Working group lead: Graeme Cumming

Working group members: Oonsie Biggs, Belinda Reyers, Christo Fabricius

Working group description: 

The Theory Development Working Group is focused on exploring and expanding the theory and theoretical frameworks that are relevant to SAPECS and either are or will be important for its future progress. For example, the mapping of ecosystem services has strong components of scale and scaling, and the conceptual tools and approaches for incorporating scaling in maps of ecosystem services are in need of further development.

The Theory Group currently has several primary themes: (1) spatial scale and cross-scale feedbacks; (2) the relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem function, and ecosystem services; and (3) the relevance of networks and network membership for the long-term sustainability of protected areas.