Conceptual model introduction

What are conceptual models?

Conceptual models are representations of real world natural systems such as wetlands. There are many ways models can represent the real world, and a simple but very effective form is with diagrams.

The latest scientific understanding of the intricate and interconnected components of complex natural systems is demonstrated visually using symbols, pictures and colours. This produces a model, or a series of models, that can be used to explain complex scientific knowledge in a form that is immediately informative and accessible. Conceptual models are well recognised as a useful tool for researchers to inform and share their research findings with environmental managers and other members of the community. The process of constructing conceptual models and the models themselves can highlight knowledge gaps, establish priorities, clarify and synthesise thinking and can inform monitoring programs. Conceptual models can be altered over time to capture emerging research outcomes. The Queensland DERM has identified the importance of developing a series of conceptual models that tie together wetland processes and stressors. Their development is currently underway. (See Figure 1 for an example of a conceptual model).

Conceptual models are being generated with the framework provided by the wetlands classification system which divides Queensland into two major climatic regions; the grassland and arid component forms one region, and the temperate, tropical and sub-tropical area forms the other.

Why use conceptual models?

Conceptual models are useful because they:

facilitate communication. Conceptual models are a tool through which detailed technical concepts can be summarised in a non-technical way, and presented to end users such as environmental managers and other coastal zone stakeholders.
integrate knowledge across disciplines. Conceptual models provide a physical background upon which the understanding derived from various scientific disciplines (e.g. ecology, chemistry and geology) can be integrated with the perspectives of other stakeholder groups for addressing management issues.
increase understanding. Conceptual models help users to understand the often complex processes in a system (e.g. how things work, what drives these things and major impacts) and demonstrate the links between them.
identify knowledge gaps. Conceptual models can help users to identify any gaps in scientific understanding, monitoring or natural resource management plans.
help with decision-making and planning. Conceptual models can assist environmental/natural resource managers and stakeholders in developing coastal waterway management plans and prioritising research and monitoring efforts.
facilitate participation. Conceptual models can facilitate participation of stakeholders, and assist with interaction between different stakeholder and government groups.

Figure 1. Conceptual model of estuarine vegetation.

Using models to determine indicators

Figure 2. Linking of the typology, science synthesis, and indicator development.

To develop an appropriate set of indicators to monitor a wetland, there is a logical process that needs to be followed (see Fig. 2). The first part of the process is to determine what type of wetland you are monitoring (i.e. its classification/typology). Developing a classification/typology allows different types of wetlands to be recognised, ensuring that ‘apples’ can be compared with ‘apples’. The next step in the process is to produce wetland conceptual models which synthesise the current understanding of each type’s key processes, components and functions, thus providing a basis of sound understanding for the development of individual stressor models. These stressor models then allow pressure and condition indicators to be determined that are specific to a particular wetland type.