Abstract

Environmental changes due to non-native species introductions and translocations are a global concern. Whilst understanding the causes of bioinvasions is important, there is need for decision-support tools that facilitate effective communication of the potential risks of invasive non-native species to stakeholders. Decision-support tools have been developed mostly in English language only, which increases linguistic uncertainty associated with risk assessments undertaken by assessors not of English mother tongue and who need to communicate outcomes to local stakeholders. To reduce language-based uncertainty, the 'ecology-of-language' paradigm was applied when developing the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK), a decision-support tool that offers 32 languages in which to carry out screenings and communicate outcomes to stakeholders. Topics discussed include uncertainty related to language-specific issues encountered during the AS-ISK translation and the potential benefits of a multilingual decision-support tool for reducing linguistic uncertainty and enhancing communication between scientists, environmental managers, and policy and decision makers.

Keywords

Ecology of languages; Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit; Alien species; Risk identification; Global applicability

Published in

Environmental Modelling and Software
2021, Volume: 135, article number: 104900

SLU Authors

• Naddafi, Rahmat

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2020.104900

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/108766