NOTEBOOK FEATURE: Here Today Forgotten Tomorrow – Shifting Baselines Transform Nature and Challenge Restoration Maven’s Notebook

Here Today, Forgotten Tomorrow: How Shifting Baselines Transform Nature and Challenge Restoration

For those invested in environmental conservation and restoration, the concept of shifting baselines presents a significant challenge. Shifting baselines refer to the gradual change in the accepted norms for the condition of the natural environment due to lack of experience, memory, or records of its past conditions. This phenomenon not only alters our perception of what is “natural” but also influences our goals and strategies for restoration.

The Concept of Shifting Baselines

The term “shifting baselines” was first introduced by marine biologist Daniel Pauly in 1995. He observed that each generation of fisheries scientists accepted the stock size and species composition that occurred at the beginning of their careers as the baseline, and used it to evaluate changes. Over time, this led to a gradual acceptance of the degradation of marine ecosystems as the norm.

This concept extends beyond marine biology and can be applied to all ecological systems. As new generations grow up in increasingly degraded environments, their perception of what is “natural” or “normal” shifts. They may not realize the extent of the loss of biodiversity, ecosystem functions, or natural beauty that occurred before their time.

The Impact on Environmental Conservation and Restoration

Shifting baselines have profound implications for environmental conservation and restoration efforts. If the baseline or reference point for what constitutes a healthy ecosystem is continually being lowered, then the targets for restoration become less ambitious. This compromises the ability to fully restore ecosystems to their former health and functionality.

For example, in forest management, older generations might remember vast, old-growth forests teeming with biodiversity. In contrast, younger generations may only know secondary forests or fragmented patches, which they might consider as adequately “natural.” This altered perception can lead to less ambitious restoration projects that do not aim to restore the full biodiversity and complexity of the original ecosystem.

Strategies to Combat Shifting Baselines

Addressing the issue of shifting baselines requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. **Historical Ecology:** This involves reconstructing past ecosystems using historical records, old photographs, indigenous knowledge, and other sources. By understanding what ecosystems looked like and how they functioned in the past, we can set more accurate and ambitious restoration goals.

2. **Long-term Monitoring:** Establishing and maintaining long-term ecological monitoring programs can help track changes in ecosystems over time. This data is crucial for identifying trends, understanding the extent of degradation, and setting informed baselines for restoration.

3. **Public Education and Awareness:** Educating the public about historical baselines and the concept of shifting baselines can foster a greater appreciation for the extent of environmental degradation. This can lead to increased support for more ambitious conservation and restoration efforts.

4. **Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge:** Indigenous communities often have a long history of interaction with their local environments and can provide valuable insights into historical baselines and sustainable management practices.

5. **Adaptive Management:** Restoration projects should be flexible and adaptive, incorporating new information and techniques as they become available. This approach allows for continual improvement and adjustment of restoration goals based on historical baselines and current conditions.

Case Studies and Examples

Several restoration projects around the world have successfully combated the effects of shifting baselines:

– **Yellowstone National Park:** The reintroduction of wolves in the 1990s is a prime example of using historical baselines to guide restoration. The absence of wolves had led to overpopulation of elk, which in turn degraded vegetation and altered the ecosystem. Reintroduction of wolves helped restore balance, demonstrating the importance of historical knowledge in setting restoration goals.

– **Coral Reef Restoration:** In places like the Great Barrier Reef, efforts are being made to restore coral populations using techniques such as coral gardening and artificial reefs. Historical data on coral cover and diversity helps guide these efforts, ensuring that restoration targets aim for the full recovery of the ecosystem.

Conclusion

Shifting baselines present a significant challenge to environmental conservation and restoration, but they are not insurmountable. By understanding and addressing this phenomenon, we can set more accurate and ambitious restoration goals, ensuring that future generations experience the full richness and diversity of our natural world. Historical ecology, long-term monitoring, public education, indigenous knowledge, and adaptive management are all crucial tools in this endeavor. Through these efforts, we can hope to restore not just individual species or habitats, but the intricate web of life that constitutes a healthy and functioning ecosystem.