scholarly journals Social Sustainability as Social Learning: Insights from Multi-Stakeholder Environmental Governance

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7744
Author(s):  
Tasos Hovardas
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Collaborative Governance ◽  
Stakeholder Collaboration ◽  
The Social ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Cross Fertilization

Social sustainability has for long been either neglected or downplayed in scientific literature and policy making and it remains an unsettled concept. The present paper critically examines several explanations for the unequal development of the social component of sustainability and suggests that social learning can serve as an insightful anchor for conceptualizing and operationalizing social sustainability. Collaborative governance is used to showcase this approach, specifically, a targeted review of multi-stakeholder schemes in natural resource management, wildlife conservation, and protected area governance. These schemes can exemplify a wide array of commonalities between the fields of social sustainability and social learning and reveal a fruitful cross-fertilization of the two concepts. The paper wishes to make two contributions. First, a specific dialectic between stakeholder collaboration and conflict under power asymmetries will be illustrated, which is characteristic in the operation of many multi-stakeholder governance schemes. Second, the need for scaffolding social learning in such schemes will be demonstrated so that a process-oriented account of social sustainability is attained. The way out offered by the present paper is that the dynamics between collaboration and conflict, properly managed by means of a toolkit with social learning templates for multi-stakeholder environmental governance schemes, may serve as a precondition for innovations sought.

scholarly journals Achieving Social and Ecological Outcomes in Collaborative Environmental Governance: Good Examples from Swedish Moose Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2329
Author(s):  
Sabrina Dressel ◽  
Annelie Sjölander-Lindqvist ◽  
Maria Johansson ◽  
Göran Ericsson ◽  
Camilla Sandström
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Collaborative Governance ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Ecological Context ◽  
Discretionary Power ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Resource Governance ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social

Collaborative governance approaches have been suggested as strategies to handle wicked environmental problems. Evaluations have found promising examples of effective natural resource governance, but also highlighted the importance of social-ecological context and institutional design. The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to the achievement of social and ecological sustainability within Swedish moose (Alces alces) management. In 2012, a multi-level collaborative governance regime was implemented to decrease conflicts among stakeholders. We carried out semi-structured interviews with six ‘good examples’ (i.e., Moose Management Groups that showed positive social and ecological outcomes). We found that ‘good examples’ collectively identified existing knowledge gaps and management challenges and used their discretionary power to develop procedural arrangements that are adapted to the social-ecological context, their theory of change, and attributes of local actors. This contributed to the creation of bridging social capital and principled engagement across governance levels. Thus, our results indicate the existence of higher-order social learning as well as a positive feedback from within-level collaboration dynamics to between-level collaboration. Furthermore, our study illustrates the importance of institutional flexibility to utilize the existing knowledge across stakeholder groups and to allow for adaptations based on the social learning process.

scholarly journals A Social Learning Approach for Stakeholder Engagement in Large Carnivore Conservation and Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasos Hovardas
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Scenario Development ◽  
Carnivore Conservation ◽  
Stakeholder Collaboration ◽  
Life Project ◽  
Large Carnivore ◽  
The Social ◽  
Innovation And Change ◽  
Conservation And Management

The present paper reports on a methodology for stakeholder engagement in large carnivore conservation and management, which was implemented in a LIFE project in Greece (LIFE AMYBEAR: Improving Human-Bear Coexistence Conditions in Municipality of Amyntaio–LIFE15 NAT/GR/001108). The methodology was employed within the frame of human dimension actions in that project and included three different stages planned in a modular sequence (stakeholder analysis, stakeholder consultation and involvement, and participatory scenario development). Each stage was operationalized by means of a template (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis template; mixed-motive template; template for participatory scenario development), which was designed to structure stakeholder input and interaction and scaffold social learning. The templates were completed by standard methods and procedures in social science, namely, interviews, focus groups, and workshops. The presentation of the methodology in this paper has a demonstration character. The main aim is to showcase its heuristic value in steering stakeholder collaboration and tracking change as a result of stakeholder joint action. The paper will demonstrate the benefits and added value of innovation and change initiated by actions in the LIFE project, as well as the costs or unintended consequences of that innovation and change, which need to be tackled by future stakeholder collaboration. The beginnings of an institutionalization of stakeholder involvement revealed features of both formal (e.g., new institutions established such as a Bear Emergency Team) and informal institutions (e.g., social norms). These features illustrated a departure from the current condition, where social learning may already be traceable. At the same time, however, stakeholder interaction has also delineated additional aspects that need to be addressed by stakeholders. The added value of the methodology is that it can be enacted by stakeholders themselves, provided that they are empowered to take ownership of the social learning process. Therefore, it can be exploited in after-LIFE plans. The approach can also be used in other multi-stakeholder arrangements, such as platforms concentrated on wildlife conservation and management. Finally, it should be noted that the methodology and templates fill an important gap, often highlighted in the social learning literature, in that they offer a toolkit for monitoring and assessment.

