scholarly journals Continuing Wetland Degradation Dissociates Socio-Ecological Systems and Affects Interconnected Goals of Environmental Health, Equity and Wellbeing: A case Study from the Lower Gangetic Floodplains

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
TIASA ADHYA ◽  
SAYAN BANERJEE
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Fast Tracking

Unplanned urbanisation and industrialisation have severely degraded natural ecosystems, particularly wetlands. The Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin support 630 million inhabitants; yet continue to be altered rapidly, jeopardizing the region’s social and ecological integrity. By conducting qualitative interviews and participant observation in a wetland dependent village located in the Lower Gangetic Floodplains we investigated how degrading wetlands in sub-urban landscapes were affecting socio-ecological systems. Not only did the wetlands provide livelihood options, mainly fishing and farming, but also provided prestige and autonomy. Vulnerable sections of the society across class, age and gender were solely dependent on the wetland. In absence of political will to safeguard wetland health, industries emerged by altering wetlands, which hampered local community’s livelihood and lifestyle. Further, our study demonstrated that local ecological knowledge could provide qualitative baseline information for fast-tracking identification of important wetlands and creating inventories to initiate wetland conservation and management. Finally, we recommend local governance structures should be strongly tied to international or national wetland policies so that wetland functions along with human health and well-being could be sustained. We strongly advocate that contradictions in policies be resolved to strengthen efforts to conserve wetlands which provide resilience to marginal communities in the face of calamities.

scholarly journals An Environmental Education and Communication Project on Migratory Fishes and Fishing Communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 337
Author(s):  
Sara Costa Carvalho ◽  
Heitor Oliveira Braga ◽  
Sofia de Santa-Maria ◽  
Beatriz Fonte ◽  
Mário Jorge Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Environmental Education ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Migratory Species ◽  
Ocean Literacy ◽  
New Perspective

This study aims at evaluating the environmental education (EE) and communication intervention for the valorization of migratory fish resources in an estuary of northern Portugal. The EE component intervention was implemented among Middle School pupils of that region. Students’ knowledge was quantitatively evaluated with an experimental approach of pre-testing and post-testing, on the ocean and estuarine literacy (OEL) and biology of migratory species, such as sea lamprey. This study also analyzes the communication component developed via social media. Results of the EE component show an evident increment of OEL (p < 0.05). It is also highlighted that students had previous knowledge on issues that are not covered in the curriculum. Social media has shown to be an effective communication tool mostly among the scientific community (e.g., Ethnobiology). The research has various implications to OEL since it brings a new perspective towards the integration of ocean literacy in formal education; as well as the valorization of Students’ local ecological knowledge and of inter-generational dynamics. This study contributed to promoting local biodiversity, OEL, and participatory local governance of these ecosystems.

scholarly journals Local Ecological Knowledge on Mangroves in Mayotte Island (Indian Ocean) and Influencing Factors

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Esméralda Longépée ◽  
Anliati Ahmed Abdallah ◽  
Matthieu Jeanson ◽  
Claire Golléty
Keyword(s):  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Mangrove Ecosystem ◽  
Coastal Protection ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Mangrove Tree

The majority of studies on local ecological knowledge (LEK) relate to communities or groups relying on ecosystem(s) for their livelihood. In our case study, Mayotte Island, a French overseas department, very few people rely on mangrove ecosystem for natural resources but most of them are attached to it because of leisure activities and beliefs. The questions on mangrove LEK generally deal with a single aspect of ecological knowledge of surveyed people and is mixed with other information such as harvesting practices, anthropogenic impacts, and management issues. The aim of our study is to better understand the level of ecological knowledge of surveyed inhabitants of Mayotte and to assess whether factors linked to the profile of respondents have an influence on it. For this purpose, we carried out two main survey campaigns in three villages fringing two stable mangroves of Mayotte: the first one consisted of qualitative interviews and the second one, questionnaires lending quantitative results. Cross tabulations and Chi square tests of independence were carried out to determine the link between LEK and influencing factors. Results show that some LEK implying localized observation, such as the identification of mangrove trees and the knowledge of the coastal protection role of the mangrove, are well shared by surveyed people whereas others, such as the number and the name of mangrove tree species, are poorly known. The results also highlight the difficulty of questions implying observation at the landscape level and interpretation of observation. All the influencing factors selected have a significant influence on, at least, one LEK variable. The results highlight differences in LEK of villages bordering two nearby mangroves calling for a local management of these systems.

scholarly journals Community-based Bamboo Stands Management in the Kali Bekasi Watershed, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Ni Wayan Febriana Utami ◽  
Hadi Susilo Arifin ◽  
HSA Nurhayati ◽  
Syartinilia Wijaya
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Downstream Area

A high rate of vegetation clearing around the upper stream of Kali Bekasi watershed currently causes various environmental problems, such as floods. The impacts occur predominantly in downstream area, mostly affecting cities, due to a disruption of the ecosystem in the upper stream. The main function of the upper stream to humans is acting as a buffer to protect downstream areas from flooding, run-off, as well as biodiversity protection. To achieve this, many varieties of plant are grown including bamboo plantations, which serve as a buffer plants on critical land especially with steep contours. In this study we aim to provide a better understanding of the effectiveness of different bamboo stands buffering to improve information for making management recommendation. We examine different points along the stream by mapping bamboo distribution, analyzing bamboo and non-bamboo (tree) stands diversity and biomass, and provide recommendations for bamboo management based on combining our findings with local ecological knowledge. We implemented image classification analysis for classifying bamboo and non-bamboo land use cover. We also measured bamboo and non-bamboo diversity by using Shannon’s-Wienner diversity index. Our results showed that bamboo occupies approximately 5,360.89 ha or 11.39% of total area with six bamboo species. The highest bamboo diversity index was in the upper part of the Kali Bekasi watershed (0.62). In contrary, the highest bamboo biomass index was found in the lower part of the upper stream of Kali Bekasi watershed (98.96 ton ha-1). We also discovered about 29 species of tree (230 trees) and 27 above-ground plant species in the surveyed area. As a result of our findings, we propose a shift towards bamboo agroforestry management in a mixed garden of talun form, where the community implement their local knowledge on bamboo cultivation and management to maintain the bamboo. This option could improve cooperation among farmers and the local community in order to conserve bamboo and tree species diversity in harmony to local wisdom.

scholarly journals Local Ecological Knowledge on Forest Clearing: A Case Study of Parak and Rimbo Practices in Simancuang Community, Indonesia

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferdinal Asmin ◽  
Dudung Darusman ◽  
Iin Ichwandi ◽  
Didik Suharjito
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Forest Clearing ◽  
Local Practices ◽  
History Analysis ◽  
West Sumatra ◽  
Main Driver

Local communities are frequently judged as the main driver of forest degradation and deforestation because of the weak recognition to local ecological knowledge (LEK) or traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). We assessed that it is important to elaborate the attributes of LEK and TEK as a way to describe why and how the local community clears the forest, as well as its relation to local practices, named parak and rimbo. Our research uses case study method to describe the local practices in Simancuang community, Alam Pauh Duo Village, South Solok District, West Sumatra Province. We conducted unstructured interviews, observations, and documents selection which were analyzed through categorization and codification as well as complemented with history analysis, spatial analysis, and related document analysis. The results showed that Simancuang community knowledge can describe the attributes of LEK and TEK as a unified whole of local knowledge for sustaining their livelihoods. Therefore, the forest clearing by Simancuang people is one of the livelihoods strategies, but they were not the main driver of forest degradation and deforestation in South Solok District.

scholarly journals Exploring the meaning, role and experiences of a patient-led social innovation for people affected by cancer: a new collaborative care model complementing traditional cancer rehabilitation in Sweden

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e001400
Author(s):  
Frida Smith ◽  
Andreas Hellström ◽  
Katrín Ásta Gunnarsdóttir ◽  
Anna Genell ◽  
Erik Eriksson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Previous Design ◽  
Health And Well Being

ObjectiveKraftens Hus is the first support centre in Sweden designed by and for people affected by cancer, including patients, family, friends, staff members and local community representatives (collectively ‘stakeholders’). The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning, role and experiences of Kraftens Hus stakeholders using a patient and public involved methodology.MethodsTo understand and map the experiences of visitors to Kraftens Hus, we applied concept mapping (CM), a mixed methods approach where data are collected and analysed in four structured steps designed to capture the diverse perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders supplemented the CM findings.ResultsThe final concept map contained six clusters of ideas. Within the clusters, there was a recurring theme that cancer-affected people value accessible and long-term psychosocial support (PSS). The intended emotional, social and practical needs identified in a previous design process seem to have been addressed and appreciated by Kraftens Hus visitors.ConclusionKraftens Hus is an example of a new patient-led social innovation based on a life-event perspective and integration of resources from different sectors in society. By focusing on life, not the disease, the care continuum expands, and long-term PSS is provided alongside cancer treatment. The evaluation confirms that PSS should focus on health and well-being in the broadest sense.

