goals, uses, and benefits of modeling by managers, scientists, stakeholders,
and the public must be accomplished for modeling to be incorporated and
applied. Also, a concerted effort must be made to increase the effectiveness
of communication among modelers, scientists, stakeholders, managers, and
the public. Managers must be able to explain their needs to modelers, and
modelers must be able to explain their results effectively to managers. This
paper focuses on four areas of education needed to facilitate the application of ecological modeling in earth-systems management: the education of
(1) managers and decision makers, (2) students, (3) scientists and modelers,
and (4) stakeholders.
14.2 Educating Managers and Decision Makers
Two primary areas of needed investment are communication to and education of on-the-ground managers and decision makers (i.e., those who
influence resources allocated to these managers). Most managers and
decision makers have only a vague understanding of the importance and
capabilities of ecological models to aid in management decision making. In
fact, many managers view models as complex black boxes that can only be
understood and used by technicians, scientists, and mathematicians. In some
cases, these perceptions are correct. However, ecological models range in
complexity and purpose. Many models and their results, regardless of
how complex or simple, can often be used to inform decisions with proper
assistance and interpretation (Starfield 1997).
Thus, to increase the use and effectiveness of ecological models in management, managers and decision makers must be educated about model
value and usability. Several issues are of particular importance, including
• Relevance and importance of modeling
• Sensitivities and uncertainties of models
• Available models and methods
• Methods for educating managers and decision makers
14.2.1 Relevance and Importance of Modeling
Managers and decision makers need to understand the relevance and
importance of modeling. An ecological model is a conceptual or mathematical representation of a natural phenomenon. Ecological models are
abstractions or simplifications of the real world that portray the dominant
components and key processes. Typically, ecological models define relationships among the parts of an ecological system and the dynamic processes that change and influence these parts (e.g., states and transitions).
These relationships are the basis on which one can predict changes in system
behavior or component pieces over time in response to external forces.
Models perform a variety of functions. Ecological models are excellent
tools for formulating questions about the behavior of an ecological system
264
Thomas P. Maxwell et al.
and the public must be accomplished for modeling to be incorporated and
applied. Also, a concerted effort must be made to increase the effectiveness
of communication among modelers, scientists, stakeholders, managers, and
the public. Managers must be able to explain their needs to modelers, and
modelers must be able to explain their results effectively to managers. This
paper focuses on four areas of education needed to facilitate the application of ecological modeling in earth-systems management: the education of
(1) managers and decision makers, (2) students, (3) scientists and modelers,
and (4) stakeholders.
14.2 Educating Managers and Decision Makers
Two primary areas of needed investment are communication to and education of on-the-ground managers and decision makers (i.e., those who
influence resources allocated to these managers). Most managers and
decision makers have only a vague understanding of the importance and
capabilities of ecological models to aid in management decision making. In
fact, many managers view models as complex black boxes that can only be
understood and used by technicians, scientists, and mathematicians. In some
cases, these perceptions are correct. However, ecological models range in
complexity and purpose. Many models and their results, regardless of
how complex or simple, can often be used to inform decisions with proper
assistance and interpretation (Starfield 1997).
Thus, to increase the use and effectiveness of ecological models in management, managers and decision makers must be educated about model
value and usability. Several issues are of particular importance, including
• Relevance and importance of modeling
• Sensitivities and uncertainties of models
• Available models and methods
• Methods for educating managers and decision makers
14.2.1 Relevance and Importance of Modeling
Managers and decision makers need to understand the relevance and
importance of modeling. An ecological model is a conceptual or mathematical representation of a natural phenomenon. Ecological models are
abstractions or simplifications of the real world that portray the dominant
components and key processes. Typically, ecological models define relationships among the parts of an ecological system and the dynamic processes that change and influence these parts (e.g., states and transitions).
These relationships are the basis on which one can predict changes in system
behavior or component pieces over time in response to external forces.
Models perform a variety of functions. Ecological models are excellent
tools for formulating questions about the behavior of an ecological system
264
Thomas P. Maxwell et al.