Eeva Furman

Assessment across borders: Stumbling blocks and options in the practical implementation of the Espoo Convention

Abstract In the 1990s, the obligation to assess transboundary environmental impacts has become part of international law. The UN/ECE Convention on environmental impact assessment (EIA) in a transboundary context, which entered into force in 1997, is one of the key documents. In this study, we show that difficulties with the practical implementation of the Convention arise partly from an incomplete sharing of the concept of EIA, and partly from different material interests on the part of the Parties to the Convention. Attempts to improve the practical implementation should recognize both aspects. Several approaches are thus needed for improving the implementation. Some will help in developing a mutual understanding of impact assessments, whereas others may help in overcoming differences in material interests.

Have Ecosystem Services Been Oversold? A Response to Silvertown

Silvertown [1] has addressed an important topic and expresses many concerns, some of which are warranted. The paradigm of ecosystem services (ES) divides researchers and therefore debate is welcome. Since paradigms, by their very nature, constrain the way we view things, critiques of what is gained and lost in taking a particular world view is always valuable. The ‘ES paradigm’ is no exception. The problem with Silvertowns contribution to this necessary debate is that it is based on a caricature of what the field actually entails and of the literature that underpins it.

Developing Socio-ecological Research in Finland: Challenges and Progress Towards a Thriving LTSER Network

At the time of planning the national LTER network (FinLTSER) in Finland, the approach of linking social and ecological issues in solving environmental problems was already well embedded in science and policy institutions and practices. A broad community of environmental, natural and social scientists had been carrying out problem-oriented research related to environmental issues for many years before the concept of LTSER platforms raised wide interest among Finnish research institutes. In this article, we analyse the research culture leading to this high level of interest and enthusiasm regarding socio-ecological research during the development phase of the FinLTSER network. By using interview and other materials from the process of establishment of the FinLTSER, this chapter analyses the initiation of the network, the very first steps taken by the platforms and the challenges faced during this period.

Transdisciplinary Enrichment of a Linear Research Process: Experiences Gathered from a Research Project Supporting the European Biodiversity Strategy to 2020

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of a research project conducted by a network of environmental research institutes called Partnership for European Environmental Research (PEER). Our analysis constitutes a reflection on this research project based on a proposed ideal-typical transdisciplinary research process developed by . The aim of the PRESS project (PEER Research on EcoSystem Services) was to provide support for the development and implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, with a special emphasis on the ecosystem services concept. Our analysis of the research phases of the PRESS project shows that not all of the project elements accord with the notion of a full-scale transdisciplinary process. Despite this, a number of lessons can be learned regarding the use of different boundary objects for knowledge integration and the various roles played by researchers. We also identify some constraints with regard to synchronizing policy and project cycles and consider the advantages and disadvantages of research network structures in facilitating long-term cooperation.

EU high-level Arctic event: “A Sustainable Arctic – Innovative Approaches”: (15–16 June 2017, Oulu, Finland)

“The Arctic is a new gateway to the world, and innovative cooperation for its sustainable development is key to the future of the planet.” With these promising and future-oriented words, the High R...

Chapter 8:The Implementation of International Biodiversity Initiatives: Constraints and Successes

Jared Diamond1 describes in his book Collapse how human societies throughout history have affected their own survival by the way they have used natural resources. The book provides several examples of social behaviour driven by short-term local needs instead of taking a long-term and broad-scale app...