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Siangulube FS. The Role of Multistakeholder Platforms in Environmental Governance: Analyzing Stakeholder Perceptions in Kalomo District, Zambia, Using Q-Method. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 74:13-30. [PMID: 36939890 PMCID: PMC11208185 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Multistakeholder platforms (MSPs) are increasingly applied in environmental governance as institutions to collectively negotiate challenges, opportunities, and policy options in contested landscapes. However, their contributions and effectiveness depend on how stakeholders perceive and frame the role of MSPs in addressing social and environmental challenges. Despite this dependence, stakeholder perceptions of MSPs are currently under-researched. Hence this empirical study carried out in Zambia's Kalomo District asks: how do stakeholder groups perceive the role of MSPs in addressing landscape challenges, given the context of the dual land tenure system, and what does this imply for the implementation of integrated landscape approaches? This study uses Q-methodology to analyze the perceptions of purposefully selected stakeholders from state institutions, civil society organizations, land users, and others familiar with existing MSPs at the district and village levels. The findings reveal three narratives. The first one presents MSPs as institutions that foster dialogue. The second narrative foregrounds the role of the government and private sector, despite acknowledging the diversity of stakeholders in MSPs. In this narrative, MSPs should focus on supporting market-driven solutions to resolve landscape challenges. The third narrative recognizes power imbalances and considers MSPs as institutions to identify policy gaps and needs. The first two narratives are positioned in Dryzek's discourse classification as environmental problem-solving, while the third inclines toward green radicalism. Despite this divergence, there was consensus that MSPs have the potential to harmonize policies in a dual governance system and encourage dialogue between stakeholders to reconcile landscape challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddie S Siangulube
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 VW, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Bogor, Indonesia.
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Langston JD, Ros-Tonen MAF, Reed J. Making Landscapes Negotiable: Q-methodology as a Boundary-Spanning and Empowering Diagnostic. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 74:4-12. [PMID: 38856731 PMCID: PMC11208184 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-02004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Landscapes are conceptually fuzzy and rich, and subject to plural framings. They are places of inquiry and intervention for scientists and practitioners, but also concepts bound to peoples' dynamic identities, knowledge systems, inspiration, and well-being. These varying interpretations change the way landscapes function and evolve. Developed in the 1930s, Q-methodology is increasingly recognized for being useful in documenting and interrogating environmental discourses. Yet its application in the context of how integrated landscape approaches better navigate land-use dilemmas is still in its infancy. Based on our experience and emerging literature, such as the papers in this special collection, this article discusses the value of Q-methodology in addressing landscape sustainability issues. Q-methodology helps unravel and communicate common and contradicting landscape imaginaries and narratives in translational and boundary-spanning ways, thus bridging actors' different understandings of problems and solutions and revealing common or differentiated entry points for negotiating trade-offs between competing land uses. The methodology can be empowering for marginalized people by uncovering their views and aspirational values to decision-makers and policymakers. We argue that this potential can be further strengthened by using Q to identify counter-hegemonic discourses and alliances that combat injustices regarding whose knowledge and visions count. In this way, applying Q-methodology in integrated landscape approaches can become a key tool for transitioning toward just, inclusive, and sustainable landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Douglas Langston
- CSIRO Environment, Building 101, Clunies Ross Street, Black Mountain, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mirjam A F Ros-Tonen
- Department of Geography, Planning and International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - James Reed
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Bogor, Indonesia
- University of East Anglia School of Global Development, Norwich Research Park, UK
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Pham-Truffert M, Pfund JL. Linking Forest Ecosystem Services to the SDGs: Semi-quantitative Mapping of Perceptions towards Integrated Decision-making. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 74:148-158. [PMID: 38047917 PMCID: PMC11208211 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01915-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
With this study, we test and present the results of a reproducible semi-quantitative methodological approach, which enables us to map perceptions of complex systems, linking the forest ecosystem services (FES) of a given spatial level to the wider policy domains represented by the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a participative process, we used integrated forest management and FES as entry point concepts to support and inform dialog towards a normative desired future as framed by the SDGs, taking into account interdependencies across sectors and policy domains. The scales used in the test were national (Switzerland) and international but it is possible to use the approach at any level of integration, especially the landscape one in the case of forest or other ecosystem issues to be transdisciplinary solved. We stress that the semi-quantitative aspects of the approach - be it the ranking of the importance of FES across the different SDGs, or the positive or negative weighting of interactions among these FES in cross-impact matrices - enable the perceptions held by actors to be more explicit and significant for governance or goal prioritization. The results illustrate the perceptions of selected actors on the effects of integrated forest management and provide a basis for multi-actor deliberation on emerging potential synergies or conflicts, thereby genuinely supporting science-policy-practice dialog, which is crucial to foster integrated decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Pham-Truffert
- Earth System Science (ESS), Remote Sensing Laboratories, Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Digital Society Initiative (DSI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jean-Laurent Pfund
