The value of using Bayesian Networks in Environmental Decision Support Systems to support natural resource management

W. S. Merritt*, J. L. Ticehurst, C. Pollino, B. Fu

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    4 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Environmental Decision Support Systems (EDSS) are one of a suite of tools that natural resource management (NRM) practitioners may use to support the development of, or help report on the success, of NRM programs. This paper outlines two DSS that are being developed for state government or NRM agencies in Australia to assist them to develop, implement and manage programs aimed at improving resource condition. IBIS is an EDSS that models ecological outcomes of environmental flows. VegBN models the effectiveness of NRM interventions on native vegetation quality on private land in northern Victoria. The underlying model base of each EDSS is comprised of Bayesian Network (BN) models linked with other BN or component models. Bayesian networks have proved to be a flexible and highly valuable approach to modelling such highly complex and uncertain environmental systems. They are an approach that can add rigour and transparency to decision-making processes and have in Australia gained considerable interest from researchers as well as government and other organisations involved in the management of natural resources.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationModelling for Environment's Sake
    Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 5th Biennial Conference of the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society, iEMSs 2010
    Pages2087-2095
    Number of pages9
    Publication statusPublished - 2010
    Event5th Biennial Conference of the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society: Modelling for Environment's Sake, iEMSs 2010 - Ottawa, ON, Canada
    Duration: 5 Jul 20108 Jul 2010

    Publication series

    NameModelling for Environment's Sake: Proceedings of the 5th Biennial Conference of the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society, iEMSs 2010
    Volume3

    Conference

    Conference5th Biennial Conference of the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society: Modelling for Environment's Sake, iEMSs 2010
    Country/TerritoryCanada
    CityOttawa, ON
    Period5/07/108/07/10

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