| 1. |
- Loos, Jacqueline, et al.
(author)
-
An environmental justice perspective on ecosystem services
- 2023
-
In: Ambio: a Journal of Human Environment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447. ; 52, s. 477-488
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mainstreaming of ecosystem service approaches has been proposed as one path toward sustainable development. Meanwhile, critics of ecosystem services question if the approach can account for the multiple values of ecosystems to diverse groups of people, or for aspects of inter- and intra-generational justice. In particular, an ecosystem service approach often overlooks power dimensions and capabilities that are core to environmental justice. This article addresses the need for greater guidance on incorporating justice into ecosystem services research and practice. We point to the importance of deep engagement with stakeholders and rights holders to disentangle contextual factors that moderate justice outcomes on ecosystem service attribution and appropriation in socio-political interventions. Such a holistic perspective enables the integration of values and knowledge plurality for enhancing justice in ecosystem services research. This broadened perspective paves a way for transformative ecosystem service assessments, management, and research, which can help inform and design governance structures that nourish human agency to sustainably identify, manage, and enjoy ecosystem services for human wellbeing.
|
|
| 2. |
- Albert, Christian, et al.
(author)
-
Naturbasierte Lösungen in Flusslandschaften entwickeln – Wie kann eine erfolgreiche Planung gelingen?
- 2022
-
In: Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft. ; 15:3, s. 157-162
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Nature-based solutions are actions that use ecological processes to address societal challenges. In riverscapes, for example, revitalising floodplains helps to reduce the risks of peak floods in the lower reaches. At the same time, nature-based solutions often provide multiple co-benefits for people and nature, such as promoting the provision of important ecosystem services and contributing to biodiversity conservation. Nature-based solutions are therefore increasingly seen as complementary approaches to technical strategies. This article aims to provide insights into the key practical findings of the PlanSmart research project. PlanSmart investigated and further developed approaches aimed at planning and implementing nature-based solutions in riverscapes.
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
- Albert, Christian, et al.
(author)
-
Planning and governing nature-based solutions in river landscapes : Concepts, cases, and insights
- 2021
-
In: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 50:8, s. 1405-1413
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Nature-based solutions (NBS), understood as actions that use ecosystem processes to address societal needs, can play important roles to future-proof river landscape development for people and nature. However, knowledge gaps exist how NBS can be planned and implemented at landscape scales. This Special Issue brings together insights and experiences from studies of assessing, planning, and implementing NBS in river landscapes in Europe and beyond. It addresses three research fields: (i) NBS effects, looking at the effectiveness of NBS to achieve ecological, social, and/or economic outcomes, (ii) NBS planning, focusing on approaches for planning and designing NBS, and (iii) NBS governance, relating to governance and business models for implementation. The twelve contributions deliver evidence on how NBS outperform conventional, rather technical solutions, provide guidance and tools to operationalize the NBS concept into practice, and showcase successful governance models of NBS in different contexts. The editorial ends with an outlook on further research needs.
|
|
| 5. |
- Castelo Branco Brasileiro-Assing, Andréa, et al.
(author)
-
Social-Ecological System Transformation and Learning: the case of Santa Rosa de Lima’s dairy system, Brazil
- 2021
-
In: Ambiente & Sociedade. - 1414-753X. ; 24
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Conventional pastureland management has brought Southern Brazilian dairy farms to a financial and environmental crisis. In this context, the management-intensive grazing system (MIG) emerges as a viable alternative to conventional pastureland management. This study aims to analyze the Social-Ecological System (SES) transformation process of the dairy system in Santa Rosa de Lima, Southern Brazil, from conventional management to MIG. For the analysis, two different frameworks were combined: SES transformation process and the tripleloop learning frameworks. The analysis was based on a statistical analysis of interviews, conducted with dairy farmers. Results show that the dairy system in Santa Rosa de Lima is in the middle of a transformation process. During this phase, farmers have already reached single and, partially, double-loop learning. Among the elements needed to successfully move the transformation process forward, social learning stands out as indispensable, as well as financial capital. For this, payments for ecosystem services are suggested.
|
|
| 6. |
- Choquez-Millan, Maria Fresia, et al.
