Hernandez, Stephanie (2020) A transdisciplinary evaluation of forest retention policies and practices in the Australian context. PhD thesis, James Cook University.

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Abstract

The reduction or loss of habitat for conversion to extractive uses, urban development, or resource production is a key threat to biodiversity. Protected areas and vegetation management policy are essential mechanisms for abating species decline in the face of these compounding pressures. The thesis examines the effectiveness of policy responses for protected areas in Australia, and also evaluates key de facto arrangements that have a bearing on conservation outcomes, specifically, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Stephanie Hernandez uses an interdisciplinary mixed-methods approach to investigate the complexities, effectiveness and future directions for conservation policy in Queensland, Australia.

The overall goals of this thesis are to:

1) review policies and programs for retaining natural forested habitats in Australia;

2) estimate the impact of current protected areas in terms of preventing forest cover loss;

3) describe the impact of policy changes on vegetation

4) develop evidence-based recommendations for retaining Queensland's forests in the future.

In addressing these respective knowledge gaps, this research provides an essential contribution to future protected area policy and the academic literature concerning conservation planning.

Item ID:	67986
Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Keywords:	Deforestation, evaluation, protected areas, assessable vegetation, public policy, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, environmental regulation, mixed methods, interdisciplinary research
Copyright Information:	Copyright © 2020 Stephanie Hernandez.
Date Deposited:	09 May 2021 23:43
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410401 Conservation and biodiversity @ 50% 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310308 Terrestrial ecology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1806 Terrestrial systems and management > 180601 Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems @ 50% 19 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS > 1902 Environmental policy, legislation and standards > 190205 Environmental protection frameworks (incl. economic incentives) @ 50%
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