Abstract
The primary goal of the project is to estimate how much biodiversity will be protected when forest areas are set aside in different manners. This is necessary to identify the most cost-efficient conservation strategy, i.e. how to protect the most biodiversity with the least money. The project uses data from sample plots in three different set-aside types (nature reserves, key habitats and retention groups) in Hälsingland, where the number of species of bryophytes, lichens and woodliving beetles has been recorded and the economical value has been calculated. To succeed with the analysis three different problems need to be solved: 1. How can the biodiversity values of sample plots be scaled up to the landscape level? 2. How are the different set-aside types influences when surrounding areas are clear cut? 3. How can optimal mixes of different set-aside types be found? Preliminary there are methods available to solve all three problems (extrapolation of species accumulation curves, habitat modelling and reserve selection methods) but these have not been used for this purpose before and therefore need testing, evaluation and perhaps modification. Hence this project will result in both an evaluation of the cost-efficiency of the three types of set-asides, and in a method which can be used to address similar questions in other landscapes or for other species groups.
Sweden