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Adapting to sea level rise, climate change, and associated effects is especially challenging in sensitive small-island environments where false adaptation can lead to adverse impacts on natural and societal dynamics. Framing and interest play a decisive role for the successful implementation of any adaptation measures. An interdisciplinary perspective on the interaction of natural dynamics, societal demands, and political decisions is crucial. This study scrutinizes the coastal processes and socio-political dimensions of erosion on the reef island Fuvahmulah, the Maldives. The national government and Fuvahmulah's population have opposed perception and attribution about the cause and effect of the retreating shoreline. To review these perceptions and determine the drivers and processes behind Fuvahmulah's most pressing coastal issue, natural dynamics are recreated with process-based numerical methods and discussed regarding the present and projected sea levels and wave climate. The numerical results are based on high resolution digital elevation models from airborne imagery and in-situ bathymetric measurements. Interviews with national and local actors in coastal development and population surveys complement the physical insights into erosion on the island and scrutinize the socio-political dimension of climate change adaptation on small islands. The results of the interdisciplinary approach demonstrate how small-islands' adaptive capacities are typically impaired in dealing with climate-related changes, they reveal the structural challenges of top-down processes, and disclose the potential of local knowledge to overcome maldevelopment.
C. Gabriel David; Arne Hennig; Beate M. W. Ratter; Volker Roeber; Zahid; Torsten Schlurmann. Climate change induced effects or maldevelopment: small islands and conflicting attribution of root causes. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleC. Gabriel David, Arne Hennig, Beate M. W. Ratter, Volker Roeber, Zahid, Torsten Schlurmann. Climate change induced effects or maldevelopment: small islands and conflicting attribution of root causes. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Gabriel David; Arne Hennig; Beate M. W. Ratter; Volker Roeber; Zahid; Torsten Schlurmann. 2020. "Climate change induced effects or maldevelopment: small islands and conflicting attribution of root causes." , no. : 1.
Küstenlandschaften sind durch ihre Lage zwischen Land und Meer definiert und werden von Küsten bestimmt, die – sofern sie nicht durch anthropogene Eingriffe fixiert wurden – hoch dynamisch und einem ständigen Wandel unterworfen sind. Küsten bilden keine eindeutige Linie „zwischen Land und Meer“ und in Küstenlandschaften treffen zwei unterschiedliche Dynamiken aufeinander: die sich stets verändernde Umwelt und die Suche des Menschen nach Konstanz. Die Wattenmeerküste liefert ein anschauliches Beispiel für eine derartige dynamische Küstenlandschaft, die sowohl von materiellen Veränderungen als auch sich wandelnden Bedeutungszuschreibungen geprägt ist. Die Herausforderung liegt darin, mit den Dynamiken der Landschaft umgehen zu lernen.
Beate Ratter; Cormac Walsh. Küstenlandschaften. RaumFragen: Stadt – Region – Landschaft 2019, 699 -710.
AMA StyleBeate Ratter, Cormac Walsh. Küstenlandschaften. RaumFragen: Stadt – Region – Landschaft. 2019; ():699-710.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeate Ratter; Cormac Walsh. 2019. "Küstenlandschaften." RaumFragen: Stadt – Region – Landschaft , no. : 699-710.
The concept of resilience has greatly contributed to the scientific discussion on human–nature interactions by analysing the dynamics, relationships and feedbacks between society and the natural environment at different levels. In this paper, we analyse how culture and societal dynamics influence those connections and, at the same time, have the potential to eventually hinder or foster social-ecological resilience. In order to do so, we take the example of a natural element which is also a cultural icon: the Conch (pronounced ‘konk’). Conch is a marine mollusc with significant social and cultural value for the islands’ society of The Bahamas. In the last decade, a decline in several Conch stocks has been documented, calling for an urgent sustainable management strategy. Nevertheless, only little efforts are happening. This case study offers an innovative understanding of resilience by introducing an aspect which is too often overseen: the role of culture in shaping social-ecological resilience. In this case study, the role of culture proved to be crucial as the cultural significance and embeddedness of Conch has made the management process challenging. But at the same time, culture can be used as a positive impulse towards adaptive management and as a starting point for sustainability. When culture materializes, it affects not only societal dynamics but also the vulnerability and the resilience process of the entire social-ecological system.
