Optimised whole-landscape ecological metrics for effective delivery of connectivity-focused conservation incentive payments

Market-based instruments provide incentives for conservation on private lands, combining the economic efficiency of an auction with ecological site prioritization to select the best sites from those offered by landholders. However, landscape-scale goals such as increased habitat connectivity are difficult to deliver with site-based prioritization metrics. Assessing alternative ways to re-connect landscapes is a complex task, requiring knowledge of how biodiversity will respond over time to alternative conservation actions, such as replanting, managing areas of natural regrowth or protecting existing habitat. It also presents computational challenges since projects must be assessed as combinations rather than individually. We investigated practical aspects of ecological metric design to achieve desired spatial configurations. Realistic, mock bids were submitted by members of the local community in a simulated tender exercise for enhanced cassowary habitat near Mission Beach, Australia. Optimization heuristics helped solve the problem within a reasonable time. Our results demonstrate that integrating whole-landscape assessment models with market-based instruments can feasibly address the inherent complexity when pursuing whole-landscape ecological benefits through cost-efficient and innovative means. Our methodology redresses asymmetries in knowledge about biodiversity in delivering conservation incentive payments, and is justified when policy goals demand a high level of rigor. ► Conservation management actions need to be assessed as sets rather than in isolation. ► Whole-landscape ecological metrics are more effective but can be computationally-complex. ► We conducted a simulated tender aimed at connecting cassowary habitat. ► An efficient landscape metric set within optimization heuristics solved the problem. ► Whole-landscape tender assessment can address asymmetries in conservation values and costs.