scholarly journals Challenges and opportunities for assisted regional ecosystem adaptation: International experience and implications for adaptation research

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257868
Author(s):  
Karen Vella ◽  
Umberto Baresi ◽  
Stewart Lockie ◽  
Bruce Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Technology Development ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Ethical Debate ◽  
Novel Technology ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Governance Challenges ◽  
Structured Analysis ◽  
Participation Theory

Maintaining the functional integrity of ecosystems as climate pressures exceed natural rates of adaptation requires new knowledge and new approaches to governance and management. However, research into management interventions to assist regional ecosystem adaptation has generated both scientific and ethical debate. This paper reviews experience to date in order to identify the challenges and opportunities for assisted regional ecosystem adaptation and reflect on the implications for ongoing adaptation research. The review was informed by a database and structured analysis of some 450 reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts and books on participation theory and experience with novel technology development and assisted ecosystem adaptation. We identified five classes of challenges to adaptation research: 1) scientific conflicts and debates over the “facts”, 2) social challenges, 3) governance challenges, 4) epistemic challenges, and 5) ontological conflicts. We argue that engagement strategies linked to the multiple objectives of adaptation research provide opportunities for ecosystem adaptation.

scholarly journals The Defining Characteristics of Agroecosystem Living Labs

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1718
Author(s):  
Chris McPhee ◽  
Margaret Bancerz ◽  
Muriel Mambrini-Doudet ◽  
François Chrétien ◽  
Christian Huyghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Rural Living ◽  
Living Lab ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
Living Labs ◽  
High Uncertainty

In response to environmental, economic, and social challenges, the living labs approach to innovation is receiving increasing attention within the agricultural sector. In this paper, we propose a set of defining characteristics for an emerging type of living lab intended to increase the sustainability and resilience of agriculture and agri-food systems: the “agroecosystem living lab”. Drawing on first-hand knowledge of case studies of large initiatives from Canada and France and supported by eight other cases from the literature, we highlight the unique nature of agroecosystem living labs and their distinct challenges with respect to their aims, activities, participants, and context. In particular, these living labs are characterized by exceptionally high levels of scientific research; long innovation cycles with high uncertainty due to external factors; and the high number and diversity of stakeholders involved. Both procedurally and conceptually, we link to earlier efforts undertaken by researchers seeking to identify urban living labs and rural living labs as distinct, new types of living labs. By highlighting what makes agroecosystem living labs unique and their commonalities with other types of living labs, we hope to encourage their further study and help practitioners better understand their implementation and operational challenges and opportunities.

Discussion Board Assignments and Their Impact on Creating Engaged Learning Environments in Art History Online Courses

2013 ◽  
pp. 681-689
Author(s):  
Anahit Ter-Stepanian
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Art History ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Online Format

The adaptation of traditional, face-to-face courses to the online format presents both challenges and opportunities. Many pedagogical practices need to be rethought when designing online courses. A successful online course needs to be intellectually stimulating and engaging. The chapter demonstrates how to create an engaging learning environment without any additional budget. The author describes approaches that she has developed, experimented with, and found to be effective in asynchronous online art history courses, as well as learner engagement strategies she has implemented in the eLearning environment. Advantages of scenario-based discussions board assignments and the effects of role playing in discussion forums are discussed. The author shares examples of personalized discussion board assignments aimed to motivate online learners, create a collaborative learning environment, improve peer-to-peer interaction, and prevent plagiarism.

scholarly journals A comparative analysis of practitioners' experience in sediment remediation projects to highlight best practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zobia Jawed ◽  
Gail Krantzberg
Keyword(s):  
Technology Development ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Contaminated Site ◽  
Consensus Building ◽  
Contaminated Sediment ◽  
Sediment Remediation ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Stakeholder Consensus ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract The Randle Reef contaminated site, located in the southwest corner of Hamilton Harbour, is approximately 60 hectares in size. This site contains approximately 695,000 m3 of sediment contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals. The complex Randle Reef sediment remediation project is finally coming to fruition after more than 30 years of study, discussion, collaborations, stakeholder consensus-building, and debate. This paper unravels the reasons behind the delays associated with implementing sediment management at the Randle Reef site. In-depth interviews with experts and professionals from organizations who are/were involved in the project were conducted to identify the nature of performance in five theme areas that are important for successful action namely: (1) participation of appropriate actors with common objectives; (2) funding and resources; (3) decision-making process; (4) research and technology development; and (5) public and political support. It is evident from this study that the hurdles to progress with addressing contaminated sediment sites involve technical, political, regulatory as well as social challenges. We offer potential solutions and a series of recommendations based on experts' first-hand experience with the management of such complex sites to inform how future remediation projects can overcome obstacles. This article has been made Open Access thanks to the kind support of CAWQ/ACQE (https://www.cawq.ca).

scholarly journals Activity Disengagement: Understanding Challenges and Opportunities for Reengagement

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista Fox ◽  
Nancy Morrow-Howell ◽  
Stephanie Herbers ◽  
Paula Battista ◽  
Carolyn M. Baum
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Senior Housing ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Person Centered Approach

Although maintaining engagement in activities has a positive influence on our health and wellbeing as we age, many programs that serve older adults struggle with getting participation in the programs they offer. This study sought to explore activity disengagement among older adults in a senior housing community and identify the challenges and opportunities for reengagement with the aim of informing future intervention development and testing. Fifty-one adults over the age of 60 participated in structured interviews. Findings highlighted that many older adults have activities patterns that are not optimal for health. Many reasons given for disengaging in activities (e.g., no opportunity) were surprising given that participants lived in a setting where a variety of programs were offered. Programs need to more purposively address social challenges to participating in activities and consider a more person-centered approach when developing interventions for the older adults they serve.

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