Selecting appropriate methods of knowledge synthesis to inform biodiversity policy

Responding to different questions generated by biodiversity and ecosystem services policy or management requires different forms of knowledge (e.g. scientific, experiential) and knowledge synthesis. Additionally, synthesis methods need to be appropriate to policy context (e.g. question types, budget, timeframe, output type, required scientific rigour). In this paper we present a range of different methods that could potentially be used to conduct a knowledge synthesis in response to questions arising from knowledge needs of decision makers on biodiversity and ecosystem services policy and management. Through a series of workshops attended by natural and social scientists and decision makers we compiled a range of question types, different policy contexts and potential methodological approaches to knowledge synthesis. Methods are derived from both natural and social sciences fields and reflect the range of question and study types that may be relevant for syntheses. Knowledge can be available either in qualitative or quantitative form and in some cases also mixed. All methods have their strengths and weaknesses and we discuss a sample of these to illustrate the need for diversity and importance of appropriate selection. To summarize this collection, we present a table that identifies potential methods matched to different combinations of question types and policy contexts, aimed at assisting teams undertaking knowledge syntheses to select appropriate methods

Better evidence, better decisions, better environment: emergent themes from the first environmental evidence conference

The first international Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE) conference took place in August 2016 at the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm with nearly 100 participants from 14 countries. This conference reflected and contributed to th

Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers in Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni, Testudinidae)

The isolation and characterization of six polymorphic loci from a Testudo hermanni genomic library is reported. Enrichment was performed for AC but four of the characterized microsatellites present also an additional motif. Variability was tested on populations of the two recognized subspecies, Testudo hermanni hermanni and Testudo hermanni boettgeri. For one locus, a size range specific for the subspecies T. h. hermanni was observed. These are the first primers identified directly in the genome of T. hermanni