Addressing weeds threats to biodiversity – Theme: Value proposition
Addressing research priorities
Would you like to undertake high-impact research that really makes a difference? WABSI consults extensively with end users and stakeholders to identify priority biodiversity science knowledge needs. This helps us develop timely and relevant programs that address critical needs and have a strong pathway to adoption.
Developing projects that address key end user priorities can help maximise project funding opportunities and will lift the impact of your research.
To work with the WABSI collaboration of partners in addressing priority issues, submit a project abstract. (Please demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more priority knowledge gaps.)
THEME: VALUE PROPOSITION: FOCAL AREA 1 – BENEFITS
| OUTCOMES | OBJECTIVES | PRIORITY TOPICS |
| Weed control programs are clearly defined and adequately resourced for the chosen ‘end-point’ The success or otherwise of previous weed control programs is clarified and the reasons for these outcomes are used to improve future programs More effective weed management programs are delivered due to improved clarity around the costs and benefits of different weed management tools | Devise evidence-based assessments for realistic ‘start’ and ‘end’ points to weed control programs so that impact mitigation becomes the driving priority Produce refined metrics for the costs, benefits and outcomes of weed management, including lost opportunity costs following inaction and return on investment valuations resulting from early eradications Undertake an assessment of past expenditure on weed control versus the success of those programs to inform the design and location of future weed control prioritisation and investments Achieve a clearer value proposition via a cost-benefit analysis of different control methods, including the value of ecological knowledge for improving the effectiveness of control techniques | Research Topic 1: Defining and measuring success for weed control programs Research Topic 2: Communicating the impact of weeds on biodiversity Research Topic 3: Clarifying the outcomes of past weed control Research Topic 4: Cost benefit analysis of existing control tools |
THEME: VALUE PROPOSITION: FOCAL AREA 2 – SOCIAL LICENCE
| OUTCOMES | OBJECTIVES | PRIORITY TOPICS |
| Improved awareness of the benefits of weed control for biodiversity conservation, particularly by the general public and ‘non-invested’ parties Better incorporation of cultural variation in how the value proposition for weed control is perceived and prioritised Greater clarity on the resourcing and duration requirements for delivering successful weed control Programs The extent of land benefitting from more effective weed management is significantly increased, along with a step change in the improved resourcing of weed control programs An evidence-based rationale underpins public acceptance of a responsible approach to ongoing deployment of weed control options, particularly with regard to controversial techniques | Establish communication frameworks to deliver a clearer understanding and improved awareness of the need for weed control amongst stakeholders and the general public, driven by a focus on weed impacts on biodiversity Generate a more effective process for helping land managers to understand the true resource commitments required for different weed management goals, and to establish frameworks to ensure resources are sufficiently and efficiently allocated to achieve these outcomes Proactively address changing community attitudes to weed control options to avoid limiting future management programs, particularly in regard to chemical control solutions | Research Topic 5: Understanding community perceptions of weed impacts and control Research Topic 6: Raising community awareness of weed impacts Research Topic 7: Aligning weed control expectations for outcomes and resourcing |