Dependency stands for manygrievances and is generally considered asymptom of oppression. An oppos... more Dependency stands for manygrievances and is generally considered asymptom of oppression. An opposing concept, offered as the preferred state, isself-reliance. Dependency and self-reliance arekey concepts in sustainable developmentprograms that feature participatory approaches. Some of the ways in which development projectsemploy the concepts of dependency andself-reliance, however, are troubling. Dependency and self-reliance in two programsfor participatory sustainable development areexamined, one in ...
Adaptive, or 'learning by doing', approaches are often advocated as a means of providin... more Adaptive, or 'learning by doing', approaches are often advocated as a means of providing increased understanding within natural resource management. However, a number of organisational and social issues need to be resolved if these approaches are to be used successfully. A case study in the South Island high country of New Zealand is used to review what is needed to support an ongoing community-based monitoring and adaptive management programme. First, the case study is described, paying attention to the social ...
Ankeny, IA: Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2005
Decision making to achieve a balance between the economic goals of producers and environmental qu... more Decision making to achieve a balance between the economic goals of producers and environmental quality benefits is complex. Most of the time we consider that the balance is skewed to one side or the other and that there are winners and losers. From the production perspective, the loser is the economic return in exchange for environmental quality while from the environmental perspective, the loser is the environment at the expense of agricultural production and increased inputs. In reality, there are opportunities within ...
1 Landcare Research, Private Bag 6, Nelson 7042, NEW ZEALAND 2 Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2,... more 1 Landcare Research, Private Bag 6, Nelson 7042, NEW ZEALAND 2 Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7042 3 Landcare Research, PO Box 40, Lincoln 4 NIWA, PO Box 11115, Hamilton 3216 5 NZ Landcare Trust, c/Cable Bay Farm, Nelson. 6 Learning for Sustainability, PO Box 30108, St Martins, Christchurch 8246 7 Tasman District Council, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7031 Keywords: Integrated catchment management; stakeholder engagement; Motueka; water quality; diffuse pollution
Integrative research projects are becoming more common and inherently face challenges that single... more Integrative research projects are becoming more common and inherently face challenges that singlediscipline or multi-disciplinary projects seldom do. It is difficult to learn what makes a successful integrative research project as many of these challenges and solutions often go unreported. Using the New Zealand Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) for the Motueka River research program, we reflect on the demands confronting research programs attempting to operate in an integrative interdisciplinary manner. We highlight seven key lessons that may help others learn of the benefits and difficulties that confront scientists and stakeholders involved in undertaking similar research. These are (1) clarify the goal and work with key people; (2) manage expectations; (3) agree on integrative concepts and face the challenge of epistemology; (4) leadership; (5) communication in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect; (6) acknowledge that different modes of learning mean that a wide range o...
Ecosystem service (ES) frameworks have been developed to characterize and model the relationships... more Ecosystem service (ES) frameworks have been developed to characterize and model the relationships between ecological processes and human benefits. Some argue that these relationships should be specified through expert-derived analytical (i.e., top-down) frameworks, in order to organize accumulated knowledge and create ready-made framings for communities on the ground. In contrast, arguments for the participatory construction of ES assessments emphasize the need for place-sensitive and deliberative (i.e., bottom-up) approaches. In this paper, we draw on a novel water planning exercise in New Zealand to examine the tensions that arise when expert-produced categories intersect with diverse stakeholder worldviews and aspirations. Expert-derived ES categories and analyses intervene in local valuation contexts in a range of ways, narrowing the scope of which ecological processes might be considered as relevant or legitimate (bounding), aswell as affecting howthese processes are described and compared (measuring). The practices of bounding and measuring ES in scientific and planning assessments should thus be conceptualized as involving political work and not just scientific judgment. This reframes the role of ecological science and scientists in ES debates, and this presents cautions as well as opportunities for future ES work relating to policy.
ABSTRACT The success of research in contributing to integrated wildlife management relies on the ... more ABSTRACT The success of research in contributing to integrated wildlife management relies on the participation and involvement of different disciplines and stakeholders •Our research is also integrated and contributes directly to support management efforts on-the-ground by a range of different stakeholder groups
In New Zealand environmental management is essentially the responsibility of land managers. Manag... more In New Zealand environmental management is essentially the responsibility of land managers. Management decisions affect both production/productivity and the environment. However, responsibility for ensuring positive environmental outcomes falls on both local (Regional) and Central Government, and both they and international agencies such as the OECD would wish to monitor and report on changes. In terms of policy, strong links have been established via Central and Regional Government to land managers. Consumers in the market place are also, increasingly, requiring responsibility for positive environmental outcomes of those who purchase and process primary products. Strong links for responsibility have been established between our international markets and processing businesses and there is a noticeable strengthening of the links from the processors to the land manager/producer.