Building social sustainability: multi-stakeholder processes and conflict management

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Galuppo ◽  
Mara Gorli ◽  
Giuseppe Scaratti ◽  
Cesare Kaneklin
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Management ◽  
Stakeholder Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Paradoxical Thinking ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Sustainable Organizations

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to investigate social sustainability by focussing on the stakeholder theory and by presenting specific levers and capabilities for building more socially sustainable organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the analysis of recent academic and managerial literature. Through comparing theoretical and methodological perspectives from multiple authors, a specific theoretical and methodological viewpoint based on the stakeholder theory is proposed. Findings – The paper discusses the idea that building socially sustainable organisations requires the management of multi-stakeholder processes that are physiologically conflicting and that often create paradoxical tensions. Participative settings of action and reflection and capabilities as reflexivity and “paradoxical thinking” are proposed as key levers for dealing with multi-stakeholders processes towards a more socially sustainable organizing. Research limitations/implications – This paper raises reflections focussed on the “social pillar” of sustainability and does not consider different types of organizations in different multi-stakeholders processes. Such a perspective does not exhaust the variety of cases and research studies that could be considered in the field and further developed. Originality/value – The value of the paper is in its construction of a framework for both research and practical purposes in the domain of management and sustainability. The work also attempts to link the concepts of reflexivity and paradox to a methodological proposal for leading the organizational journey towards social sustainability.

scholarly journals Analyzing multi-stakeholder collaborative governance practices in urban water projects in Addis Ababa City: procedures, priorities, and structures

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wassihun Gebreegiziaber Woldesenbet
Keyword(s):  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Collaborative Governance ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Water Projects ◽  
Stakeholder Collaboration ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Water Problems

AbstractThough different technical approaches have been applied, Addis Ababa water bodies are persistently facing problems that affect their biological, economic, sociological, and ecological assets. To fill the technical gaps, multi-stakeholder collaborative governance approaches are unfolding, in the academia, as the important tools or methods of dealing with water problems. Thus, the basic objective of this qualitative exploratory study is analyzing the processes and outcomes of multi-stakeholder collaboration structures on the governance of urban water projects, and developing potential pathways of building collaboration among stakeholders for the governance of water bodies. The results of this study show that the processes of multi-stakeholder dialogues are handicapped by the absence of prehistory of collaborations, asymmetrical pre-deliberation communication, and the representation of stakeholders by individuals with no experience or the required expertise, and the lack of willingness among stakeholders to engage in the process of dialogues. The activities of supervision, evaluation, river assessment programs, and the establishment of stable and secured governance frameworks are loaded in a few government sectors, leading to the eruption of multiple problems. On the other hand, the potential pathways of building strong collaboration among stakeholders require a systematic procedure that establishes legal, political, and administrative commonality among stakeholders. This guides to instill responsibility, ownership, and commitment on the leaders, directors, and experts to work with others. The study concludes that urban water problems could not be well addressed unless the governance structures are built in advance by making the pre-deliberation and deliberation processes that combine the principles of simplicity, symmetrical communication with all stakeholders, the appointment of experts, and the development of a regular collaboration system. Further, these would enable to govern water governance projects effectively by combining the ecological, social, political, and economic perspectives. Besides, considering cultural, legal, social, and political contexts and establishing individual and organization sensitive committees at various levels is crucial for sustainability and adaptability.

scholarly journals Game-Based Social Learning for Socially Sustainable Water Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4646
Author(s):  
Joop de Kraker ◽  
Astrid Offermans ◽  
Merel M. van der Wal
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Social Learning ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Stakeholder Perspectives ◽  
The Social ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Opening Up