Lars Bomhauer-Beins; Corinna De Guttry; Beate M. W. Ratter. When Culture Materializes: Societal Dynamics in Resilience of Social-Ecological Systems in the Case of Conch Management on Abaco, The Bahamas. Sustainability 2019, 11, 1080 .
AMA StyleLars Bomhauer-Beins, Corinna De Guttry, Beate M. W. Ratter. When Culture Materializes: Societal Dynamics in Resilience of Social-Ecological Systems in the Case of Conch Management on Abaco, The Bahamas. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (4):1080.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLars Bomhauer-Beins; Corinna De Guttry; Beate M. W. Ratter. 2019. "When Culture Materializes: Societal Dynamics in Resilience of Social-Ecological Systems in the Case of Conch Management on Abaco, The Bahamas." Sustainability 11, no. 4: 1080.
This paper attempts to provide an empirical application of the enhanced Regional Tourism Sustainable Adaptation Framework using a case study of Mombasa Kenya. Climate variability is a challenge to tourism destinations, especially coastal and Island destinations, categories under which Mombasa, our study site falls under. Mombasa has limited capacity to adapt to climate change considering its socio economic conditions and weak institutions, thus making it necessary to explore the possible sustainable pathways for the city using the enhanced Regional Tourism Sustainable Adaptation Framework. Earlier frameworks for tourism adaptation to climate change lacked focus on regional dynamics as well as sustainability aspects, and their implementation pose the risk of mal adaptation to some extent. Using secondary data and data from interviews with tourism stakeholders in Mombasa, the enhanced Regional Tourism Sustainable Adaptation Framework guides our assessment of vulnerability and resilience of the destination, as well as identification of region specific adaptation options for the city within the context of sustainable practice. Based on climate change perceived impacts, risks and vulnerability various adaptation options are presented and discussed as provided in literature. The usefulness of the framework in guiding regional tourism destination managers and policy makers in their pursuit for a regional adaptation options within the tourism sector in order to reduce destinations vulnerability, increase resilience and take advantage of opportunities presented by climate change is underscored.
Joseph Muiruri Njoroge; Beate Mw Ratter; Lucy Atieno; Innocent M Mugabe. Employing the enhanced Regional Tourism Sustainable Adaptation Framework with a case study of climate change vulnerability in Mombasa, Kenya. Tourism and Hospitality Research 2018, 20, 56 -71.
AMA StyleJoseph Muiruri Njoroge, Beate Mw Ratter, Lucy Atieno, Innocent M Mugabe. Employing the enhanced Regional Tourism Sustainable Adaptation Framework with a case study of climate change vulnerability in Mombasa, Kenya. Tourism and Hospitality Research. 2018; 20 (1):56-71.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoseph Muiruri Njoroge; Beate Mw Ratter; Lucy Atieno; Innocent M Mugabe. 2018. "Employing the enhanced Regional Tourism Sustainable Adaptation Framework with a case study of climate change vulnerability in Mombasa, Kenya." Tourism and Hospitality Research 20, no. 1: 56-71.
Editorial: Fishing for Human Perceptions in Coastal and Island Marine Resource Use Systems
Annette Breckwoldt; Beate M. W. Ratter; Wen-Cheng Wang. Editorial: Fishing for Human Perceptions in Coastal and Island Marine Resource Use Systems. Frontiers in Marine Science 2018, 5, 1 .
AMA StyleAnnette Breckwoldt, Beate M. W. Ratter, Wen-Cheng Wang. Editorial: Fishing for Human Perceptions in Coastal and Island Marine Resource Use Systems. Frontiers in Marine Science. 2018; 5 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnnette Breckwoldt; Beate M. W. Ratter; Wen-Cheng Wang. 2018. "Editorial: Fishing for Human Perceptions in Coastal and Island Marine Resource Use Systems." Frontiers in Marine Science 5, no. : 1.
