Whole decision network analysis for coastal ecosystems (WD-NACE)
Lead Research Organisation:
Stockholm Environment Institute
Department Name: Research
Abstract
This project will look at the relationship between governance, power and knowledge structures and how these influence behaviour, actions and decision taking for sustainable ecosystems. It will link several social science techniques (e.g. social network analysis and agent-based modelling) to comprehensively map all relevant social and ecological knowledge flows regarding ecosystems in two substantive areas where there is pressure on ecosystem services. With our local partners, we will look at two cases in the western Indian Ocean (Kenya) and the Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh) regarding coastal zone resource uses and management. The purpose is to generate more generic data across comparative studies about how decisions for policy and for action are taken at local levels. We will look at the networks that individuals use to help them make decisions regarding their livelihoods. These will be understood within the context of the global economy and other decision networks impacting upon the social-ecological interrelationships at the local level. Our own understanding will be framed within the literature around social-ecological complexity and complex adaptive management. The project will substantively focus on strengthening the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems with a process focus on the political economy for poverty reduction and to understand better how livelihoods can be maintained and ecosystem services valued and preserved. The project is asking for funds for two UK partners (The University of York and the Stockholm Environment Institute, Oxford) to work with six partners in Bangladesh and in Kenya in close collaboration with policy makers and practitioners there in order to develop an understanding of sustainable norms for decision making in the use of coastal ecosystem services for poverty reduction. Put most simply, we are going to talk to relevant people in Kenya and Bangladesh to see where and from whom they get information, about what, and present this as a knowledge network map. We will then work with those stakeholders to see if it is the right information for their needs (i.e. to make the decisions that they need to make). We will deepen our and their understanding of what needs to happen by the use of agent based models of the systems. This will also bring together the social understanding of the milieu within which information is passed around and used with a more technical analysis of that information itself and its utility. Our work tasks are mapped to the knowledge gaps identified in the ESPA call (page 7). However, we propose that degradation and sustainability drivers should be considered as a part of the same complex system. Little is known about the way in which multiple drivers interact, feedback upon, or balance each other so it is currently very difficult to attribute individual drivers to patterns of degradation or sustainability. To capture this complexity we propose 4 tasks: A) Investigate multiple drivers across a range of disciplines (biophysical, social, political and economic). B) Map the horizontal and vertical networks and knowledge diffusion patterns. C) Use socio-ecological models to analyse and model interactions among drivers. D) Reflectively link the impact of the WD-NACE project (see also Impact Plan). Our chosen criteria of success will be by means of an assessment of post-workshop feedback, but we shall also agree a criterion of success with each research collaborator and with our partner organisation. These criteria can then be used as the touchstone of impact. It is an expected outcome of WD-NACE that the conceptual framework linking ecosystem and livelihoods domains, knowledge networks and decision-making structures will be developed and improved. In developing such a model, we would expect that it could be applied to a range of settings such as by policy-making institutions and international development organizations as well as by more local users.
Publications
Forrester J
(2014)
Modeling social-ecological problems in coastal ecosystems: A case study
in Complexity
Description | Working with decision makers at different levels in Kenya and in Bangladesh, this project integrated local knowledge about ecosystem health and resource use. This allows a better understanding of how people - working individually and within social networks - generate, share and select knowledge, before finally acting upon it (their 'Decision Network'). Multiple models are needed to understand the whole system, but dynamic models help with understanding linkages and illustrated feedbacks at the local level. They also help facilitate colearning among different stakeholders. |
Exploitation Route | Kenya partners in particular, the BMUs, CORDIO, and KMFRI staff - as well as partners in Bangladesh - feel a real sense of ownership of these models. They are all very keen that there is continued work in this area as they have proven the utility of this participatory modelling approach as a way of creating better communication and shared understanding. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Environment Government Democracy and Justice |
URL | http://www.espa.ac.uk/files/espa/ESPA%20Decision%20Network_web.pdf |
Description | Field data collected by the team improved the agent based models and the other conceptual model used in WD-NACE, thereby allowing local government officials and locals to work together to better understand ecological status and to come up with adaptive comanagement strategies. • Because of high interest in the use of some of these methods, the highly participatory agent-based approaches, in particular, workshops, were organised by local research institutes (CORDIO, BCAS and CEGIS) who have also initiated study groups to build capacity and take the work further. |
First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice |
Impact Types | Societal Policy & public services |
Title | M4A Kenya |
Description | This is an agent-based model of reef fisheries in coastal Kenya |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2012 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This model was used during stakeholder workshops in Kenya |
URL | http://m.modelling4all.org/m/?frozen=tB3AfKKQQMU_z2Uxm2E14f&MforAllModel=1 |
Title | SKC - Ankita |
Description | This is an agent-based model of a reef fishery in the South Kenya Coast |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2012 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | It was part of a student project developed during an internship. |
URL | http://modelingcommons.org/browse/one_model/3435 |
Title | Shrimp model |
Description | This is an agent-based model of coastal Bangladesh saline ecosystem. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2012 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This model was used and discussed during workshops in coastal Bangladesh |
URL | http://modelingcommons.org/browse/one_model/3432 |
Description | WD-NACE Final Workshop, Mombasa, Kenya, 12 September, 2012 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research or patient groups |
Results and Impact | Workshop Report Modelling in natural resource management - Kenya coastal fisheries Whole Decision Network Analysis for Coastal Ecosystems (WD-NACE) Final Workshop, Mombasa, Kenya, 12 September, 2012 Stephen Oluoch & David Obura CORDIO East Africa |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |