Novel Ecosystems (PDF)

Land conversion, climate change and species invasions are
contributing to the widespread emergence of novel ecosystems, which
demand a shift in how we think about traditional approaches to
conservation, restoration and environmental management. They are
novel because they exist without historical precedents and are
self-sustaining. Traditional approaches emphasizing native species
and historical continuity are challenged by novel ecosystems that
deliver critical ecosystems services or are simply immune to
practical restorative efforts. Some fear that, by raising the issue
of novel ecosystems, we are simply paving the way for a more
laissez-faire attitude to conservation and restoration.
Regardless of the range of views and perceptions about novel
ecosystems, their existence is becoming ever more obvious and
prevalent in today's rapidly changing world. In this first
comprehensive volume to look at the ecological, social, cultural,
ethical and policy dimensions of novel ecosystems, the authors
argue these altered systems are overdue for careful analysis and
that we need to figure out how to intervene in them responsibly.
This book brings together researchers from a range of disciplines
together with practitioners and policy makers to explore the
questions surrounding novel ecosystems. It includes chapters on key
concepts and methodologies for deciding when and how to intervene
in systems, as well as a rich collection of case studies and
perspective pieces. It will be a valuable resource for researchers,
managers and policy makers interested in the question of how
humanity manages and restores ecosystems in a rapidly changing
world.

A companion website with additional resources is available at href="http://www.wiley.com/go/hobbs/ecosystems">www.wiley.com/go/hobbs/ecosystems