Purpose The trilateral Wadden Sea Region (WSR), extending from Den Helder in the Netherlands, along the German North Sea coast, to Esbjerg in Denmark, constitutes a unique but vulnerable coastal landscape. Vulnerability to environmental and societal risks is expected to increase in coming decades with encompassing new challenges such as demographic changes and conflicting uses of space, both on land and at sea. Meeting these challenges will require a shift toward an understanding of risk management as a social process, marking a significant departure from the dominant technical risk management paradigm. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In practice, this paradigm shift requires participatory stakeholder engagement, bringing together multiple and diverse perspectives, interests and concerns. This paper aims to support the implementation and expansion of enhanced social processes in coastal risk management by presenting a case study of participatory risk management process. Implemented in collaboration with a trilateral stakeholder partnership, the authors present a mixed-method approach which encouraged a joint, deliberate approach to environmental and societal risks within an overall framework. Findings The results enable the authors to deduce implications of participatory risk management processes for the WSR, wherein the partnership can act as a communicator and ambassador for an improved understanding of risk management as a social process. Originality/value In this context, the trilateral dimension, discussed here for the first time in relation with coastal risk management processes in the WSR, is emphasized as an efficient level that offers room for enhanced participatory and negotiation processes that are crucial for enhanced risk management processes.
Birgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter; Manfred Vollmer; Cormac Walsh. Managing coastal risks at the Wadden Sea: a societal perspective. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 2018, 27, 15 -27.
AMA StyleBirgit Gerkensmeier, Beate M.W. Ratter, Manfred Vollmer, Cormac Walsh. Managing coastal risks at the Wadden Sea: a societal perspective. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal. 2018; 27 (1):15-27.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBirgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter; Manfred Vollmer; Cormac Walsh. 2018. "Managing coastal risks at the Wadden Sea: a societal perspective." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 27, no. 1: 15-27.
Scientific literature calls for a shift from exclusively technical towards enhanced social processes in risk management to cope with the challenges of increased complex governance regimes wherein different interests of contrasting institutions need to be considered, balanced and negotiated. However, practical implementation of this integrative perspective is still a major challenge – underlined amongst others by the recently published Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. By proposing an Integrated Risk Management Approach (IRMA) we contribute to simplified conditions in the transfer from scientific debates into practical implementation. Looking in particular on coastal regions, IRMA focus the user’s view on the essential challenges in terms of enhanced multi-sectoral structures and improved social and flexible processes, as much as it gives advice on its methodical realization. Using our practical experiences in the trilateral Wadden Sea Region, we disclose IRMA’s contribution on enhanced consideration of historical framing, risk perceptions, risk awareness and enhanced multi-stakeholder participation. Multi-stakeholder participation, institutionalised in multi-stakeholder partnerships, makes an essential contribution towards enhanced collaborative processes between scientists, policy-makers and affected communities.
Birgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter. Governing coastal risks as a social process—Facilitating integrative risk management by enhanced multi-stakeholder collaboration. Environmental Science & Policy 2018, 80, 144 -151.
AMA StyleBirgit Gerkensmeier, Beate M.W. Ratter. Governing coastal risks as a social process—Facilitating integrative risk management by enhanced multi-stakeholder collaboration. Environmental Science & Policy. 2018; 80 ():144-151.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBirgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter. 2018. "Governing coastal risks as a social process—Facilitating integrative risk management by enhanced multi-stakeholder collaboration." Environmental Science & Policy 80, no. : 144-151.
This book is dedicated to the study of the islands and their role in a globalised world. Beside Coastal or Oceanic/Marine Geography, there is little comprehensive material about the speciality of small island geography so far. It aims to bridge natural, social and cultural science perspectives. In Geography of Small Islands readers learn about the physical development of islands, their cultural and political importance, as well as their economic particularities. This book appeals to researchers, students and scholars with an interest in the special characteristics in spatialities of islands.
Beate M.W. Ratter. Geography of Small Islands. Geography of Small Islands 2018, 1 .
AMA StyleBeate M.W. Ratter. Geography of Small Islands. Geography of Small Islands. 2018; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeate M.W. Ratter. 2018. "Geography of Small Islands." Geography of Small Islands , no. : 1.
„Auch wenn die Hochwasserschutzanlagen in Hamburg einem sehr hohen Schutzstandard entsprechen, erhält die Aufgabe, das Bewusstsein für die Sturmflutgefahr in der Bevölkerung wach zu halten, durch den Klimawandel noch größere Bedeutung“ (Bürgerschaft der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg 2013). Was die Hansestadt Hamburg in ihrem Aktionsplan zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel betont, spiegelt den Kern der sozialwissenschaftlichen Klima- und Risikoforschung wider. Das Wissen um das Risikobewusstsein der Bevölkerung ist eine wichtige Größe im Risikomanagement. Wenn es in den Köpfen der Menschen keinen Platz für persönliches präventives Handeln und aktiven Schutz im Katastrophenfall gibt, wird es auch für alle weiteren Maßnahmen schwer werden, wirksam zu greifen (Scannell und Gifford 2011). Denn das Zusammenspiel des staatlichen und persönlichen Risikomanagements kann nur dann wirksam funktionieren, wenn das Risiko auch auf der persönlichen Ebene richtig eingeschätzt wird (Kates und Wilbanks 2003; Martens et al. 2009). Das Thema Risikowahrnehmung bekommt auch praktische Relevanz, wenn es darum geht, das Bewusstsein für die vorhandene Bedrohung mit geeigneter Risikokommunikation in der betroffenen Bevölkerung zu steigern.
Beate M. W. Ratter. Wahrnehmung des Klimawandels in der Metropolregion Hamburg. Hamburger Klimabericht – Wissen über Klima, Klimawandel und Auswirkungen in Hamburg und Norddeutschland 2017, 255 -264.
AMA StyleBeate M. W. Ratter. Wahrnehmung des Klimawandels in der Metropolregion Hamburg. Hamburger Klimabericht – Wissen über Klima, Klimawandel und Auswirkungen in Hamburg und Norddeutschland. 2017; ():255-264.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeate M. W. Ratter. 2017. "Wahrnehmung des Klimawandels in der Metropolregion Hamburg." Hamburger Klimabericht – Wissen über Klima, Klimawandel und Auswirkungen in Hamburg und Norddeutschland , no. : 255-264.
Studies on the socio-cultural dimensions of perceiving and framing landscapes represent a well-established interdisciplinary field of research cutting across the disciplines of geography, anthropology and sociology. Most studies to date converge in the fact that they theoretically and methodologically revolve around textual and symbolic landscape approaches to investigate underlying social representations and practices permeating the physical land: littoral landscapes – to be understood as a subcategory of landscapes – have however received limited attention to date. The paper takes this gap as a starting point to conceptually explore the intersections of different approaches in landscape research for analysing the manifold bonds coastal inhabitants form with their coastal landscapes. The study draws on semi-structured interviews conducted with coastal inhabitants in the district of North Frisia (Germany). Interviews were analysed following Grounded Theory and refined by a linguistic indepth investigation to reveal different representations of the North Frisian coastscape nestling in coastal dweller's discourse. The analysis brought about aesthetic, genealogical and other interpretative repertoires saturated with a variety of linguistic characteristics developing locally bound patterns of coastscape attachment. The aim of the paper is twofold: first, it consists of an attempt to analytically combine research undertaken in the area of landscape with research on coastal landscapes to uncover the multifarious relations coastal inhabitants form with their livelihoods. Second, it reflects on the epistemological challenges of research on various coastal landscapes for managing coastal change in terms of a ‘coast-multiple’.
