Social networks, defined as sets of relationships between stakeholder organizations, are important determinants of constructive actions for biodiversity conservation. Such actions are achieved through cooperation between various stakeholders, exchange of information, and joint planning and implementation. We used a mix of qualitative and quantitative social network analysis methods to investigate the interorganizational network of stakeholders in Ukraine, and the implications of network properties for the conservation of Pontocaspian biodiversity. Pontocaspian biota contains unique and endemic fauna, which are threatened by anthropogenic impacts; this makes effective conservation measures an urgent priority. We identified a well-connected, centralized network in Ukraine. However, the strong network has not resulted in effective conservation of Pontocaspian biodiversity. Suboptimal conservation action stems from the subordinate role of Pontocaspian species in the interorganizational interactions, likely due to lack of knowledge regarding Pontocaspian taxa. Social variables, such as funding scarcity and legal constraints, further limit the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation actions. We conclude that the current landscape of stakeholders in Ukraine is well placed to rapidly improve conservation actions if they are supplied with improved information and recognition of conservation needs of Pontocaspian taxa, combined with improved financial and legal conditions.

中文翻译：

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使用社会网络分析来评估乌克兰庞卡波西亚生物多样性保护能力

社会网络被定义为利益相关者组织之间的关系，是生物多样性保护建设性行动的重要决定因素。这些行动是通过各利益相关方之间的合作，信息交流以及联合计划和实施来实现的。我们使用定性和定量的社会网络分析方法的组合，来调查乌克兰利益相关者的组织间网络，以及网络属性对蓬塔古斯邦生物多样性保护的影响。庞卡波西亚生物区系包含独特的地方性动物区系，这些区系受到人为影响的威胁；这使得有效的保护措施成为当务之急。我们在乌克兰确定了一个连接良好的集中式网络。然而，强大的网络并没有有效保护庞卡波西亚生物多样性。最佳的保护作用源于庞卡波西物种在组织间相互作用中的次要作用，这可能是由于对庞卡波西斯分类群缺乏了解所致。社会变量，例如资金短缺和法律限制，进一步限制了生物多样性保护行动的有效性。我们得出的结论是，如果乌克兰利益相关者的状况得到了改善的信息，并认识到庞卡波西分类群的保护需求，同时又有了改善的财务和法律条件，它们便可以迅速改善保护行动。可能是由于对蓬加里斯分类单元的了解不足。社会变量，例如资金短缺和法律限制，进一步限制了生物多样性保护行动的有效性。我们得出的结论是，如果乌克兰利益相关者的状况得到了改善的信息，并认识到庞卡波西分类群的保护需求，同时又有了改善的财务和法律条件，它们便可以迅速改善保护行动。可能是由于对蓬加里斯分类单元的了解不足。社会变量，例如资金短缺和法律限制，进一步限制了生物多样性保护行动的有效性。我们得出的结论是，如果乌克兰利益相关者的状况得到了改善的信息，并认识到庞卡波西分类群的保护需求，同时又有了改善的财务和法律条件，它们便可以迅速改善保护行动。