Before undertaking my PhD in understanding illegal resource use, I worked as a conservation practitioner in Greece and elsewhere for eight years. This sparked my interest in interdisciplinary research that seeks to understand people and their interactions with the natural world.

I am interested in understanding the links between human behaviour, well-being and conservation. Much of my research focuses on conservation conflict together with investigating the prevalence and drivers of peoples involvement in unlawful resource extraction. However, gathering robust data on rule breaking directly from people is challenging. For this reason my work includes testing cutting-edge social science techniques for asking people sensitive questions. I also draw on disciplines such as development studies, social and cognitive psychology and criminology in order to strengthen levels of understanding on what drives conservation rule breaking and the differing levels of tolerance people exhibit for co-existing with wildlife.

My group work on various issues including the conservation and livelihood implications of wild meat hunting and the social, heritage and economic value of intertidal collection and beach gathering activities.

Read about the Conservation & Human Behaviour Research Group here

I am a member of Conservation@Bangor, a highly interdisciplinary research group using expertise and methods from biology, ecology, psychology, economics, sociology, geography, land systems science, and policy amongst others, to undertake applied research which addresses the diverse threats facing species and ecosystems worldwide.

Dr Freya A. V. St. John

Reader in Conservation Science

Thoday Building, room G1

Email: f.stjohn@bangor.ac.uk

Website: http://www.conhub.org/

Tel: 01248 388295 (from UK)

+44 1248 388295 (international)

Research interests

• Understanding illegal resource use
• Conservation conflicts
• Conservation and human wellbeing

PhD Students

Harriett Ibbett: Understanding rule-breaking in a conservation context, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University. Funded by ERC (Grant No. 755965)

Elizabeth Morris-Webb: Intertidal collection and beach gathering, School of Ocean Sciences & School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University. Funded by KESS 2 with www.marine-ecosol.com

Sorrell Jones: The influence of risk on patterns of illegal activity in a hunted landscape in West Liberia. Royal Holloway University of London (Dr Sarah Papworth), Edinburgh University (Dr Aidan Keane), Bangor University (Dr Freya St. John), RSPB (Dr Juliette Vickery)

’Rydwyf yn fodlon goruchwylio cwrs PhD

2024

• E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffuCross-cultural applications of the New Ecological Paradigm in protected area contexts
  Dorward, L., Ibbett, H., Dwiyahreni, A. A., Kohi, E. M., Prayitno, K., Sankeni, S., Kaduma, J. F., Mawenya, R., Mchomvu, J., Sabiladiyni, H., Saputra, A. W., Supriatna, J., Trywidiarini, T. & St. John, F. A. V., 18 Medi 2024, (E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffu) Yn: Environment and Behavior.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydImproving well-being and reducing deforestation in Indonesia's protected areas
  Morgans, C. L., Jago, S., Andayani, N., Linkie, M., Lo, M. G. Y., Mumbunan, S., St. John, F. A. V., Supriatna, J., Voigt, M., Winarni, N., Santika, T. & Struebig, M., 6 Maw 2024, Yn: Conservation Letters. 17, 3, t. 1 11 t., e13010.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2023

• CyhoeddwydA mixed methods approach for measuring topic sensitivity in conservation
  Ibbett, H., Jones, J. P. G., Dorward, L., Kohi, E. M., Dwiyahreni, A. A., Prayitno, K., Sankeni, S., Kaduma, J., Mchomvu, J., Saputra, A. W., Sabiladiyni, H., Supriatna, J. & St John, F. A. V., 1 Awst 2023, Yn: People and Nature. 5, 4, t. 1245-1261 17 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTopic sensitivity still affects honest responding, even when specialized questioning techniques are used
  Ibbett, H., Dorward, L., Jones, J. P. G., Kohi, E. M., Sankeni, S., Kaduma, J., Mchomvu, J., Mawenya, R. & St. John, F. A. V., Meh 2023, Yn: Conservation Science and Practice. 5, 6, e12927.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2022