- Forest Division, Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Bern, Switzerland
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Tedesco AM, López-Cubillos S, Chazdon R, Rhodes JR, Archibald CL, Pérez-Hämmerle KV, Brancalion PHS, Wilson KA, Oliveira M, Correa DF, Ota L, Morrison TH, Possingham HP, Mills M, Santos FC, Dean AJ. Beyond ecology: ecosystem restoration as a process for social-ecological transformation. Trends Ecol Evol 2023:S0169-5347(23)00036-8. [PMID: 36898928 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem restoration conventionally focuses on ecological targets. However, while ecological targets are crucial to mobilizing political, social, and financial capital, they do not encapsulate the need to: integrate social, economic, and ecological dimensions and systems approaches; reconcile global targets and local objectives; and measure the rate of progress toward multiple and synergistic goals. Restoration is better conceived as an inclusive social-ecological process that integrates diverse values, practices, knowledge, and restoration objectives across temporal and spatial scales and stakeholder groups. Taking a more process-based approach will ultimately enable greater social-ecological transformation, greater restoration effectiveness, and more long-lasting benefits to people and nature across time and place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anazélia M Tedesco
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Sofía López-Cubillos
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; International Institute for Sustainability Australia, Canberra, ACT, 2602, Australia
| | - Robin Chazdon
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Rhodes
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Carla L Archibald
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Melbourne, Burwood Campus, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Katharina-Victoria Pérez-Hämmerle
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Pedro H S Brancalion
- Department of Forest Sciences, 'Luiz de Queiroz' College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Kerrie A Wilson
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | | | - Diego F Correa
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Liz Ota
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Tiffany H Morrison
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Morena Mills
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Angela J Dean
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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Reis TND, Ribeiro V, Garrett RD, Kuemmerle T, Rufin P, Guidotti V, Amaral PC, Meyfroidt P. Explaining the stickiness of supply chain relations in the Brazilian soybean trade. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE : HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS 2023; 78:102633. [PMID: 36846830 PMCID: PMC9941754 DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2022.102633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The global trade of agricultural commodities has profound social-ecological impacts, from potentially increasing food availability and agricultural efficiency, to displacing local communities, and to incentivizing environmental destruction. Supply chain stickiness, understood as the stability in trading relationships between supply chain actors, moderates the impacts of agricultural commodity production and the possibilities for supply-chain interventions. However, what factors determine stickiness, that is, how and why farmers, traders, food processors, and consumer countries, develop and maintain trading relationships with specific producing regions, remains unclear. Here, we use data on the Brazilian soy supply chain, a mixed methods approach based on extensive actor-based fieldwork, and an explanatory regression model, to identify and explore the factors that influence stickiness between places of production and supply chain actors. We find four groups of factors to be important: economic incentives, institutional enablers and constraints, social and power dimensions, and biophysical and technological conditions. Among the factors we explore, surplus capacity in soy processing infrastructure, (i.e., crushing and storage facilities) is important in increasing stickiness, as is export-oriented production. Conversely, volatility in market demand expressed by farm-gate soy prices and lower land-tenure security are key factors reducing stickiness. Importantly, we uncover heterogeneity and context-specificity in the factors determining stickiness, suggesting tailored supply-chain interventions are beneficial. Understanding supply chain stickiness does not, in itself, provide silver-bullet solutions to stopping deforestation, but it is a crucial prerequisite to understanding the relationships between supply chain actors and producing regions, identifying entry points for supply chain sustainability interventions, assessing the effectiveness of such interventions, forecasting the restructuring of trade flows, and considering sourcing patterns of supply chain actors in territorial planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago N.P. dos Reis
- Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Place Louis Pasteur, 3, bte L4.03.08, 1348 – Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Instituto de Manejo e Certificação Florestal e Agrícola – IMAFLORA, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13426-420, Brazil
- Trase, Global Canopy, Oxford OX1 3HZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rachael D. Garrett
- Environmental Policy Lab, Departments of Environmental System Science and Humanities, Social, and Political Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Department of Geography and Conservation Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Kuemmerle
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Germany
- Integrative Research Institute of Transformations in Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt-University Berlin, Germany
| | - Philippe Rufin
- Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Place Louis Pasteur, 3, bte L4.03.08, 1348 – Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Germany
- Integrative Research Institute of Transformations in Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt-University Berlin, Germany
| | - Vinicius Guidotti
- Instituto de Manejo e Certificação Florestal e Agrícola – IMAFLORA, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13426-420, Brazil
- CENA – Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13400-970, Brazil
| | | | - Patrick Meyfroidt
- Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Place Louis Pasteur, 3, bte L4.03.08, 1348 – Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- F.R.S.-FNRS, Brussels 1000, Belgium
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