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Applying the framework

• Giving more depth to the assessment of benefits
• Applying this proposed four-step assessment process

So far the framework as outlined seems simple to apply. Complexity appears when we start to think about each step in detail, because for each step it is important to consider the biodiversity status at three scales: the very local scale (patch scale), the surrounding landscape scale, and the regional scale.

Also, as explained earlier, biodiversity is not just a wealth of species; it is also how well species are arranged in space and how well they interact-and that is quite a difficult matter to decide at three scales, or even at one scale. Rather than give up here, we need to choose a measure or attribute that can we use to reveal something useful about the complex nature of biodiversity.

Characteristics of habitat (say, number of and cover provided by layers of vegetation) are often useful attributes because they are relatively easy to measure-little or no expert knowledge is needed. Many studies have shown that the more untidy and complicated the habitat structure, the greater the variety and abundance of species living there. Likewise, it is easier to measure the organic carbon content of soil, than the network of millions of soil microbes that contribute to soil carbon status.

Giving more depth to the assessment of benefits

It is not enough just to choose any measurable attribute and assume it is an indicator of for all biodiversity. We should also be able to show at least a conceptual link between the attribute and biological diversity. In fact, it takes more than one attribute to really begin to capture the complexity of biodiversity. Ideally, therefore, when considering each set of cells in the tables below, we must think about a range of attributes that in total are linked to all three aspects of biodiversity: composition, structure and function. Although it is not easy to do, including several attributes will give much more depth to an assessment.

'Bird populations' can be a compositional attribute of biodiversity status at patch, landscape and regional scales. It is easiest to measure in small patches—but to measure it for a landscape or larger area we need more than bird counts in a just few patches of enhanced vegetation. We must also assess whether the occupied patches are the only ones in the landscape or if they are part of a network of well connected and occupied patches. Is the species found throughout its range? Here we are combining 'bird populations' with the broad structural attribute 'pattern of suitable vegetation' in the landscape and the region, to give us a feel for the benefits of our vegetation enhancement work. You can begin to see that it is essential to consider more than one scale.

It may be easier to assess how the vegetation enhancement work has benefited the structure of habitat for local birds, rather than count the birds themselves. Has the work increased the average size of local and regional vegetation patches? Is there now less distance between patches? Do the patches consist of layers of cover, from ground-level to tall tree canopies? Are there more local plant species (not weeds) now in the landscape and patches? Again, this assessment is using a range of attributes (vegetation structure, size of patch, diversity of species) to give it depth and breadth.

While you are learning to use the framework, it is best to concentrate on one step at a time, and think about one column or row at a time in each of the small tables below. Where possible, decide on the benefits of a project to all three dimensions of biodiversity (composition, structure, function) and at three scales (patch, landscape, region). Finally, once you are familiar with the table-filling process, you will be able to address the framework as a whole.

Applying this proposed four-step assessment process

The four-step process makes it possible to assess the biodiversity benefits of vegetation enhancement, but the assessment is not a trivial activity. In fact, it is probably impossible to fill in the four tables entirely for any one set of activities-there is not yet enough understanding of how biodiversity works at anything larger than the scale of a few hectares. The examples are made up for illustration, and would not be so completely filled in from any one set of activities.

As indicated earlier, this assessment framework can be used in two ways:

1. to assess benefits of past projects, and
2. to help design new projects.

The most rigorous way to assess benefits is to have a monitoring program organised before even the first tree is planted or the first fence erected. Pre-project (baseline) measurements and photographs can help you detect and understand changes over the next few years or decades. Only collect baseline data that are relevant to your planned activities and their desired outcomes.

For an enhancement project focused on lowering watertables, piezometer measurements of the existing depth to watertable each month could be useful baseline data. For a project that aims to enhance the number of species in the area, detailed vegetation and wildlife surveys before enhancement begins are fully justified.

Step 1 (see table below) of the assessment process is critical. This is where the project objectives and scale of operation need to be chosen. What is the problem? Which attributes of biodiversity status are of concern in your area? What threatening processes are involved? What management action do you expect would reduce the threats? The other three steps in the process hinge on the choices you make at Step 1.

There are no rights or wrongs in this: only better ways of learning. Enhancing biodiversity is a new business and science for us all. The best we can do is to learn from our successes and failures, and that's where the four-step process comes in. We hope you find it useful.

The four-step process and its tables are a guide to help individuals, groups and agencies think in a structured way about assessing the benefits to biodiversity from vegetation enhancement activities. The next section will take you through each of the four steps in more detail.

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