• CyhoeddwydExperimental Validation of Specialised Questioning Techniques in Conservation
  Ibbett, H., Dorward, L., Dwiyahreni, A. A., Jones, J. P. G., Kaduma, J., Kohi, E. M., Mchomvu, J., Prayitno, K., Sabiladiyni, H., Sankeni, S., Saputra, A. W., Supriatna, J. & St John, F. A. V., Hyd 2022, Yn: Conservation Biology.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydUse of Native Animals by Local Communities in Madagascar
  Robinson, J., Raharimalala, J., Bicknell, J., St John, F. A. V., Griffiths, R. A., Razafimanahaka, J. H. & Gardner, C. J., 1 Awst 2022, Yn: Environmental Challenges. 8, 100577.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2021

• CyhoeddwydAsking sensitive questions in conservation using Randomised Response Techniques
  Ibbett, H., Jones, J. P. G. & St John, F. A. V., 1 Awst 2021, Yn: Biological Conservation. 260, 109191.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydDrivers of predator killing by rural residents and recommendations for fostering coexistence in agricultural landscapes
  Galvez, N., St John, F. A. V. & Davies, Z. G., 18 Tach 2021, Yn: Frontiers in Conservation Science. 12 t., 712044.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydImpact of palm oil sustainability certification on village well-being and poverty in Indonesia
  Santika, T., Wilson, K. A., Law, E. A., St John, F. A. V., Carlson, K. M., Gibbs, H., Morgans, C. L., Ancrenaz, M., Meijaard , E. & Struebig, M. J., Chwef 2021, Yn: Nature Sustainability . 4, 2, t. 109–119
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe bean method as a tool to measure sensitive behavior
  Jones, S., Papworth, S., Keane, A., Vickery, J. & St John, F. A. V., Ebr 2021, Yn: Conservation Biology. 35, 2, t. 722-732 11 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe role of risk perception and affect in predicting support for conservation policy under rapid ecosystem change
  St John, F. A. V., Mason, T. H. E. & Bunnefeld, N., Chwef 2021, Yn: Conservation Science and Practice. 3, 2, e316.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydToward improved impact evaluation of community forest management in Indonesia
  Meijaard , E., Santika, T., Wilson, K. A., Budiharta , S., Kusworo , A., Law, E. A., Friedman, R., Hutabarat, J. A., Indrawan, T. P., St John, F. A. V. & Struebig, M., Ion 2021, Yn: Conservation Science and Practice. 3, 1, e2189.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl adolygu › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2020

• CyhoeddwydAnalyzing procedural equity in government-led community-based forest management
  Friedman, R., Rhodes, J., Dean, A., Law, E., Santika, T., Budiharta , S., Hutabarat, J. A., Indrawan, T. P., Kusworo , A., Meijaard , E., St John, F. A. V., Struebig, M. & Wilson, K. A., Medi 2020, Yn: Ecology and Society. 25, 3, 16.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydBeyond the community in participatory forest management: A governance network perspective
  Friedman, R., Guerrero, R. S., McAllister, R. R. J., Rhodes, J., Santika, T., Budiharta , S., Indrawan, T. P., Hutabarat, J. A., Kusworo , A., Yogaswara, H., Meijaard , E., St John, F. A. V., Struebig, M. J. & Wilson, K. A., 1 Medi 2020, Yn: Land Use Policy. 97, 104738.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydConsequences of survey method for estimating hunters' harvest rates
  Jones, S. C. Z., Papworth, S. K., St John, F. A. V., Vickery, J. A. & Keane, A. M., Rhag 2020, Yn: Conservation Science and Practice. 2, 12, e315.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2019

• CyhoeddwydAudience segmentation to improve targeting of conservation interventions for hunters
  Jones, S., Keane, A., St John, F. A. V., Vickery, J. & Papworth, S., 30 Awst 2019, Yn: Conservation Biology. 33, 4, t. 895-905
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydExpanding the role of social science in conservation through an engagement with philosophy, methodology and methods
  Moon, K., Blackman, D. A., Adams, V. M., Colvin, R. M., Davila, F., Evans, M., Januchowski-Hartley, S. R., Bennett, N. J., Dickinson, H., Sandbrook, C., Sherren, K., St John, F. A. V., van Kerkhoff, L. & Wyborn, C., Maw 2019, Yn: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 10, 3, t. 294-302 9 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydHeterogeneous impacts of community forestry on forest conservation and poverty alleviation: Evidence from Indonesia
  Santika, T., Wilson, K. A., Budiharta , S., Kusworo , A., Meijaard , E., Law, E. A., Friedman, R., Hutabarat, J. A., Indrawan, T. P., St John, F. A. V. & Struebig, M. J., 1 Meh 2019, Yn: People and Nature.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydIncentives and social relationships of hunters and traders in a Liberian bushmeat system
  Jones, S., Papworth, S., Keane, A., St John, F., Smith, E., Flomo, A., Nyamunue, Z. & Vickery, J., Medi 2019, Yn: Biological Conservation. 237, t. 338-347
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydValue diversity and conservation conflict: Lessons from the management of red grouse and hen harriers in England
  St John, F. A. V., Steadman, J., Austen, G. & Redpath, S. M., Maw 2019, Yn: People and Nature. 1, 1, t. 6-17
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2018

