We need to know more about our bioregion.

To get a holistic view, we are choosing to look at the health of the Genesee Finger Lakes bioregion along multiple dimensions. The associated image, generated (along with errors) by ChatGPT, suggests some of the key elements:

• What is the carrying capacity of our bioregion?  And what are the consequences of exceeding sustainable limits?
• What is the actual extent of our biodiversity loss, and what are we doing about it?
• What are we doing to protect water quality against harmful algal blooms (and addressing many other key water quality issues?
• What is the state of social equity, food security, and other social issues in the human community?
• And what do we know about our relationship with the rest of nature?
• To what extent is the agriculture in the bioregion informed by regenerative practices?
• What are the key ecological constraints or boundaries in our bioregion, and how well are we handling them?

These and other questions need to be asked and answered.

Articles addressing any of these issues are welcome here. Please email them to admin@gflbioregion.org.

For a more systematic approach, we turned to Google’s Gemini.

Here’s what it created in response to the query, “Create a framework for measuring bioregional health. Present this visually and textually, describing enough about different elements to identify the key questions that need to be asked to evaluate bioregional health and carrying capacity.” It does not appear to be capable of graphics, but here’s what it created as a systematic framework. (Verbatim, except that I’ve renumbered the items.)

Bioregional Health & Carrying Capacity

1. Ecological Integrity
2. Social Well-being & Equity
3. Sustainable Economy & Resource Use
4. Resilience & Adaptive Capacity

In detail:

1. Ecological Integrity: This dimension focuses on the health and functionality of the natural systems within the bioregion.

• • A1: Biodiversity & Ecosystem Health: Assesses the variety of life and the condition of ecosystems.
    • Key Questions: What is the status and trend of native species populations? Are keystone species thriving? What is the extent and health of different ecosystems (forests, wetlands, grasslands, aquatic systems)? Are there significant invasive species impacting native biodiversity? What are the levels of ecosystem services provided (pollination, water purification, etc.)?
  • A2: Water Quality & Availability: Evaluates the health and accessibility of water resources.
    • Key Questions: What are the levels of pollutants in surface and groundwater? Are water bodies meeting quality standards for various uses (drinking, recreation, aquatic life)? Is there sufficient water supply to meet ecological and human needs, considering seasonal variations and potential future changes? Are water allocation systems equitable and sustainable? What is the health of riparian zones and wetlands?
  • A3: Soil Health & Fertility: Examines the quality and productivity of soils.
    • Key Questions: What is the organic matter content of soils? Is there evidence of soil erosion or compaction? What are the levels of essential nutrients and pollutants in soils? Are agricultural practices promoting soil health? What is the capacity of soils to retain water and support plant growth?
  • A4: Air Quality: Assesses the level of pollutants in the atmosphere.
    • Key Questions: Are levels of criteria air pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, etc.) within acceptable limits? What are the primary sources of air pollution in the bioregion? Are there localized air quality hotspots? What are the impacts of air pollution on human and ecological health?
  • A5: Carbon Sequestration & Climate Regulation: Evaluates the bioregion’s role in mitigating climate change.
    • Key Questions: What is the capacity of the bioregion’s ecosystems (forests, wetlands, soils) to sequester carbon? What are the greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors within the bioregion? Are there initiatives to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce emissions? How is the bioregion being affected by climate change impacts (temperature changes, extreme weather)?
  • A6: Habitat Connectivity & Extent: Examines the interconnectedness and size of natural habitats.
    • Key Questions: Are there sufficient corridors for wildlife movement between fragmented habitats? What is the rate of habitat loss and fragmentation? Are there efforts to restore and expand critical habitats? How are human infrastructure (roads, development) impacting habitat connectivity?

2. Social Well-being & Equity: This dimension focuses on the health, fairness, and cultural vibrancy of the human communities within the bioregion.

• • B1: Community Health & Access to Healthcare: Assesses the physical and mental health of residents and their access to medical services.
    • Key Questions: What are the prevalence rates of key health indicators? Is there equitable access to affordable and quality healthcare services for all residents? Are there environmental factors impacting community health? Are there adequate mental health support systems?
  • B2: Food Security & Access to Nutritious Food: Evaluates the availability and accessibility of healthy food for all residents.
    • Key Questions: What percentage of the population experiences food insecurity? Are there robust local food systems? Is nutritious food affordable and accessible in all communities? What is the health of the local agricultural system in providing diverse and healthy food?
  • B3: Education & Knowledge Sharing: Assesses the quality of education and the flow of information relevant to bioregional health.
    • Key Questions: What is the quality and accessibility of education at all levels? Are there opportunities for learning about the bioregion’s ecology, culture, and sustainability? Is local knowledge valued and integrated into decision-making? Are there effective channels for communicating information about bioregional health?
  • B4: Cultural Vitality & Diversity: Examines the richness and preservation of local cultures and traditions.
    • Key Questions: Is there a vibrant arts and cultural scene? Are local traditions and heritage being preserved and celebrated? Is the diversity of cultures within the bioregion respected and supported? Is there meaningful engagement with Indigenous cultures and knowledge?
  • B5: Social Equity & Justice: Evaluates the fair distribution of resources and opportunities among all residents.
    • Key Questions: Are there significant disparities in income, wealth, and access to essential services based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other social factors? Are environmental burdens (pollution, waste facilities) disproportionately located in marginalized communities? Are decision-making processes inclusive and equitable?
  • B6: Civic Engagement & Governance: Assesses the level of participation in community affairs and the effectiveness of governance structures.
    • Key Questions: What is the level of citizen participation in local decision-making? Are governance structures transparent and accountable? Do policies and regulations support bioregional health and sustainability? Are there effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration?

