The Policy Context: Building Laws and Rules that Embrace Novelty

This chapter examines how novelty and novel ecosystem changes are addressed in existing domestic and international policy. It also examines what types of changes might improve policy guidance. The chapter considers a range of policies related to biodiversity and endangered species, invasive species, protected areas and ecosystem services. In addition to international examples, it looks at domestic policy from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. The chapter argues that significant gaps remain and outdated policy and legislative frameworks continue to limit our ability to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by the emergence of novel ecosystems. It also highlights some key areas of innovation and some policy space to address novelty. Wherever possible, the chapter suggests how policy might be amended and improved to both acknowledge the existence of novel ecosystems and provide mechanisms for management (and even conservation) of such systems.