• CyhoeddwydA spatially integrated framework for assessing socio-ecological drivers of carnivore decline
  Gálvez, N., Guillera-Arroita, G., St John, F. A. V., Schüttler, E., MacDonald, D. & Davies, Z., Mai 2018, Yn: Journal of Applied Ecology. 55, 3, t. 1393-1405
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydAddressing human-tiger conflict using socio-ecological information on tolerance and risk
  Struebig, M. J., Linkie, M., Deere, N. J., Martyr, D. J., Milliyanawati, B., Faulkner, S. C., Le Comber, S. C., Mangunjaya, F. M., Leader-Williams, N., McKay, J. E. & St John, F. A. V., 27 Awst 2018, Yn: Nature Communications. 9, 3455.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydIntention to kill: Tolerance and illegal persecution of Sumatran tigers and sympatric species
  St John, F. A. V., Linkie, M., Martyr, D., Milliyanawati, B., McKay, J., Mangunjaya, F., Leader-Williams, N. & Struebig, M., 1 Gorff 2018, Yn: Conservation Letters.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydPractitioner and scientist perceptions of successful amphibian conservation
  Meredith, H. M. R., St John, F. A. V., Collen, B., Black, S. A. & Griffiths, R. A., Ebr 2018, Yn: Conservation Biology. 32, 2, t. 366-375
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydPublishing social science research in Conservation Biology to move beyond biology
  Teel, T. L., Anderson, C. B., Burgman, M. A., Cinner, J., Clark, D., Estevez, R. A., Jones, J. P. G., McClanahan, T. R., Reed, M. S., Sandbrook, C. & St John, F. A. V., Chwef 2018, Yn: Conservation Biology. 32, 1, t. 6-8
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Golygyddiad › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTolerating tigers: Gaining local and spiritual perspectives on human-tiger interactions in Sumatra
  McKay, J., St John, F. A. V., Harihar, A., Martyr, D., Leader-Williams, N., Milliyanawati, B., Agustin, I., Anggriawan, Y., Karlina, K., Kartika, K., Mangunjaya, F., Struebig, M. & Linkie, M., 14 Tach 2018, Yn: PLoS ONE.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydUsing consumer preferences to characterize the trade of wild‐collected ornamental orchids in China
  Williams, S., Gale, S., Hinsley, A., Gao, J. & St John, F. A. V., Hyd 2018, Yn: Conservation Letters. 11, 5, e12569.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Llythyr › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydWildlife supply chains in Madagascar from local collection to global export
  Robinson, J., Fraser, I., St John, F. A. V., Randrianantoandro, J., Andriantsimanarilafy, R., Razafimanahaka, J. H., Griffiths, R. A. & Roberts, D. L., 1 Hyd 2018, Yn: Biological Conservation. 226, t. 144-152
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2017

• CyhoeddwydEstimating the Extent of CITES Noncompliance among Traders and End-Consumers: Lessons from the Global Orchid Trade
  Hindsley, A., Nuno, A., Ridout, M. & St John, F. A. V., Medi 2017, Yn: Conservation Letters. 10, 5, t. 602-609
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydSupplying the wildlife trade as a livelihood strategy in a biodiversity hotspot
  Robinson, J., Griffiths, R., Fraser, I., Raharimalala, J., Roberts, D. & St John, F. A. V., 21 Tach 2017, Yn: Ecology and Society. 23, 1, 13.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2016

