Enabling Actions and Leverage Points for Governing Conifer Invasions in NW Patagonia

Invasive conifers pose a significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and fire safety in Patagonian urban-natural interfaces. The Red PINOS partnership, a transdisciplinary initiative established in 2021, aims to develop a robust governance framework for managing conifer invasions in Bariloche department, Argentina. The initiative employs a two-pronged approach: identifying and implementing leverage points, to shift system dynamics toward a less invaded and invasible state, and taking short-term enabling actions to facilitate the implementation of these leverage points.

This study focuses on systematizing the experience gained by Red PINOS regarding enabling actions, while also providing a comprehensive overview of the ongoing discussions surrounding alternative leverage points for managing conifer invasions. Ultimately, this research seeks to improve governance for invasive species management in the region.

Using a participatory multi-criteria evaluation (MCE), stakeholders engaged at Red PINOS were asked to collaboratively assess ca. 30 intervention types based on criteria such as social acceptance, political and economic feasibility, flexibility, adaptability, data availability, research needs, short- and long-term impact, and systemic change potential, among others. The MCE identified promising interventions suitable for both enabling actions and types of leverage points, including public awareness campaigns, seedlings and adult tree removal in invaded areas, participatory mapping and monitoring programs, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting sustainable biomass utilization for both private interests and poverty alleviation. After two years of transdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholders recognized that a combination of short- and long-term goals, coupled with progressive community engagement and institutional changes, is key to driving sustainable change.

In conclusion, this research highlights the value of considering both enabling actions and leverage points for effective invasive species management. The two-pronged and participatory approach employed, offers a model for other research-action initiatives addressing the identification of short and long-term intervention strategies to tackle complex environmental and social challenges.