Event Title
The Use of Delphi for the Listing of Species and Ecological Communities
Location
Room 107
Start Date
4-7-2012 1:15 PM
End Date
4-7-2012 2:45 PM
Description
This paper considers the limitations of the current methodologies and the potential for the use of the Delphi method as part of the regulatory response to biodiversity loss through the listing of species and ecological communities.
Decision-making in relation to threatened species and ecological communities, especially when the ubiquitous ‘listing’ may be the required outcome to attract a conservation response, is particularly susceptible to challenges over methodology.
Many decisions are made under circumstances where the available scientific evidence is uncertain, inadequate, or inexact; the decisions are generally science-based and the link between science and policy is clouded; and there is a background of hostility or potential conflict.
One of the important areas of concern is the appropriate scientific methodology to inform the listing decision-making process in the face of scientific uncertainty. Whilst ‘sound science’ methods are at one end of the spectrum, there are many proponents for the need for more flexibility in the accumulation of information to support the assessment process, including reference to outside literature and the use of outside experts.
This paper reviews some of the common listing methodologies and draws on the Australian experience for listing which could be described as based on characteristics reflecting ‘sound science’ and, inferentially, does not accommodate uncertainty. At present, the decisions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are based on the application of known facts to specific criteria. The existence of uncertainty and 'unknown' facts can be fatal to a nomination.
The Delphi method has been identified as a means of utilising the best expertise and experience especially under circumstances of uncertainty. The paper reflects on the modern experiences and the potential use of the Delphi method for listing generally and specifically, the opportunities to use of the Delphi method within the Australian regulatory context.
Presentation
The Use of Delphi for the Listing of Species and Ecological Communities
Room 107
This paper considers the limitations of the current methodologies and the potential for the use of the Delphi method as part of the regulatory response to biodiversity loss through the listing of species and ecological communities.
Decision-making in relation to threatened species and ecological communities, especially when the ubiquitous ‘listing’ may be the required outcome to attract a conservation response, is particularly susceptible to challenges over methodology.
Many decisions are made under circumstances where the available scientific evidence is uncertain, inadequate, or inexact; the decisions are generally science-based and the link between science and policy is clouded; and there is a background of hostility or potential conflict.
One of the important areas of concern is the appropriate scientific methodology to inform the listing decision-making process in the face of scientific uncertainty. Whilst ‘sound science’ methods are at one end of the spectrum, there are many proponents for the need for more flexibility in the accumulation of information to support the assessment process, including reference to outside literature and the use of outside experts.
This paper reviews some of the common listing methodologies and draws on the Australian experience for listing which could be described as based on characteristics reflecting ‘sound science’ and, inferentially, does not accommodate uncertainty. At present, the decisions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are based on the application of known facts to specific criteria. The existence of uncertainty and 'unknown' facts can be fatal to a nomination.
The Delphi method has been identified as a means of utilising the best expertise and experience especially under circumstances of uncertainty. The paper reflects on the modern experiences and the potential use of the Delphi method for listing generally and specifically, the opportunities to use of the Delphi method within the Australian regulatory context.