(author)
-
Uncovering power asymmetries in North-South research collaborations – An example from sustainability research in Tanzania
- 2024
-
In: Futures. - 0016-3287. ; 156
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- North - South collaboration between scientists and collaborators is increasingly prominent and promoted in research. This study examines power dynamics within a North-South research collaboration project conducted between institutions in Tanzania and Germany. The research design is guided by postcolonial considerations of knowledge production and seeks to amplify underrepresented voices from the South. The analysis reveals power manifestations in project setup, processes, and outcomes, through three perspectives: resources, social relations, and discourses. The study confirms the prevailing impression of the Northern partner as the donor and conceptualizer, directing the research path, while the Southern partner remains in a peripheral position as the local implementor. Both parties benefit from the collaboration, but the Northern partner gains more in terms of academic recognition and reproduction, furthering the asymmetrical power distance. This study concludes that to approach the ideal mutual knowledge co-production, collaborations should reconsider funding structures, question ways of knowing, increase the importance of equal capacity building, and challenge established Western academic knowledge production structures.
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Glaser, Marion, et al.
(author)
-
Generating Knowledge on Networks in Environmental Governance
- 2021
-
In: Human Ecology Review. - 1074-4827. ; 26:2, s. 3-16
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This paper introduces the special issue on “Generating Sustainability-Supporting Knowledge on Social Networks in the Governance and Management of Social–Ecological Systems.” Understanding the interactions of actors and institutions is important for successful governance of human–nature relations. Social network analysis is able to capture and analyze these governance and management interactions, and there is a range of existing tools for collecting, visualizing, and modeling data on social and social–ecological networks. This introductory paper aims to give an overview of the collected papers as well as an outlook of new arising topics in the field. After presenting the single contributions to this special issue, we share our thoughts on network types and performance, network states and dynamics, limits of network studies, new conceptual focuses in network analysis, and methodological innovations (mixed methods and new tools). We conclude with a reflection of the contribution of this special issue to environmental governance.
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
- Leimkühler, Melissa, et al.
(author)
-
Using the Net-Map tool to analyze stakeholder networks in the city region food systems of seven European cities
- 2024
-
In: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. - 2571-581X. ; 8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The current global food system is characterized by anonymity in the value chain, global food trade, loss of knowledge about food sources, and a distant producer-consumer relationship. In addition, the negative environmental impacts of the agricultural sector, such as pollution, degradation of soil and water quality, loss of biodiversity, and significant greenhouse gas emissions, make this sector a major driver of climate change. In contrast, the city region food system (CRFS) approach captures the complexity of a food system and its actors at the local level. It aims to meet the requirements of sustainable transformation along the food value chain and offers an alternative approach to the challenges of the global food system. However, the actors and their relationships in CRFS are rarely analyzed. To fill this gap, this study focuses on analyzing CRFSs as networks using the Net-Map tool to study different CRFS in seven European cities (Bologna, Naples, Lansingerland, Tenerife, Oslo, Dortmund, and Romainville). The aim of this paper is to concentrate on the method and to show how the Net-Map tool can effectively support the evaluation of the CRFS by identifying different actor roles, recognizing patterns of relationships. Additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of the network can be assessed by a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. The paper highlights the limitations, advantages, and practical use of the Net-Map tool and discusses potential transferability to other case studies.
|
|
| 12. |
- Mefor, Ernestine, et al.
