Conceptual Models
Conceptual ecological models (CEM) are essential tools in planning, implementing, and assessing ecosystem restoration projects. They capture current scientific understanding of the ecosystem in a concise, easily understood format, and are widely used in environmental planning, risk assessment, and the development of monitoring and adaptive management plans. CEM development facilitates communication among scientists, engineers, project managers, and the public.
CEMs are not numerical models but rather qualitative descriptions of the hypothesized relationships between ecosystem stressors and key attributes that define the response of the ecosystem to change. They serve as flexible, updatable frameworks for identifying and organizing the components of an ecosystem evaluation. CEMs should be developed for all ecosystem restoration projects and do NOT require certification.
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Foundation Reading
Other Suggested Reading
- Casper, A. F., Efroymson, R. A., Davis, S. M., Steyer, G. and Zettle, B. (2010). EMRRP-EBA-05: Improving Conceptual Model Development: Avoiding Underperformance Due to Project Uncertainties
- McKay, S. K., Pruitt, B. A. (2012). EMRRP-EBA-14: A Framework for Developing Regional Environmental Benefits Models
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