estimating risks and evaluating management alternatives. The second paper (Burgman et al. page 277) applies Bayesian networks to the description of uncertainties in the costs and benefits associated with the management of invasive species. Uncertainty is seen to be a critical research topic and Schaible et al. (page 250) also address the role of uncertainty in the long-term management of invasive species.
Article: WeedsNews281 (permalink) Date: 11 February 2010; 12:52:48 PM AEDT