(author)
-
A social network analysis to determine success factors of food security innovations in Tanzania
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Development Effectiveness. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1943-9407 .- 1943-9342. ; 15:2, s. 240-263
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To improve resistance to upcoming vulnerabilities to climate change and cope with rising food demand smallholders in Sub-Saharan Africa need to upgrade their local food systems. Upgrading strategies (UPS) within existing food value chains have the potential to secure food at the local to regional level. In this paper, we determined the roles of actors and their interlinkages and motivations in UPS, and identified possible success factors of group performance within different UPS in Tanzania: a) tied ridges, b) optimised market-oriented grain storage, c) maize sheller and d) millet thresher. We used individual interviews, via the social network analysis tool Net-Map, as well as focus group discussions. The results show that actors’ motivations for participating in a UPS group differed between groups and between actors. Important success factors derived from these findings were favorable village locations followed by sociability and personal contact among stakeholders and with researchers. These results provide the basis for future strategic planning that will enhance participation and a potential up-scaling
|
|
| 13. |
- Pätzke, Franka, et al.
(author)
-
Attitudes of political-administrative decision makers towards the implementation of nature-based solutions in water management–a case study on a hypothetical constructed wetland in the Tárcoles River basin
- 2024
-
In: Ecosystems and People. - 2639-5908. ; 20:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions that help communities address social-ecological challenges such as flooding and polluted groundwater. Nevertheless, research shows that in practice, NBS confront several barriers in planning and implementation, many of which are related to the different attitudes of political and administrative actors. There is knowledge missing on their viewpoints on NBS. We used Q-methodology to explore the attitudes towards the implementation of a constructed wetland as NBS, interviewing decision-makers from the Tárcoles River Basin Commission in Costa Rica, the administrative body in charge of the integrated management of the river. We determined three recognizable viewpoints: ‘the nature lover’, ‘the cost concerned’, and ‘the participation seeker’. Although all members of the commission shared a common vision, it was clear that their priorities differed. Regarding the ways of implementing NBS, interviewees agreed that the country urges a paradigm shift in policy design towards ecosystem-based approaches and emphasized the need for more cooperation among bodies of administration in river basin decision-making. We reflect on the lessons learned to improve planning and implementation of NBS, such as the importance of increasing knowledge and awareness of NBS, the support from all governance levels as well as the cooperation of researchers and policy-makers, and the consideration of NBS financing by private companies.
|
|
| 14. |
- Sattler, Claudia, et al.
(author)
-
Participatory research in times of COVID-19 and beyond: Adjusting your methodological toolkits
- 2022
-
In: One Earth. - : Elsevier BV. - 2590-3330 .- 2590-3322. ; 5:1, s. 62-73
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Solving grand environmental societal challenges calls for transdisciplinary and participatory methods in social- ecological research. These methods enable co-designing the research, co-producing the results, and co-creating the impacts together with concerned stakeholders. COVID-19 has had serious impacts on thechoice of research methods, but reflections on recent experiences of ‘‘moving online’’ are still rare. In this perspective, we focus on the challenge of adjusting different participatory methods to online formats used in five transdisciplinary social-ecological research projects. The key added value of our research is the lessons learned from a comparison of the pros and cons of adjusting a broader set ofmethods to online formats. We conclude that combining the adjusted online approaches with well-established face-to-face formats intomore inclusive hybrid approaches can enrich and diversify the pool of available methods for postpandemic research. Furthermore, a more diverse group of participants can be engaged in the research process.
|
|
| 15. |
- Schröter, Barbara, et al.
(author)
-
Adjusted to reality? Mandate and functioning of the General Integral Commission of the Grande Tárcoles Rivershed in Costa Rica
- 2023
-
In: Ecology and Society. - 1708-3087. ; 28:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Grande de Tárcoles River in Costa Rica is one of the most polluted and degraded river basins in Central America. At the same time Costa Rica is a country internationally recognized for progressive environmental management. At least on paper, the country fosters sustainable river management in the form of integrated water resources management (IWRM). In the specific case of the Grande de Tárcoles River there is the General Integral Commission of the Grande Tárcoles River basin (CGICRGT) assigned to manage the basin in an integral manner. How this works in practice has so far not been investigated. Therefore, in this article we examine the formal and informal design and working practices of the CGICRGT and determine which type of river basin organization (RBO) it represents. Based on a mixed-method approach combining document analysis with semi-structured qualitative interviews we found that the CGICRGT contains elements of both, an agency RBO and a coordinating RBO. Although coordinating the river management works well to a certain extent, critical challenges remain that hinder a fully successful management of the basin and in consequence the improvement of its ecological status. Amongst them count the overlapping responsibilities of national and local institutions, the missing participation of some important institutions, the lack of financial and personnel resources, slow progress in terms of time, and a lack of motivation of the participating institutions. Although the CGICRGT presents an excellent platform for the integrated management of the Tárcoles river basin its progress will be too slow and its impact too small as long as all participants do not prioritize its work and integrate and motivate all important actors.