3. Sustainable Economy & Resource Use: This dimension focuses on economic activities that support ecological and social well-being within the bioregion’s carrying capacity.

• • C1: Local & Circular Economy Development: Evaluates the strength of local economies and the adoption of circular principles.
    • Key Questions: What is the level of local business ownership and investment? Are there initiatives to support local production and consumption? Are waste streams being minimized and resources being reused and recycled effectively? Are there policies that favor local and circular economic models?
  • C2: Renewable Energy Production & Use: Assesses the transition to clean energy sources.
    • Key Questions: What is the current mix of energy sources in the bioregion? What is the rate of adoption of renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.)? Are there policies and incentives supporting renewable energy development?
  • D3: Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry: Examines land management practices in key resource sectors.
    • Key Questions: What percentage of agricultural land utilizes regenerative practices? Are forestry practices sustainable and promoting biodiversity? Are there local food systems that connect producers and consumers sustainably?
  • C4: Waste Reduction, Reuse & Recycling: Evaluates efforts to minimize waste generation and maximize resource recovery.
    • Key Questions: What is the per capita waste generation rate? What are the rates of recycling and composting? Are there initiatives to reduce waste at the source and promote reuse?
  • C5: Responsible Resource Extraction (if necessary): Assesses the sustainability of any resource extraction activities.
    • Key Questions: Are extraction activities minimized and conducted with the highest environmental standards? Are there plans for ecological restoration after extraction? Are the benefits of extraction shared equitably within the bioregion?
  • C6: Green Infrastructure & Ecological Design: Evaluates the integration of natural systems into the built environment.
    • Key Questions: Is green infrastructure (parks, green roofs, permeable pavements) being implemented to manage stormwater, reduce heat island effects, and enhance biodiversity? Are building designs energy-efficient and utilizing sustainable materials?

4. Resilience & Adaptive Capacity: This dimension focuses on the bioregion’s ability to withstand and recover from shocks and adapt to long-term changes.

• • D1: Capacity to Respond to Environmental Change: Assesses the ability to cope with climate change impacts and other environmental stressors.
    • Key Questions: Are there plans in place to address climate change impacts (e.g., extreme weather events, sea-level rise)? Are ecosystems and infrastructure resilient to these changes?
  • D2: Economic Diversification & Stability: Evaluates the robustness and adaptability of the local economy.
    • Key Questions: Is the economy reliant on a few key industries, making it vulnerable to shocks? Are there efforts to diversify the economic base and support emerging sustainable sectors?
  • D3: Social Cohesion & Support Networks: Examines the strength of community bonds and mutual support systems.
    • Key Questions: Are there strong social networks and community organizations? Is there a high level of trust and cooperation among residents? Are there effective systems in place to support vulnerable populations during times of crisis?
  • D4: Knowledge & Innovation for Adaptation: Assesses the capacity to learn, innovate, and implement solutions for a changing future.
    • Key Questions: Are there strong research and development institutions focused on bioregional sustainability? Is there effective knowledge sharing and collaboration among different sectors?
  • D5: Redundancy & Decentralization of Essential Systems: Evaluates the distribution and backup capacity of critical infrastructure.
    • Key Questions: Are essential services (energy, water, food) reliant on centralized systems that are vulnerable to disruption? Are there efforts to decentralize and create redundancies in these systems?

By asking these key questions within each element of the framework, a comprehensive assessment of bioregional health and carrying capacity can be undertaken. The data collected can then inform strategies for ecological restoration, social well-being enhancement, and the development of a truly sustainable and resilient bioregional future. This framework can be adapted and refined based on the specific characteristics and priorities of individual bioregions.

Whether the data are available is another question entirely. We’ll be exploring that in future posts.

In the meantime, we welcome articles addressing any of these issues. Please email them to admin@gflbioregion.org until we are able to put together a protocol for welcoming others as contributors to the site. All items posted here will be available for re-use through a Creative Commons license, but your authorship will always be acknowledged.