• CyhoeddwydChanging livelihoods and protected area management: a case study of charcoal production in south-west Madagascar
  Gardner, C. J., Gabriel, F. U. L., St John, F. A. V. & Davies, Z., Gorff 2016, Yn: Oryx. 50, 3, t. 495-505
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydResearch ethics: Assuring anonymity at the individual level may not be sufficient to protect research participants from harm
  St. John, F. A. V., Brockington, D., Bunnefild, N., Duffy, R., Homewood, K., Jones, J. P. G., Keane, A. M., Milner-Gulland, E. J., Nuno, A. & Razafimanahaka, J. H., Ebr 2016, Yn: Biological Conservation. 196, t. 208-209
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Llythyr › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydToward a new understanding of the links between poverty and illegal wildlife hunting
  Duffy, R., St John, F. A. V., Buescher, B. & Brockington, D., 14 Ion 2016, Yn: Conservation Biology. 30, 1, t. 14-22
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2015

• CyhoeddwydCaptive Reptile Mortality Rates in the Home and Implications for the Wildlife Trade
  Robinson, J., St John, F. A. V., Griffiths, R. A. & Roberts, D. L., 10 Tach 2015, Yn: PLoS ONE. e0141460.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydData collected using the randomised response technique must be analysed using specialised statistical methods
  Keane, A. M., Nuno, A. & St John, F. A. V., 2015, Yn: Biological Conservation. 187, t. 279-280
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Llythyr › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydDynamics of the global trade in live reptiles: Shifting trends in production and consequences for sustainability
  Robinson, J., Griffiths, R. A., St John, F. A. V. & Roberts, D. L., Ebr 2015, Yn: Biological Conservation. 184, t. 42-50
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydElephant conservation and corruption beyond the ivory trade
  Smith, R. J., Biggs, D., St John, F. A. V. & 't Sas-Rolfes, M., Meh 2015, Yn: Conservation Biology. 29, 3, t. 953-956
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Sylw/Dadl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydEvaluating deterrents of illegal behaviour in conservation: Carnivore killing in rural Taiwan
  St John, F. A. V., Mai, C.-H. & Pei, K., Medi 2015, Yn: Biological Conservation. 189, t. 86-94
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydHow to ask sensitive questions in conservation: A review of specialized questioning techniques
  Nuno, A. & St John, F. A. V., Medi 2015, Yn: Biological Conservation. 189, t. 5-15
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe militarization of anti-poaching: undermining long term goals?
  Duffy, R., St John, F. A. V., Buescher, B. & Brockington, D., Rhag 2015, Yn: Environmental Conservation. 42, 4, t. 345-348
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Sylw/Dadl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2014

• CyhoeddwydBiology's drones: Undermined by fear
  Humle, T., Duffy, R., Roberts, D. L., Sandbrook, C., St John, F. A. V. & Smith, R. J., 20 Meh 2014, Yn: Science. 344, 6190, t. 1351
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Llythyr › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydEstimating the prevalence of researcher misconduct: a study of UK academics within biological sciences
  Roberts, D. L. & St John, F. A. V., 9 Medi 2014, Yn: PeerJ. e562.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydRobust study design is as important on the social as it is on the ecological side of applied ecological research
  St. John, F. A. V., Keane, A. M., Jones, J. P. G. & Milner-Gulland, E. J., Rhag 2014, Yn: Journal of Applied Ecology. 51, 6, t. 1479-1485
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2013

• CyhoeddwydEffective conservation depends upon understanding human behaviour: Chapter 19
  St John, F. A. V., Keane, A. M. & Milner-Gulland, E., 5 Ebr 2013, Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2. Macdonald, D. W. & Willis, K. J. (gol.). Wiley-Blackwell, t. 344-361
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydInnovative Techniques for Estimating Illegal Activities in a Human-Wildlife-Management Conflict
  Cross, P., St. John, F. A. V., Khan, S. & Petroczi, A., 16 Ion 2013, Yn: PLoS ONE. 8, 1, t. e53681
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydNew rhino conservation project in South Africa to understand landowner decision-making
  Smith, R. J., Roberts, D. L., Duffy, R. & St John, F. A. V., 19 Gorff 2013, Yn: Oryx. 47, 3, t. 323
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Sylw/Dadl
• CyhoeddwydWildlife consumption and recall accuracy – but is it recall of hunting, of cooking or of eating?
  Newing, H. & St John, F. A. V., Rhag 2013, Yn: Animal Conservation. 16, 6, t. 606-607
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Sylw/Dadl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2012