|
|
| 16. |
- Schröter, Barbara, et al.
(author)
-
Beyond Demonstrators—tackling fundamental problems in amplifying nature-based solutions for the post-COVID-19 world
- 2022
-
In: NPJ Urban Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2661-8001. ; 2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are currently promoted as a panacea for improving human-nature relations. Yet the way of amplifying and mainstreaming NbS beyond scientific demonstrator projects into policy contexts is still bearing shortcomings, in particular in the uncertain futures of a post-COVID-19 world. Successful NbS amplification may be achieved by (1) using multi-scalar action to balance differing interests and reconcile governance levels, (2) providing financial and other institutionalized incentives and strategies for integrated participation processes, (3) using appropriate governance and management scales effectively integrating mediators, (4) using opportunities for transformative change offered by crisis, and (5) learning from worldwide amplification experiences.
|
|
| 17. |
- Schröter, Barbara, et al.
(author)
-
Exploring the role of boundary work in a social-ecological synthesis initiative
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2190-6483 .- 2190-6491. ; 13:2, s. 330-343
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration in environmental studies faces the challenge of communicating across disciplines to reach a common understanding of scientific problems and solutions in a changing world. One way to address current pressing environmental challenges is to employ a boundary work approach that uses activities across borders of separated field of research. But how can this look like in practice? In this research brief, we self-evaluated the boundary work approach in a synthesis group on socio-ecological systems, based on an online survey with participants. Here, we discuss how boundary work can be used to integrate the knowledge from natural and social scientists both working on social-ecological systems. We found participants were selected to be acted as boundary spanners and were willing to cooperate for solving multidisciplinary issues regarding the understanding, management, and maintenance of ecosystem services. A social-ecological network analysis framework served as a boundary concept and object for communication and knowledge integration. Being familiar with a joint boundary concept like ecosystem services prior to the working group event supported the communication of participants. These results indicate that synthesis initiatives could strategically leverage boundary work through the careful selection of members, with the inclusion of boundary spanners, as well as prior joint identification of boundary concepts and objects.
|
|
| 18. |
|
|
| 19. |
- Schröter, Barbara, et al.
(author)
-
Virtual participatory mapping of nature-based solutions in the Grande de Tárcoles River basin, Costa Rica : Connecting diverse knowledge systems in a context of physical immobility
- 2023
-
In: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-1026 .- 0048-9697. ; 872
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Co-design processes are of key importance in planning and implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS), but require boundary management between diverse holders of local, practical and scientific knowledge. Participatory and mapbased planning tools, such as Geodesign workshops, can facilitate such boundary management through mobilising knowledge holders, and translating and negotiating between different perspectives. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered physical mobility, but offered an, albeit unintended, opportunity to explore new ways of virtual mobility for facilitating boundary management in NBS co-design through digital participatory tools. This short communication aims to demonstrate how a spatial planning process for NBS can be facilitated in an online context. We draw on an international case study for co-designing NBS in Costa Rica, conducted during the severe lockdown restriction of the COVID-19 pandemic. This novel approach showcases how physical presence and movement is replaced by virtual mobility enabled through an online geographic map-based environment that allowed participants to communicate their opinions and co-create local and regional NBS actions. The case study included developing and testing a co-design tool to understand and map local perceptions of social-ecological problems, and an actual co-design process for siting NBS options and jointly exploring their implications.We present two levels of the process: 1) the adaptation of the co-design tool, and 2) the use and usefulness of the co-design tool. Our evaluation shows that the tool served its purpose well and provided useful support to local stakeholders. We recommend to test further strategical combinations of in-person and virtual methods in NBS co-design processes to improve NBS planning and implementation.
|
|
| 20. |
- Schröter, Barbara, et al.
