A framework for using community determined iconic species to advance socio-ecology connections and promote nature-based solutions

The community value and resonate with some species and ecological systems more than others and therefore can be used to engender broader public support for nature positive outcomes. Yet many of these are not the scientifically-derived indicator species or ecological communities used by conservation scientists to determine and report on the pressures or condition of the environment nor by those implementing programs or actions needed to reverse biodiversity loss. Urban environments represent the intersection of two complex systems, human and natural, and yet this socio-ecological or coupled human-natural system nexus remains elusive within conservation law and policy and the dominant paradigm of grey infrastructure in cities. New approaches are needed to tether environmental policies and practices, such as nature based solutions, to the values and interests of individuals and their place. This article offers a novel framework through which nature-based solutions may achieve policy traction when tied to iconic species that the community value. The iconic species framework is founded on validity theory and the relevance of community-selected species in supporting nature positive outcomes. In parallel, the framework satisfies the data driven outcomes on which science and conservation policy relies upon and the use controls that direct nature-based rather than conventional engineering approaches. The iconic species framework is situated between the indicator species framework, whereby taxa are selected on the basis of their ecological sensitivity, and flagship species, that are largely emblematic. It links numerous ecological and environmental requirements of the species that are preferred by the community to develop nature-positive policy and practice outcomes.