• CyhoeddwydIdentifying indicators of illegal behaviour: carnivore killing in human-managed landscapes
  St John, F., Keane, A., Edwards-Jones, G., Jones, L., Yarnell, R. W. & Jones, J. P. G., 22 Chwef 2012, Yn: Proceedings of the royal Society B. 279, 1729, t. 804-812
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydOpinions of the public, conservationists and magistrates on sentencing wildlife trade crimes in the UK
  St John, F. A. V., Edwards-Jones, G. & Jones, J. P. G., Meh 2012, Yn: Environmental Conservation. 39, 2, t. 154-161
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2010

• CyhoeddwydConservation and human behaviour: lessons from social psychology.
  St John, F., Edwards-Jones, G. & Jones, J. P. G., 22 Rhag 2010, Yn: Wildlife Research. 37, 8, t. 658-667
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTesting novel methods for assessing rule breaking in conservation.
  St John, F., Edwards-Jones, G., Gibbons, J. M. & Jones, J. P. G., 1 Ebr 2010, Yn: Biological Conservation. 143, 4, t. 1025-1030
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

• HEFCW HEIR COVID extension to ECR bid (F007484, R37E13)

  01/04/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Wedi gorffen)

• Resolving the links between poverty and rule-breaking in a conservation context. ConHuB (Grant No. 755965)

  01/06/2018 – 31/12/2199 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

  Cysylltau:

  • https://www.bangor.ac.uk/natural-sciences/staff/freya-st-john/en#grants_and_projects

• Understanding perceptions: Hen harrier brood management trial

  23/10/2017 – 17/08/2018 (Wedi gorffen)

• Investing in agroforestry options for forest restoration in Indonesia

  01/04/2017 – 08/09/2020 (Wedi gorffen)

  Disgrifiad

  Funder: Darwin Initiative, 2016 – 2019

  Researchers: Freya St. John with Mangara Silalahi (Burung Indonesia), Tom Swinfield (RSPB), Rhett Harrison (ICRAF), Aidan Keane (University of Edinburgh)

  Collaborators: Burung Indonesia, PT REKI, RSPB, ICRAF, University of Bangor, University of Edinburgh

  Project Description: Much of Indonesia’s forest cover has been logged (>80M ha) yet studies have shown that exhausted logging concessions harbour high levels of biodiversity and supply valuable ecosystem services, consequently, their restoration is a conservation priority. 49 million people, among the poorest in the country, live on forest margins. With limited livelihood options, many depend on clearing forests for agriculture with the uncertain hope of attaining land tenure. Harapan Rainforest is an Ecosystem Restoration Concession in Sumatra which has a 90 year license to restore 98,000 ha of logged forest. With many indigenous and migrant families living within the concession and clearing land for agriculture, the situation at Harapan typifies the challenges facing forest restoration in Indonesia. This interdisciplinary project will examine the likely win-win scenario of agroforestry which has the potential to provide valuable livelihood opportunities consistent with restoration and biodiversity objectives.

  Cysylltau:

  • https://www.bangor.ac.uk/natural-sciences/staff/freya-st-john/en#grants_and_projects

• Marrying community land rights with stakeholder aspirations in Indonesian Borneo

  01/04/2017 – 01/08/2019 (Wedi gorffen)

  Cysylltau:

  • https://www.bangor.ac.uk/natural-sciences/staff/freya-st-john/en#grants_and_projects

Project: Resolving the links between poverty and rule-breaking in conservation

Funder: European Research Council Starting Grant, 2018 - 2024

Researchers: Freya St. John, Corinna Van Cayzeele (alumni), Leejiah Dorward, Harriet Ibbett

Poverty is frequently perceived to be the root cause of illegal natural resource use – the hunting or extraction of wildlife not sanctioned by the state. When unsustainable, such activities threaten conservation of ecosystems and endangered species. However, understanding what motivates individuals involved is a major challenge; understandably few are willing to discuss their motives for fear of punishment. Furthermore, severe, multifaceted poverty overlaps with regions prioritised for their globally important biodiversity. This association exacerbates the problem that illegal activities pose for policy-makers responsible for managing and policing the use of nature. The dominant approach to conserving biodiversity is to establish protected areas which typically restrict resource use and manage infractions through law enforcement. However, the designation of such areas does not guarantee compliance, as demonstrated by ongoing infractions and its conspicuous profile on global policy agendas. This includes the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which calls for urgent action to halt biodiversity loss and hunting of protected species. Solving this problematic cocktail of poverty, exclusion from resources and drivers of illegal resource use requires a new approach to understanding why people break rules and to what extent poverty underpins behaviour. This project will draw on concepts from a range of disciplines, including development studies, criminology and psychology, to improve our understanding of why people break rules and to what extent poverty underpins their behaviour.