An important aspect of the social sustainability of a proposed solution is acceptance by societal stakeholders. Acceptance is determined by the extent to which the solution matches with stakeholder perspectives on the problem and preferred ways to deal with it. Social learning can contribute to the social sustainability of water management strategies by achieving a convergence in perspectives among societal stakeholders. Serious games have proven to be effective in generating this type of social learning outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This article aims to clarify how a multi-player serious game on river management (Sustainable Delta) supports social learning among participants with initially diverging perspectives. Based on a conceptual framework for game-based social learning, hypotheses and expectations were formulated and tested with quantitative and qualitative analyses of game sessions. Convergence of perspectives was observed in 10 out of 12 gaming sessions, but could not, or could only to a limited extent, be explained by the presumed learning support mechanisms in the game’s design. This underlines the importance of opening up the black box of serious games to determine how and why they work. If this is neglected, there is a clear risk that the design of games will be based on wrong, untested assumptions and will be less effective in supporting social learning and social sustainability.

HERITAGE IN THE LIVED ENVIRONMENT OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THE GULF REGION

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph John Hobbs
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Planning And Design ◽  
Spatial Features ◽  
Gulf Countries ◽  
The Social ◽  
Islamic Values

This paper examines how the architectural, social, and cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries may contribute to better development of this region’s lived environment. Modern urbanism has largely neglected heritage in architectural design and in social and private spaces, creating inauthentic places that foster a hunger for belongingness in the UAE’s built environment. The paper reviews recent urban developments in the UAE and the Gulf Region, and identifies elements of local heritage that can be incorporated into contemporary planning and design. It proposes that adapting vernacular architectural heritage to the modern built environment should not be the principal goal for heritage-informed design. Instead we may examine the social processes underlying the traditional lived environment, and aim for social sustainability based on the lifeways and preferences of local peoples, especially in kinship and Islamic values. Among the most promising precedents for modern social sustainability are social and spatial features at the scale of the neighborhood in traditional Islamic settlements. Interviews with local Emiratis will also recommend elements of traditional knowledge to modern settings. 

scholarly journals Using Participatory Approaches to Enhance Women’s Engagement in Natural Resource Management in Northern Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7072
Author(s):  
Peter Cronkleton ◽  
Kristen Evans ◽  
Thomas Addoah ◽  
Emilie Smith Dumont ◽  
Mathurin Zida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Change Initiatives ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Over Exploitation ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Multi Phase

From 2016–2019, the West African Forest-Farm Interface (WAFFI) project engaged with smallholder farmers in northern Ghana to explore mechanisms to improve the influence of under-represented peoples, particularly women, in decision-making processes and platforms that affect their access to natural resources. Through a multi-phase process of participatory activities, including auto-appraisal, participatory action research (PAR) and facilitated knowledge exchange, villagers and researchers worked together to document and develop a better understanding of the challenges and changes facing women and men in the region to generate social learning. Among these challenges, the degradation of forest resources due to over exploitation, weak governance and conflict of use over shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) were particularly important for women. The WAFFI approach created a scaffold for social learning that strengthened the capacity of local stakeholders to share their perspectives and opinions more effectively in multi-stakeholder forums and dialogue related to resource use and land use change initiatives.

scholarly journals Co-Creation Facilitates Translational Research on Upper Limb Prosthetics

Prosthesis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-118
Author(s):  
Hannah Jones ◽  
Sigrid Dupan ◽  
Maxford Coutinho ◽  
Sarah Day ◽  
Deirdre Desmond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Rehabilitation Centre ◽  
Stakeholder Collaboration ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Academic Knowledge ◽  
Upper Limb Prosthesis ◽  
The People ◽  
User Data ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Upper Limb Prosthetics

People who either use an upper limb prosthesis and/or have used services provided by a prosthetic rehabilitation centre, hereafter called users, are yet to benefit from the fast-paced growth in academic knowledge within the field of upper limb prosthetics. Crucially over the past decade, research has acknowledged the limitations of conducting laboratory-based studies for clinical translation. This has led to an increase, albeit rather small, in trials that gather real-world user data. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is critical within such trials, especially between researchers, users, and clinicians, as well as policy makers, charity representatives, and industry specialists. This paper presents a co-creation model that enables researchers to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including users, throughout the duration of a study. This approach can lead to a transition in defining the roles of stakeholders, such as users, from participants to co-researchers. This presents a scenario whereby the boundaries between research and participation become blurred and ethical considerations may become complex. However, the time and resources that are required to conduct co-creation within academia can lead to greater impact and benefit the people that the research aims to serve.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document