The success of research in integrated environmental and natural resource management relies on the... more The success of research in integrated environmental and natural resource management relies on the participation and involvement of different disciplines and stakeholders. This can be difficult to achieve in practice because many initiatives fail to address the underlying social processes required for successful engagement and social learning. We used an action research approach to support a research-based group with a range of disciplinary and stakeholder expertise to critically reflect on their engagement
practice and identify lessons around how to collaborate more effectively. This approach is provided here as a guide that can be used to support reflective research practice for engagement in other integration-based initiatives. This paper is set in the context of an integrated wildlife management research case study in New Zealand. We illustrate how multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches can provide a framework for considering the
different conversations that need to occur in an integrated research program. We then outline rubrics that list the criteria required in inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations, along with
examples of effective engagement processes that directly support integration through such efforts. Finally, we discuss the implications of these experiences for other researchers and
managers seeking to improve engagement and collaboration in integrated science, management and policy initiatives. Our experiences reaffirm the need for those involved in integrative initiatives to attend to the processes of engagement in both formal and informal settings, to provide opportunities for critical reflective practice, and to look for measures of success that acknowledge the importance of effective social process.
Success at integrated catchment management (ICM) requires the ongoing participation of different ... more Success at integrated catchment management (ICM) requires the ongoing participation of different stakeholders in an adaptive and learning-based management process. However, this can be difficult to achieve in practice because many initiatives fail to address the underlying social process aspects required. We review emerging lessons around how to engage stakeholders in ways that support social learning. We focus on the experience of an ICM research programme based in the Motueka catchment in New Zealand and provide a simple framework for distinguishing a range of conversations across different communities of practice. We highlight the need to use multiple engagement approaches to address different constituent needs and opportunities, and to encourage the informal conversations that spring up around these. We then illustrate the range of platforms for dialogue and learning that were used in the programme during 10 years of ICM research. Finally, a number of lessons are described from across the programme to guide research leaders and managers seeking to improve collaboration in other integrated science, management and policy initiatives.
Over the past decade the concept of biocultural diversity has emerged in scholarly and policy cir... more Over the past decade the concept of biocultural diversity has emerged in scholarly and policy circles as an acknowledgement that biological and cultural diversity are interconnected and interdependent, and equally threatened. A significant portion of the world's biocultural diversity is found within indigenous territories, where indigenous peoples have historically managed a coevolutionary relationship between their communities and their land. This suggests that endogenous processes within indigenous territories are ...
In an effort to respond to the challenges faced by the environment and society, a plethora of soc... more In an effort to respond to the challenges faced by the environment and society, a plethora of social marketing campaigns have been launched to encourage the adoption of sustainable living patterns. We argue that the majority of these campaigns appeal to existing, self-interested or materialistic values that may lead to limited behaviour change. All too often these campaigns leave fundamental systematic environmental challenges unchanged, and may even undermine any considerations that people have around the change direction. We suggest that changing behaviour is ultimately about helping society and individuals reframing their identity. A systems theory approach, which acknowledges society as a complex adaptive system, is suggested as providing a useful framework for social marketing campaigns in supporting new identities and increasing sustained behavioural change.
176 Chapter 18 of Hatched Educational for sustainability in secondary schools Summary • In school... more 176 Chapter 18 of Hatched Educational for sustainability in secondary schools Summary • In schools, Education for Sustainability (EfS) develops survival skills for future generations by equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and systems-understanding to develop ways and norms that support sustainable living patterns. • In general EfS is still ad hoc and driven by individual champions in New Zealand secondary schools rather than via a systematic commitment.
The research team were contracted by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) to ... more The research team were contracted by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) to conduct a participatory evaluation using a multiple case study approach. The focus was not on the detailed monitoring of individual projects, but the development of understandings about dialogue that drew on the work of each of the projects. The aim of the Dialogue Fund Evaluation Team (later called the Cross Case Study Learning Group) was to produce an analysis that integrated information available from all the project teams.
Summary Environmental agencies are increasingly being asked to formulate local, regional and nati... more Summary Environmental agencies are increasingly being asked to formulate local, regional and national responses to environmental problems that are highly complex, made up of multiple factors, contested or unknown science, and conflicting demands. Social learning is emerging as a useful framework for understanding the human relationship, knowledge generation, and decision-making challenges posed by complex environmental problems.
166 Chapter 17 of Hatched Suporting practice change Summary • We have to do more than tell people... more 166 Chapter 17 of Hatched Suporting practice change Summary • We have to do more than tell people about a problem if we want to support and foster constructive change. • Communication needs to be tailored to the different stages of change that people work through.
Dependency stands for manygrievances and is generally considered asymptom of oppression. An oppos... more Dependency stands for manygrievances and is generally considered asymptom of oppression. An opposing concept, offered as the preferred state, isself-reliance. Dependency and self-reliance arekey concepts in sustainable developmentprograms that feature participatory approaches. Some of the ways in which development projectsemploy the concepts of dependency andself-reliance, however, are troubling. Dependency and self-reliance in two programsfor participatory sustainable development areexamined, one in ...
Adaptive, or 'learning by doing', approaches are often advocated as a means of providin... more Adaptive, or 'learning by doing', approaches are often advocated as a means of providing increased understanding within natural resource management. However, a number of organisational and social issues need to be resolved if these approaches are to be used successfully. A case study in the South Island high country of New Zealand is used to review what is needed to support an ongoing community-based monitoring and adaptive management programme. First, the case study is described, paying attention to the social ...
Ankeny, IA: Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2005
Decision making to achieve a balance between the economic goals of producers and environmental qu... more Decision making to achieve a balance between the economic goals of producers and environmental quality benefits is complex. Most of the time we consider that the balance is skewed to one side or the other and that there are winners and losers. From the production perspective, the loser is the economic return in exchange for environmental quality while from the environmental perspective, the loser is the environment at the expense of agricultural production and increased inputs. In reality, there are opportunities within ...
1 Landcare Research, Private Bag 6, Nelson 7042, NEW ZEALAND 2 Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2,... more 1 Landcare Research, Private Bag 6, Nelson 7042, NEW ZEALAND 2 Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7042 3 Landcare Research, PO Box 40, Lincoln 4 NIWA, PO Box 11115, Hamilton 3216 5 NZ Landcare Trust, c/Cable Bay Farm, Nelson. 6 Learning for Sustainability, PO Box 30108, St Martins, Christchurch 8246 7 Tasman District Council, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7031 Keywords: Integrated catchment management; stakeholder engagement; Motueka; water quality; diffuse pollution
Integrative research projects are becoming more common and inherently face challenges that single... more Integrative research projects are becoming more common and inherently face challenges that singlediscipline or multi-disciplinary projects seldom do. It is difficult to learn what makes a successful integrative research project as many of these challenges and solutions often go unreported. Using the New Zealand Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) for the Motueka River research program, we reflect on the demands confronting research programs attempting to operate in an integrative interdisciplinary manner. We highlight seven key lessons that may help others learn of the benefits and difficulties that confront scientists and stakeholders involved in undertaking similar research. These are (1) clarify the goal and work with key people; (2) manage expectations; (3) agree on integrative concepts and face the challenge of epistemology; (4) leadership; (5) communication in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect; (6) acknowledge that different modes of learning mean that a wide range o...
Ecosystem service (ES) frameworks have been developed to characterize and model the relationships... more Ecosystem service (ES) frameworks have been developed to characterize and model the relationships between ecological processes and human benefits. Some argue that these relationships should be specified through expert-derived analytical (i.e., top-down) frameworks, in order to organize accumulated knowledge and create ready-made framings for communities on the ground. In contrast, arguments for the participatory construction of ES assessments emphasize the need for place-sensitive and deliberative (i.e., bottom-up) approaches. In this paper, we draw on a novel water planning exercise in New Zealand to examine the tensions that arise when expert-produced categories intersect with diverse stakeholder worldviews and aspirations. Expert-derived ES categories and analyses intervene in local valuation contexts in a range of ways, narrowing the scope of which ecological processes might be considered as relevant or legitimate (bounding), aswell as affecting howthese processes are described and compared (measuring). The practices of bounding and measuring ES in scientific and planning assessments should thus be conceptualized as involving political work and not just scientific judgment. This reframes the role of ecological science and scientists in ES debates, and this presents cautions as well as opportunities for future ES work relating to policy.
