Holistic modelling of aquatic ecosystems to support the science-policy interface
In this talk I will make a case for aquatic ecosystem models of intermediate complexity, using PCLake as an example. I will take you on a journey along diverse applications to show the versatility of this tool and its ability to bridge theory and practice. On one hand, PCLake is used for fundamental research and the development of scientific theory, resilience theory in particular. On the other hand, the model is widely applied in water quality management. It provides a framework for integrated systems analysis and ex ante evaluations of potential management measures under the Water Framework Directive. Most importantly, the model presents a boundary object for collaboration and joint learning across water authorities, consultancy firms and various academic disciplines. During the final part of the talk I will introduce some of my recent work for the IPBES Task Force on Scenarios and Models on new sustainability scenarios and conclude with a call to arms to increase the representation of freshwater ecosystems in global environmental assessments.
Jan Kuiper is a researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Centre of Stockholm University in Sweden. He completed his PhD thesis on water quality modelling with PCLake in 2016 at the Department of Aquatic Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and the Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group of Wageningen University, the Netherlands.
Host: Sabine Hilt