Martin Döring; Beate M. W. Ratter. Coastal landscapes: The relevance of researching coastscapes for managing coastal change in North Frisia. Area 2017, 50, 169 -176.
AMA StyleMartin Döring, Beate M. W. Ratter. Coastal landscapes: The relevance of researching coastscapes for managing coastal change in North Frisia. Area. 2017; 50 (2):169-176.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Döring; Beate M. W. Ratter. 2017. "Coastal landscapes: The relevance of researching coastscapes for managing coastal change in North Frisia." Area 50, no. 2: 169-176.
PurposeThere is a growing recognition in Kenya that citizens should play a role in contributing to policy formation. This is a shift from conventional approach where the elite in society or selected few would largely define policy problem and determine actions. One of the approaches that underpin such views is Deliberative Inclusionary Processes (DIPs). DIPs emerged from the 1980s in the rise of civil societies that challenged various approaches by governments and authorities. Whilst most countries have embarked on developing climate change policies, this paper discusses the DIP and reports on a study of Kenya Climate Bill 2014 policy making process.Design/methodology/approachSemi structured interviews were used to obtain valuable information from stakeholders. The study aims at understanding how policy space and outcomes are shaped by policy discourses and narratives; actors, networks and institutions and; politics and interests.FindingsThe Kenyan case of policy making process represents a typical DIP. However, it had a unique start from social movement action to government ownership which was characterized by serious problems of inclusion and exclusion, relations, conflict of interests and a real play of power and control of the policy process. The findings underscores how Politics and interests; Actors, Institutions and Narratives and Discourses being among elements that shape policy outcome.Originality/valueKenya being among the first countries to have a policy document on climate change this study provides an insight for future policy makers, practitioners and a basis for comparative studies.
Joseph M. Njoroge; Beate M.W. Ratter; Lucy Atieno. Climate change policy-making process in Kenya: deliberative inclusionary processes in play. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management 2017, 9, 535 -554.
AMA StyleJoseph M. Njoroge, Beate M.W. Ratter, Lucy Atieno. Climate change policy-making process in Kenya: deliberative inclusionary processes in play. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management. 2017; 9 (4):535-554.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoseph M. Njoroge; Beate M.W. Ratter; Lucy Atieno. 2017. "Climate change policy-making process in Kenya: deliberative inclusionary processes in play." International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management 9, no. 4: 535-554.
In times of climate change and global ecosystem degradation, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are both showcases and indicators for global social-ecological dynamics. Resilience is among the most prominent concepts to assess and improve communities’ capacity to adapt to environmental changes, described as adaptability. But how environmental pressures are perceived, and how this perception translates into action and specific behavioural patterns, is regionally different and depends on cultural, historical and cognitive contexts. Within the cultural and regional framing, different knowledge systems can be identified, which affect perception of and behaviour towards environmental concerns. Knowledge systems can be competing, because they are influenced by different and changing cultural identities, experiences, worldviews, norms and (unequal) power relations. How do competing knowledge systems influence adaptability? And how can we learn from them, respectively? By means of qualitative and quantitative empirical research on The Bahamas, we show how different knowledge systems translate into different modes of responding to specific environmental pressures, such as sea-level rise. The understanding of historicity and temporality, experience and learning processes, and institutional settings, which frame people's knowledge of their environment, is important for understanding potentials for adaptability.
Jan Petzold; Beate M. W. Ratter; Arnd Holdschlag. Competing knowledge systems and adaptability to sea-level rise in The Bahamas. Area 2017, 50, 91 -100.
AMA StyleJan Petzold, Beate M. W. Ratter, Arnd Holdschlag. Competing knowledge systems and adaptability to sea-level rise in The Bahamas. Area. 2017; 50 (1):91-100.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Petzold; Beate M. W. Ratter; Arnd Holdschlag. 2017. "Competing knowledge systems and adaptability to sea-level rise in The Bahamas." Area 50, no. 1: 91-100.