ABSTRACT The success of research in contributing to integrated wildlife management relies on the ... more ABSTRACT The success of research in contributing to integrated wildlife management relies on the participation and involvement of different disciplines and stakeholders •Our research is also integrated and contributes directly to support management efforts on-the-ground by a range of different stakeholder groups
In New Zealand environmental management is essentially the responsibility of land managers. Manag... more In New Zealand environmental management is essentially the responsibility of land managers. Management decisions affect both production/productivity and the environment. However, responsibility for ensuring positive environmental outcomes falls on both local (Regional) and Central Government, and both they and international agencies such as the OECD would wish to monitor and report on changes. In terms of policy, strong links have been established via Central and Regional Government to land managers. Consumers in the market place are also, increasingly, requiring responsibility for positive environmental outcomes of those who purchase and process primary products. Strong links for responsibility have been established between our international markets and processing businesses and there is a noticeable strengthening of the links from the processors to the land manager/producer.
The success of research in integrated environmental and natural resource management relies on the... more The success of research in integrated environmental and natural resource management relies on the participation and involvement of different disciplines and stakeholders. This can be difficult to achieve in practice because many initiatives fail to address the underlying social processes required for successful engagement and social learning. We used an action research approach to support a research-based group with a range of disciplinary and stakeholder expertise to critically reflect on their engagement
practice and identify lessons around how to collaborate more effectively. This approach is provided here as a guide that can be used to support reflective research practice for engagement in other integration-based initiatives. This paper is set in the context of an integrated wildlife management research case study in New Zealand. We illustrate how multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches can provide a framework for considering the
different conversations that need to occur in an integrated research program. We then outline rubrics that list the criteria required in inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations, along with
examples of effective engagement processes that directly support integration through such efforts. Finally, we discuss the implications of these experiences for other researchers and
managers seeking to improve engagement and collaboration in integrated science, management and policy initiatives. Our experiences reaffirm the need for those involved in integrative initiatives to attend to the processes of engagement in both formal and informal settings, to provide opportunities for critical reflective practice, and to look for measures of success that acknowledge the importance of effective social process.
Success at integrated catchment management (ICM) requires the ongoing participation of different ... more Success at integrated catchment management (ICM) requires the ongoing participation of different stakeholders in an adaptive and learning-based management process. However, this can be difficult to achieve in practice because many initiatives fail to address the underlying social process aspects required. We review emerging lessons around how to engage stakeholders in ways that support social learning. We focus on the experience of an ICM research programme based in the Motueka catchment in New Zealand and provide a simple framework for distinguishing a range of conversations across different communities of practice. We highlight the need to use multiple engagement approaches to address different constituent needs and opportunities, and to encourage the informal conversations that spring up around these. We then illustrate the range of platforms for dialogue and learning that were used in the programme during 10 years of ICM research. Finally, a number of lessons are described from across the programme to guide research leaders and managers seeking to improve collaboration in other integrated science, management and policy initiatives.
Over the past decade the concept of biocultural diversity has emerged in scholarly and policy cir... more Over the past decade the concept of biocultural diversity has emerged in scholarly and policy circles as an acknowledgement that biological and cultural diversity are interconnected and interdependent, and equally threatened. A significant portion of the world's biocultural diversity is found within indigenous territories, where indigenous peoples have historically managed a coevolutionary relationship between their communities and their land. This suggests that endogenous processes within indigenous territories are ...
In an effort to respond to the challenges faced by the environment and society, a plethora of soc... more In an effort to respond to the challenges faced by the environment and society, a plethora of social marketing campaigns have been launched to encourage the adoption of sustainable living patterns. We argue that the majority of these campaigns appeal to existing, self-interested or materialistic values that may lead to limited behaviour change. All too often these campaigns leave fundamental systematic environmental challenges unchanged, and may even undermine any considerations that people have around the change direction. We suggest that changing behaviour is ultimately about helping society and individuals reframing their identity. A systems theory approach, which acknowledges society as a complex adaptive system, is suggested as providing a useful framework for social marketing campaigns in supporting new identities and increasing sustained behavioural change.
176 Chapter 18 of Hatched Educational for sustainability in secondary schools Summary • In school... more 176 Chapter 18 of Hatched Educational for sustainability in secondary schools Summary • In schools, Education for Sustainability (EfS) develops survival skills for future generations by equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and systems-understanding to develop ways and norms that support sustainable living patterns. • In general EfS is still ad hoc and driven by individual champions in New Zealand secondary schools rather than via a systematic commitment.
