Ensuring Ecological Connectivity in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS)

This open access book sheds new light on the critical role of socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) in ensuring and enhancing ecological connectivity. Through a compilation of diverse case studies, it presents how integrated landscape and seascape management can support biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.

The chapters cover topics such as sustainable agricultural practices, forest protection, community involvement, and the preservation of traditional knowledge. It also includes the empowerment of communities to govern their natural resources, as seen in the Asunafo-Asutifi landscape of Ghana, and the integration of traditional wisdom with modern ecological practices in Nan’an. The book also investigates the potential of community forests in Thailand and the management of biocultural heritage territories in Kenya to enhance ecological connectivity. Readers will discover how these approaches contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources. Expert contributors delve into the challenges and opportunities of maintaining ecological connectivity in various regions, from Ghana's cocoa landscapes to Colombia’s tropical dry enclave. Readers will explore innovative approaches to balancing livelihoods with environmental sustainability, highlighting the importance of local and regional perspectives.

This volume is essential for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in fields such as landscape ecology, environmental governance, and sustainable development. It provides valuable insights into effective strategies for operationalizing ecological connectivity in spatial planning and management. By showcasing practical examples from around the world, this book serves as a vital resource for anyone committed to fostering resilient social-ecological systems and thriving communities.

Dr. Maiko Nishi is a Professor of Department of Global Coexistence Studies, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University and an Adjunct Professor of United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). She has engaged in research and capacity development activities related to the Satoyama Initiative over a decade. Her area of research interest includes social-ecological system governance, local and regional planning, agricultural land policy, landscape stewardship, biocultural diversity and sustainable businesses. In particular, her interest lies in multi-level governance, land tenure and use, and subjectivities of institutional actors in governing natural resources. She began her career as a consultant in urban planning and experienced projects related to participatory planning, rural water supply and regional development. She recently served as a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) thematic assessment on transformative change.

Dr. Suneetha M. Subramanian is a Research Fellow at the United Nations University-Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). She has been engaged in research and capacity building activities relating to: biodiversity, human well-being and sustainability, with a specific focus on cross-sectoral issues of equity, traditional knowledge, policy-practice coherence, community well-being, assessment of changes to ecosystems and human wellbeing. She has also contributed to Regional, Global and Values Assessments of IPBES as Lead/ Co-ordinating Lead Author.

Dr. Philip Varghese was a postdoctoral researcher at Akita International University and the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) during 2022-2024. He has eight years of research and teaching experience at the university level. His research specializations include tourism and development politics, biodiversity, indigenous communities, global politics, and sustainability. He is currently with the Department of Political Science and International Studies at CHRIST University in India.

Dr. Juliano S. H. Houndonougbo is currently a JSPS-UNU postdoctoral researcher at Chuo University, Japan and the United Nations University Institute for Advanced Studies in Sustainability (UNU-IAS).