The Political Ecology of Coastal Societies

Lead Research Organisation: University of Aberdeen
Department Name: Sch of Social Science

Abstract

Both the UK and Japan define their identity by their relationship to the sea and both have struggled with the effects of rising sea levels and climate change. This new research network will bring together British and Japanese scholars to develop new social science approaches to the political ecology of coastal societies. Our network will examine two topics. First, the social and political context surrounding the harvesting of seaweed, with special attention to traditional rights and methods of building a "blue economy". Second, we will also investigate the legacies of community-based flood management and mitigation systems in both UK and Japan with an eye to identifying best practice. Both issues are connected and of central concern to authorities in each area. Our network will build around two network seminars and two "scoping events" where British and Japanese researchers will together converse with stakeholders, managers, and visit local communities to investigate the possibility of designing a major research project around one or the topic.

Planned Impact

This project will involve academic researchers from the UK and Japan, and its central goal is to increase collaboration as a means to develop new, high quality research. However, the main ultimate beneficiaries of the work will be policy makers and coastal communities in both countries. To ensure this outcome, our group will work closely with stakeholders and managers involved in the mitigation of floods, and in the design and elaboration of new forms of aquaculture. Both topics have been of central concern to both regional and national authorities in both countries.
 
Description This was a network award designed to bring together a group of scholars in the UK and Japan. Publications were not expected nor encouraged. The original proposal called for two network seminars and a set of pilot studies. We exceeded this plan by organizing a third network seminar and by sponsoring four pilot studies. A central focus of the original proposal was to conduct pilot work leading to an application for research funding. During the period of the grant we submitted to two international funding competitions involving our Japanese partners.
Exploitation Route Our network will allow other civil society actors to bring together ideas on coastal political ecology and apply them to new proposals for marine governance
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Communities and Social Services/Policy

Energy

Leisure Activities

including Sports

Recreation and Tourism

Government

Democracy and Justice

Culture

Heritage

Museums and Collections

URL https://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/research/the-political-ecology-of-coastal-societies-698.php
 
Description The purpose of this network grant was to build a network of actors interested in coastal societies from both government and the community This was done during the grant period
First Year Of Impact 2016
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Government, Democracy and Justice,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections
Impact Types Cultural

Societal

Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description CICADA research network 
Organisation McGill University
Country Canada 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The CICADA research network based in Montreal, Canada has put to the foreground the reserach on indigenous forms of tenure in the foreshore and intertidal areas.
Collaborator Contribution We have reported on our work on intertidal resource use in Scotland and Japan
Impact The main output is a colloborative book project
Start Year 2019
 
Description Pilot Research trip: Brent Geese and Seagrass in Hokkaido 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Andrew Whitehouse and Shiaki Kondo spent a week in Hokkaido in December 2019 conducting a pilot study into Brent Goose migration. The researchers visited sites where Brent Geese can be found around Hakodate and in eastern Hokkaido. They also met with with birdwatchers, conservtionists and seagrass researchers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description The Political Ecology of Coastal Societies - First Network Event Sendai Japan February 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The first seminar consisted of introductions and a plan for future seminars
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/research/the-political-ecology-of-coastal-societies-698.php#panel721
 
Description The Political Ecology of Coastal Societies - Fourth Network Event Aberdeen December 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The primary purpose of our final meeting was to design a grant application to the ORA Network.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/research/the-political-ecology-of-coastal-societies-698.php#panel721
 
Description The Politics and Pitfalls of Maritime Governance - Second International Network Event - Aberdeen June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This three day seminar consisted of short presentations and round table discussions on Maritime Governance. Our focus was on applying for future research funding involving both professionals and industry representatives.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/research/the-political-ecology-of-coastal-societies-698.php#panel721
 
Description The Politics and Pitfalls of Maritime Governance II - Third International Network Event - Sendai Japan October 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact At the third seminar we discussed plans for further funding and learned in more detail about Japanese contexts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/research/the-political-ecology-of-coastal-societies-698.php#panel721
 
Description Website - Political Ecology of Coastal Societies 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Our website is the main repository of our lessons learned, a list of members, and a set of futre meetings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
URL https://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/research/the-political-ecology-of-coastal-societies-698.php#panel721