The GIS challenges of ecoregional conservation planning

Abstract

The tools of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are well suited to the application of conservation planning, a pursuit that requires the overlay and analysis of often large volumes of geographic information, including the locations and distribution of multiple conservation targets and threats. During any conservation planning process, challenges related to the use of GIS can be expected, particularly for large planning areas that span multiple administrative jurisdictions. Challenges likely to be encountered relate to (1) the complex nature of spatial data, including data sources, access, licensing, quality, and compatibility, (2) the need to develop adequate capacity for GIS for the duration of the planning process, and (3) making spatial information generated by the GIS based planning process available to partners and stakeholders. By understanding the nature of the GIS challenges to be expected, conservation managers and GIS professionals can plan for the resources necessary to successfully achieve the goals of the planning process. In this chapter, I share the GIS experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from a multi-year, multiple-partner conservation planning effort for the transboundary Northern Appalachian/Acadian Ecoregion of North America. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.