Project: Investing in agroforestry options for forest restoration in Indonesia

Funder: Darwin Initiative, 2016 – 2019

Researchers: Freya St. John with Mangara Silalahi (Burung Indonesia), Tom Swinfield (RSPB), Rhett Harrison (ICRAF), Aidan Keane (University of Edinburgh)

Collaborators: Burung Indonesia, PT REKI, RSPB, ICRAF, University of Bangor, University of Edinburgh

Project Description: Much of Indonesia’s forest cover has been logged (>80M ha) yet studies have shown that exhausted logging concessions harbour high levels of biodiversity and supply valuable ecosystem services, consequently, their restoration is a conservation priority. 49 million people, among the poorest in the country, live on forest margins. With limited livelihood options, many depend on clearing forests for agriculture with the uncertain hope of attaining land tenure. Harapan Rainforest is an Ecosystem Restoration Concession in Sumatra which has a 90 year license to restore 98,000 ha of logged forest. With many indigenous and migrant families living within the concession and clearing land for agriculture, the situation at Harapan typifies the challenges facing forest restoration in Indonesia. This interdisciplinary project will examine the likely win-win scenario of agroforestry which has the potential to provide valuable livelihood opportunities consistent with restoration and biodiversity objectives.

Project: Marrying community land rights with stakeholder aspirations in Indonesian Borneo

Funder: Darwin Initiative, 2016 – 2019  

Researchers: Matthew Struebig (University of Kent) and Freya St. John

Collaborators: Fauna and Flora International Indonesia programme, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Borneo Futures, University of Queensland

Project Description: Community forest management (CFM) is championed as a way to benefit local livelihoods and forest conservation, and Indonesia recognises this as part of its efforts to reduce poverty. Growing decentralisation and policy reform now supports community-based management throughout Indonesia, where the government aims to reallocate 12.7 Mha of state forest to poor indigenous communities. While these reforms support human rights and could alleviate poverty, counter-intuitively they also allow communities to clear forest. The governments' plan to improve rural wellbeing thus risks compromising the very ecosystems and biodiversity on which its people depend. By producing spatial datasets and developing case-studies within CFM areas this project aims to assess the impact of CFM on wellbeing and build the capacity of local governments of Kalimantan to better incorporate environmental and developmental needs into their spatial land-use planning processes.

Project: Novel approaches to resolving conflicts over human livelihoods and biodiversity conservation: People and rising geese populations in Scotland

Funder: University of Kent Faculty of Social Science, 2016 – 2017

Researchers: Freya St. John with Nils Bunnefeld (University of Stirling)

Project Description: Conflicts between those interested in using versus conserving biodiversity are widely recognised as both damaging to human livelihoods and biodiversity and are increasing in scope and scale. Yet, despite this recognition, there is a lack of theory to help guide the resolution of these problematic issues. The aim of this project is to develop a novel conceptual and analytical model to resolve conflicts over biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods. Working on the island of Islay, this project will investigate issues associated with the management of geese numbers which impose costs on the island’s farmers.

Project: Tolerating tigers: Do local beliefs offset human-carnivore conflicts? 

Funder: Leverhulme Trust, 2014 – 2017

Researchers: Freya St. John with Matthew Struebig (University of Kent), Jeanne Mckay (FFI-Indonesia Programme), Matthew Linkie (WCS)

Collaborators: Fauna and Flora International Indonesia Programme; University of Cambridge; Universitas Nasional (UNAS) Jakarta

Project Description: Large carnivores that cause loss of human life or livelihoods are frequently killed in retribution. However, religious or spiritual beliefs may encourage local tolerance of such conflicts. To date, conservation biologists and social scientists have not tested this aspect of human-wildlife conflict within a quantitative and interdisciplinary framework. A long-term case study of Sumatran tigers living close to Islamic farming communities allows us to explore both ecological and social determinants of such conflicts. Taken together, these data will provide timely insights into the drivers of tiger conflict, and allow us to better understand how to strengthen tolerance towards dangerous wildlife.