(author)
-
Working With Nature to Solve Societal Problems
- 2022
-
In: Frontiers for Young Minds. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-6846. ; 10:643553
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Are you worried about the climate and biodiversity crises and related events like heavy rainfalls and floods, high carbon emissions, sudden heat waves, or loss of species? Are you already doing something to help solve these problems? To reduce flood risks, we can give rivers more space by reconnecting floodplains. To store carbon and help to slow down climate change, we can protect and establish wetlands or mangroves. To make cities cooler in summer, we can plant trees and install rooftop gardens. These efforts to help combat societal problems are known as nature-based solutions. To use nature-based solutions effectively, we need to understand how we can work with nature and the steps we must take to put these ideas into practice. In this article, we introduce you to the concept of nature-based solutions and how they can help solve the climate and biodiversity crises.
|
|
| 21. |
- Tafel, Leopold, et al.
(author)
-
Attitudes of administrative decision‑makers towards nature‑based solutions for flood risk management in Germany
- 2022
-
In: Sustainability Science. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1862-4057 .- 1862-4065. ; 17, s. 135-149
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Over the last two decades, alternative and holistic concepts, such as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) were introduced and adopted by policy-makers, including to the field of flood protection, thereby causing a paradigm shift towards flood risk management. The inclusion of natural water retention measures (NWRM) such as dike relocation and floodplain restoration into the German guidelines for flood protection institutionalized the new concepts in Germany. Whereas small scale NbS and the affected population have already been subject to thorough scientific research, large-scale NbS and the decisionmakers assigned with the measure’s implementation have yet to be studied. How do administrative decision-makers perceive the new approach and measures? Are there particular attitudes among the decision-makers regarding NbS? Which aspects of implementing large-scale NbS influence possible attitudes? Which hurdles do decision-makers concern for the implementation of the new concepts? This paper investigates these questions on the example of dike relocation and floodplain restoration using Q-methodology with administrative decision makers of flood protection authorities in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. The consecutive statistical analysis unveiled three significant viewpoints among the decision-makers. The viewpoints/attitudes were classified as 1. The Convinced, 2. The Concerned and, 3. The Evaluators, defined by varying andindividual concerns on the implementation of dike relocation and floodplain restoration. Hereby, this study delivers insights on large-scale NbS as well as on the issues of their implementation.
|
|
| 22. |
- Vinke-de Kruijf, Joanne, et al.
(author)
-
Knowledge co-production and researcher roles in transdisciplinary environmental management projects
- 2022
-
In: Sustainable Development. - : Wiley. - 1099-1719 .- 0968-0802. ; 30:2, s. 393-405
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Calls for transformative change and participatory modes of knowledge production demand researchers to assume new roles. This paper synthesizes the literature on knowledge co-production and researcher roles to explore challenges for researchers involved in transdisciplinary environmental management projects. Our research methods combine a scoping review and reflections on personal experiences with three transdisciplinary projects. To conceptualize researcher roles in transdisciplinary knowledge co-production, we distinguish between three spaces: knowledge, formal policy, and stakeholder. Knowledge co-production requires collaboration between actors from different spaces and integration of diverse knowledge sources and types. Depending on whether researchers adopt knowledge-oriented, change-oriented or intermediating roles, they will experience different challenges. When researcherscombine knowledge development with change-oriented and/or intermediating roles, they encounter new challenges, such as, maintaining independence or objectivity. To assist researchers in transdisciplinary projects, we conclude with a checklist of four elements to reflect upon: orientation, norms and values, expectations and resources.
|
|