Pino González-Riancho; Birgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter. Storm surge resilience and the Sendai Framework: Risk perception, intention to prepare and enhanced collaboration along the German North Sea coast. Ocean & Coastal Management 2017, 141, 118 -131.
AMA StylePino González-Riancho, Birgit Gerkensmeier, Beate M.W. Ratter. Storm surge resilience and the Sendai Framework: Risk perception, intention to prepare and enhanced collaboration along the German North Sea coast. Ocean & Coastal Management. 2017; 141 ():118-131.
Chicago/Turabian StylePino González-Riancho; Birgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter. 2017. "Storm surge resilience and the Sendai Framework: Risk perception, intention to prepare and enhanced collaboration along the German North Sea coast." Ocean & Coastal Management 141, no. : 118-131.
Numerous studies have begun to tackle the social and cultural dimensions of perceiving and framing climate change. Scholars from geography and environmental psychology in particular have started to highlight the importance of so-called place-based approaches to studying regional and local framings of climate change. This paper stands in this tradition. It reports on findings derived from a nationwide survey of perceptions of and reactions to extreme weather events and interviews conducted with inhabitants of three islands in the coastal region of North Frisia (Germany). Coastal dwellers understand climate change through the lens of local and regional experiences of meteorological phenomena, seasonal changes, knowledge of the sea, and changes in local flora and fauna. Our detailed ecolinguistic analysis revealed six prevailing conceptual metaphors: Climate change is an enemy, preventing climate change is fight/war, climate change is punishment for human sins, climate change is overheating/heat, climate change is hot air/hoax and climate change is eco-dictatorship. These metaphors were used to make sense of climate change at the regional level and provide insights into place-based social and cultural conceptualisations of climate change. An understanding of these meanings should feed into developing more grounded climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in coastal regions.
Martin Döring; Beate Ratter. The regional framing of climate change: towards a place-based perspective on regional climate change perception in north Frisia. Journal of Coastal Conservation 2017, 22, 131 -143.
AMA StyleMartin Döring, Beate Ratter. The regional framing of climate change: towards a place-based perspective on regional climate change perception in north Frisia. Journal of Coastal Conservation. 2017; 22 (1):131-143.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Döring; Beate Ratter. 2017. "The regional framing of climate change: towards a place-based perspective on regional climate change perception in north Frisia." Journal of Coastal Conservation 22, no. 1: 131-143.
Diana Süsser; Martin Döring; Beate M.W. Ratter. Harvesting energy: Place and local entrepreneurship in community-based renewable energy transition. Energy Policy 2017, 101, 332 -341.
AMA StyleDiana Süsser, Martin Döring, Beate M.W. Ratter. Harvesting energy: Place and local entrepreneurship in community-based renewable energy transition. Energy Policy. 2017; 101 ():332-341.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDiana Süsser; Martin Döring; Beate M.W. Ratter. 2017. "Harvesting energy: Place and local entrepreneurship in community-based renewable energy transition." Energy Policy 101, no. : 332-341.
Risk management processes increasingly call for enhanced stakeholder participation, and aim to integrate different risk perceptions, concerns and interests. Frequently, this goal is driven by the increased complexity of risk management processes, as risk management processes continuously have to deal with multi-risk situations including impacts resulting from risks of natural hazards and risks caused by misguided social or economic development. Although stakeholder participation is required by different policies, major challenges still arise from the question of how to perform multi-stakeholder participation in practice. In order to find answers, we tested the so-called ‘bow-tie analysis’ as a potential tool to facilitate multi-stakeholder participation with a major effort on integrating stakeholders risk perceptions and interest in the risk management processes. The bow-tie analysis is a commonly used risk assessment technique (IEC 2009) to analyse cause-and-effect pathways of risks, but its application in multi-stakeholder processes in risk management of natural hazards, especially in a European context, is rather new. Using practical experiences from the trilateral Wadden Sea Region we demonstrate the bow-tie analysis’ contribution to coastal risk management processes in this coastal area by facilitating collaborative identification, comprehension and analysis of the management system. The use of a modified bow-tie analysis in collaboration with stakeholders from the Wadden Sea Region proved to be an appropriate framework for enhancing the understanding of risk management processes and fostered disclosure of different perceptions and concerns of multi-risk problematics. The bow-tie can be beneficial as a communication and co-construction tool in risk management processes in a multi-risk context.
Birgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter. Multi-risk, multi-scale and multi-stakeholder – the contribution of a bow-tie analysis for risk management in the trilateral Wadden Sea Region. Journal of Coastal Conservation 2016, 22, 145 -156.
AMA StyleBirgit Gerkensmeier, Beate M.W. Ratter. Multi-risk, multi-scale and multi-stakeholder – the contribution of a bow-tie analysis for risk management in the trilateral Wadden Sea Region. Journal of Coastal Conservation. 2016; 22 (1):145-156.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBirgit Gerkensmeier; Beate M.W. Ratter. 2016. "Multi-risk, multi-scale and multi-stakeholder – the contribution of a bow-tie analysis for risk management in the trilateral Wadden Sea Region." Journal of Coastal Conservation 22, no. 1: 145-156.
The current discussion of anticipated climate change impacts and future sea level rise is particularly relevant to small island states. An increase in natural hazards, such as floods and storm waves, is likely to have a devastating impact on small islands' coastlines, severely affecting targeted sustainable development. Coastal erosion, notably human-induced erosion, has been an ongoing threat to small island biodiversity, resources, infrastructure, and settlements, as well as society at large. In the context of climate change, the problem of coastal erosion and the debate surrounding it is gaining momentum. Before attributing associated impacts to climate change, current human activities need to be analysed, focusing not only on geomorphological and climatological aspects, but also on political and traditional cultural frameworks. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of the social-political-ecological systems analysis for adaptation strategies, and thus for future sustainable development. Coastal use is based on human constructs of the coast, as well as local perceptions and values ascribed to the coast. We use the case study of Anjouan, Comoros to differentiate between constructive and destructive practices on the coast, from both a mental and technical perspective. Beach erosion is described as more than a resource problem that manifests itself locally rather than nationally. Divergent political scales of interest impact future development as much as local action. Local action is not least framed by mental contribution and attribution of coasts as places for living, recreation and resource use. The present case study demonstrates that mental constructs of coasts as valuable areas can, in some cases, lead to the protection and preservation of beaches by initiatives of collective action. At the same time, local communities see the negative impacts of sand mining as causes of coastal erosion and, therefore, it is difficult to mobilize them to adapt to climate change and sea level rise.
Beate M.W. Ratter; Jan Petzold; Kamardine Sinane. Considering the locals: coastal construction and destruction in times of climate change on Anjouan, Comoros. Natural Resources Forum 2016, 40, 112 -126.
AMA StyleBeate M.W. Ratter, Jan Petzold, Kamardine Sinane. Considering the locals: coastal construction and destruction in times of climate change on Anjouan, Comoros. Natural Resources Forum. 2016; 40 (3):112-126.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeate M.W. Ratter; Jan Petzold; Kamardine Sinane. 2016. "Considering the locals: coastal construction and destruction in times of climate change on Anjouan, Comoros." Natural Resources Forum 40, no. 3: 112-126.
Many social-ecologically sensitive Small Island Developing States (SIDS) increasingly face global (climate) change risks to sustainable development. However, the validity of factors said to contribute toward vulnerability is disputed in light of the differing economic success, enormous heterogeneity, divergent paths of development, and varying potential for adaptability displayed by small islands. Research on uncertainty, vulnerability and resilience of coupled social-ecological systems (SES) can provide a valuable contribution to the sustainability debate. Based on the fundamentals of complexity theory, the notions of social-ecological adaptability, and panarchy, this article highlights the role of context-based, hybrid, and limited environmental knowledge and risk knowledge systems and cultures. The modes of organization of disaster management in Grenada (Eastern Caribbean) and environmental governance in The Bahamas (Western Caribbean) on various spatio-temporal scales serve as case studies. The production and communication of knowledge, the difficult (cross-scale) integration of diverse knowledge systems, the role of experience and memory, as well as social/institutional learning and inertia appear as significant factors as regards the strengthening of social adaptability. The findings further demonstrate that significant challenges remain for Caribbean SIDS. These include long-term, socially, locally, and sectorally differentiated vulnerabilities; deficits in governance and communication; and the diverging and spatially-temporally bounded nature of knowledge systems
Arnd Holdschlag; Beate M.W. Ratter. Caribbean island states in a social-ecological panarchy? Complexity theory, adaptability and environmental knowledge systems. Anthropocene 2016, 13, 80 -93.
