Taking stock after a decade: Does the ‘thresholds of potential concern’ concept need a socio-ecological revamp?

• DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v53i2.1002
• Publication Date: 2011-05-17T05:11:49Z
• Authors: Harry Biggs; Sam Ferreira; Stefanie Freitag-...; Rina Grant-Biggs
• Keywords: Objectivity (philosophy); Stock (firearms)

The concept of thresholds potential concern (TPCs) as implemented for the last decade in strategic adaptive management South African National Parks (SANParks), has proved workable practice a number instances, but others appears beset by conceptual and practical limitations or barriers. Three common challenges relate to (1) situations where there is uncertainty about whether real exist, (2) how preferences other social constructs, opposed what were seen objective biophysical variables only, can be used TPCs (3) it admissible adjust allow variations societal behaviour, particular rate response. All three arise face TPC objectivity implied original definition, light view that set some distance prior presumed ecological threshold. This paper suggests partly largely dealt with use wider socio-ecological view, rather than seeing isolation being only biophysical. Also, while detection abrupt changes helpful, makes little difference if happen describe linear processes. very decision intervene induce an change. Once approach employed, becomes necessary user specify usage envisaged TPC, instance, considered preference believed any way related In all cases, recommended form explicit representation socio- constructed – we suggest cause-and-effect diagram (and give example generated through thought experiment) which describes relationships subsystem interest. provides broader systemic context shared understanding, implications considering scenarios alternatives. For reasons, from several states processes such subsystem, few links chosen on base TPCs. If have understood well enough, these links, at each developed, will act diagnostic points monitor performance adequately. A broadened definition presented, supporting this approach.Conservation implications: (initially thresholds) started influencing conservation practice, commonly-used formulation decision-making threshold (TPC). Practical often improved moving away its initially pure outlook, framing understanding interlinked view.