Ecological research can broadly be grouped in basic and applied ecology and both have potential impact in decision making related to natural resources. The results from basic ecology advance our knowledge and understanding of the natural world and help to develop the theoretical framework that advances ecological science. In contrast, results from applied ecology are generally directed to solving specific problems, such as the management of natural resources, despite often also helping to improve basic ecological research. There are many examples of unexpected applications and innovations inspired or developed from basic ecological research. In face of the current environmental crisis, basic and applied ecological research can help guide policy makers and governmental entities in the development of environmental policies based on scientific evidence. Accomplishing the goal of fostering scientific integration into the public policy debate depends on good governance and open dialogue with the scientific community. Here I present a study case in Brazil showing how a favorable scenario of governance on environmental and scientific issues led to a public-private collaboration to develop ecological research aiming to support public policy.
Results/Conclusions
Basic and applied ecological research on tropical plant-plant interactions have been long used to improve tropical forests management policies. For instance, the ecological effects of climbing plants (lianas) on gap structure is used to support timber management plans in the oriental Amazon forests. Liana cutting during the years before tree harvesting is recommended as a reduced impact management policy to minimize the gap size formed after harvesting and facilitate the recruitment of hard-wood shade-tolerant species for subsequent timber harvesting cycles. More recently, issues related to high liana densities in fragmented landscapes of southern Brazil motivated me to conduct basic ecological research on lianas and their role in a forest fragment. We found that lianas have strong effects on forest structure and tree performance. When lianas are removed, trees quickly occupy the canopy space left by lianas and seem to have better diametric growth responses during the rainy seasons, mainly for canopy trees. The outcomes from our basic ecological research during times of good governance facilitated building connections among science, industry and government that created opportunities for the development of further applied research that ultimately aims to support public policy relative to the management of forest fragments in Brazil. This case study exemplifies how opportunities of creating a space for science in the public policy debate depend on good governance.