The People Beyond the Tag

2019 ◽  
pp. 61-97
Author(s):  
Shareen Hertel
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
Subjective Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Business And Human Rights ◽  
The People ◽  
Grassroots Level ◽  
The Town

Chapter 4 analyzes the receptivity of local community members in the town of Villa Altagracia (Dominican Republic) toward the practice of stakeholder consultation. It draws on original qualitative interviews with residents of this manufacturing community where collegiate apparel is produced (i.e., clothing with college logos) and workers at one company (Alta Gracia Apparel) are paid triple the prevailing minimum wage. The chapter introduces the concept of “subjective socioeconomic status,” which enables us to compare how different respondents rate their own well-being compared to that of other people in their community. Villa Altagracia has a significant unemployment problem, and the surveys convey the challenges experienced by people beyond the factory’s employees. Listening to people at the grassroots level illuminates the limits of business and human rights promotion strategies, the structural roots of poverty, and the inherent complexity of poor communities central to global supply chains.

scholarly journals Local Ecological Knowledge on Climate Change and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Strategies Promote Resilience in the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve, Zimbabwe

Scientifica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Laiza Kupika ◽  
Edson Gandiwa ◽  
Godwell Nhamo ◽  
Shakkie Kativu
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Community Perceptions

Understanding local community perceptions on impacts, causes, and responses to climate change is vital for promotion of community resilience towards climate change. This study explored local ecological knowledge (LEK) held by local communities on climate change trends and impacts in the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve (MZBR), Zimbabwe. The objectives of the study were to (i) investigate local community perceptions on trends and causes of climate change, (ii) identify biophysical impacts of climate change at the local level, and (iii) explore the ecosystem-based adaptation strategies towards climate change. The study used a mixed methods approach where a household questionnaire survey (n=320), key informant interviews (n=12), and focus group discussions (n=8) were used to collect data between April 2015 and October 2016. Results from the study show that local communities have observed decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures as key indicators of climate change. Local communities observed water scarcity, changes in vegetation phenology, livestock and wildlife mortalities, and food shortages due to drought as the major impacts on their livelihoods. LEK can contribute to adaptive management strategies that enhance resilience of socioecological systems (SES) in the face of climate change by providing information on the status and use of biophysical components of the environment and by highlighting potential local adaptation strategies that can sustain key livelihood practices.

scholarly journals Pastoralism Partnerships: Recognizing the Value of Local Involvement in China’s Snow Leopard Conservation Efforts

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6491
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. Hacker ◽  
Jan E. Janecka ◽  
Rodney M. Jackson ◽  
Diqiang Li ◽  
Yuguang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Expert Elicitation ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
Local Community Member ◽  
The Many

Pastoralists are key stakeholders in environmental management decisions in China. Thus, their involvement in wildlife conservation and research is imperative for the success of long-term initiatives. Despite the many opportunities for herders to be included in these efforts, biases have hindered knowledge exchange and collaborative outcomes. This is detrimental for species living in quickly changing landscapes reliant on effective conservation, such as that of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Pastoralists living in snow leopard habitats on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau of China possess a deep and intricate understanding of the environments in which they live, and can serve as strong conservation allies by playing direct roles in scientific endeavors via expert elicitation and engagement. Here, we draw on our own experiences as academically trained scientists to present a framework for broadening opportunities for local community member participation in research efforts on the species. Framework outcomes include better targeting of conservation concerns, increased integration of Western science and local ecological knowledge, additional income to the community, clearer communication and trust between conservation stakeholders, greater flexibility in research, and additional platforms for community-based conservation. We outline avenues of involvement and considerations when working with local community members in snow leopard habitat, and submit this as an example with wide-ranging applicability to other parts of the world where livelihoods are intrinsically tied to the environment.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary progress in approaches to address social-ecological and ecocultural systems

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
JULES PRETTY
Keyword(s):  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Central Component ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Traditions ◽  
Social Ecological Systems ◽  
Optimal Outcomes ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
Scientific Institutions ◽  
Governance Institutions

SUMMARYThe emergent human cultures have shaped, and in turn been shaped by, local ecosystems. Yet humanity's intense modification of the environment has resulted in dramatic worldwide declines in natural and cultural capital. Social-ecological systems are becoming more vulnerable through the disruption of livelihoods, governance, institutions, resources and cultural traditions. This paper reviews the environmental sub-disciplines that have emerged to seek solutions for conservation and maintenance of the resilience of social-ecological systems. It shows that a central component is engagement with the knowledges of people within their contexts. Local knowledges of nature (traditional, indigenous, local ecological knowledge and ecoliteracy) are used by place-based cultures to guide actions towards nature. The importance of new engagements between different knowledges is now becoming more widely recognized by scientific institutions. Yet there still exist many false dualisms (for example local knowledge versus science) which tend to emphasize a superiority of one over the other. Ecocultures retain or strive to regain their connections with the environment, and thus improve their own resilience. Revitalization projects offer ways to connect knowledge with action to produce optimal outcomes for both nature and culture, suggesting that systems can be redesigned by emphasis on incorporation of local and traditional knowledge systems.

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