The research team were contracted by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) to ... more The research team were contracted by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) to conduct a participatory evaluation using a multiple case study approach. The focus was not on the detailed monitoring of individual projects, but the development of understandings about dialogue that drew on the work of each of the projects. The aim of the Dialogue Fund Evaluation Team (later called the Cross Case Study Learning Group) was to produce an analysis that integrated information available from all the project teams.
Summary Environmental agencies are increasingly being asked to formulate local, regional and nati... more Summary Environmental agencies are increasingly being asked to formulate local, regional and national responses to environmental problems that are highly complex, made up of multiple factors, contested or unknown science, and conflicting demands. Social learning is emerging as a useful framework for understanding the human relationship, knowledge generation, and decision-making challenges posed by complex environmental problems.
166 Chapter 17 of Hatched Suporting practice change Summary • We have to do more than tell people... more 166 Chapter 17 of Hatched Suporting practice change Summary • We have to do more than tell people about a problem if we want to support and foster constructive change. • Communication needs to be tailored to the different stages of change that people work through.
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Papers by Will Allen
ecological processes and human benefits. Some argue that these relationships should be specified through
expert-derived analytical (i.e., top-down) frameworks, in order to organize accumulated knowledge and create
ready-made framings for communities on the ground. In contrast, arguments for the participatory construction
of ES assessments emphasize the need for place-sensitive and deliberative (i.e., bottom-up) approaches. In this
paper, we draw on a novel water planning exercise in New Zealand to examine the tensions that arise when
expert-produced categories intersect with diverse stakeholder worldviews and aspirations. Expert-derived ES
categories and analyses intervene in local valuation contexts in a range of ways, narrowing the scope of which
ecological processes might be considered as relevant or legitimate (bounding), aswell as affecting howthese processes
are described and compared (measuring). The practices of bounding and measuring ES in scientific and
planning assessments should thus be conceptualized as involving political work and not just scientific judgment.
This reframes the role of ecological science and scientists in ES debates, and this presents cautions as well as opportunities
for future ES work relating to policy.
practice and identify lessons around how to collaborate more effectively. This approach is provided here as a guide that can be used to support reflective research practice for engagement in other integration-based initiatives. This paper is set in the context of an integrated wildlife management research case study in New Zealand. We illustrate how multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches can provide a framework for considering the
different conversations that need to occur in an integrated research program. We then outline rubrics that list the criteria required in inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations, along with
examples of effective engagement processes that directly support integration through such efforts. Finally, we discuss the implications of these experiences for other researchers and
managers seeking to improve engagement and collaboration in integrated science, management and policy initiatives. Our experiences reaffirm the need for those involved in integrative initiatives to attend to the processes of engagement in both formal and informal settings, to provide opportunities for critical reflective practice, and to look for measures of success that acknowledge the importance of effective social process.
ecological processes and human benefits. Some argue that these relationships should be specified through
expert-derived analytical (i.e., top-down) frameworks, in order to organize accumulated knowledge and create
ready-made framings for communities on the ground. In contrast, arguments for the participatory construction
of ES assessments emphasize the need for place-sensitive and deliberative (i.e., bottom-up) approaches. In this
paper, we draw on a novel water planning exercise in New Zealand to examine the tensions that arise when
expert-produced categories intersect with diverse stakeholder worldviews and aspirations. Expert-derived ES
categories and analyses intervene in local valuation contexts in a range of ways, narrowing the scope of which
ecological processes might be considered as relevant or legitimate (bounding), aswell as affecting howthese processes
are described and compared (measuring). The practices of bounding and measuring ES in scientific and
planning assessments should thus be conceptualized as involving political work and not just scientific judgment.
This reframes the role of ecological science and scientists in ES debates, and this presents cautions as well as opportunities
for future ES work relating to policy.
practice and identify lessons around how to collaborate more effectively. This approach is provided here as a guide that can be used to support reflective research practice for engagement in other integration-based initiatives. This paper is set in the context of an integrated wildlife management research case study in New Zealand. We illustrate how multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches can provide a framework for considering the
different conversations that need to occur in an integrated research program. We then outline rubrics that list the criteria required in inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations, along with
examples of effective engagement processes that directly support integration through such efforts. Finally, we discuss the implications of these experiences for other researchers and
managers seeking to improve engagement and collaboration in integrated science, management and policy initiatives. Our experiences reaffirm the need for those involved in integrative initiatives to attend to the processes of engagement in both formal and informal settings, to provide opportunities for critical reflective practice, and to look for measures of success that acknowledge the importance of effective social process.