AMA StyleArnd Holdschlag, Beate M.W. Ratter. Caribbean island states in a social-ecological panarchy? Complexity theory, adaptability and environmental knowledge systems. Anthropocene. 2016; 13 ():80-93.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArnd Holdschlag; Beate M.W. Ratter. 2016. "Caribbean island states in a social-ecological panarchy? Complexity theory, adaptability and environmental knowledge systems." Anthropocene 13, no. : 80-93.
Highlights•We examine the potentials of boundary objects in science-stakeholder interaction.•We provide an approach to find entry points for science-stakeholder interaction.•We offer insights to improve science-stakeholder interaction North Frisia (Germany). AbstractThe North Frisian Wadden Sea represents one of the best researched natural regions in the world. Since the end of the 1980s, scientific research has been carried out to scientifically study, analyse and assess this intertidal coastal zone under the conceptual umbrella of ecosystem research. The outcome of this assessment materialised in the establishment of the Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer. Its implementation caused considerable conflicts between coastal inhabitants, national park authorities and government officials. Arguments in these disputes revolved around the validity and relevance of scientific knowledge generated to assess and legitimately protect the tidelands and areas of the Waddensea. In summary, the whole implementation process was locally perceived as a politically endorsed top-down enforcement strategy only allowing scientific knowledge for decision-making purposes while local concerns and ‘knowledges’ were not included. To learn from these developments and past mistakes, we compare concepts of co-management, boundary work and boundary objects (BO) to theoretically and methodologically explore their potentials to generate shared meanings and instigate communication in the context of future managing purposes. Against this theoretical background, we propose the empirical show-case example of the German concept of ‘Heimat’ as a BO to assess its applicability to study place-based meanings and to illustrate it as a practice-oriented point of entry to initiate productive science-stakeholder interaction (SSI) in managing the North Frisian Wadden Sea.
Martin Döring; Beate Ratter. Reprint of: ‘Heimat’ as a boundary object? Exploring the potentialities of a boundary object to instigate productive science-stakeholder interaction in North Frisia (Germany). Environmental Science & Policy 2016, 55, 408 -415.
AMA StyleMartin Döring, Beate Ratter. Reprint of: ‘Heimat’ as a boundary object? Exploring the potentialities of a boundary object to instigate productive science-stakeholder interaction in North Frisia (Germany). Environmental Science & Policy. 2016; 55 ():408-415.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Döring; Beate Ratter. 2016. "Reprint of: ‘Heimat’ as a boundary object? Exploring the potentialities of a boundary object to instigate productive science-stakeholder interaction in North Frisia (Germany)." Environmental Science & Policy 55, no. : 408-415.
The North Frisian Wadden Sea represents one of the best researched natural regions in the world. Since the end of the 1980s, scientific research has been carried out to scientifically study, analyse and assess this intertidal coastal zone under the conceptual umbrella of ecosystem research. The outcome of this assessment materialised in the establishment of the Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer. Its implementation caused considerable conflicts between coastal inhabitants, national park authorities and government officials. Arguments in these disputes revolved around the validity and relevance of scientific knowledge generated to assess and legitimately protect the tidelands and areas of the Waddensea. In summary, the whole implementation process was locally perceived as a politically endorsed top-down enforcement strategy only allowing scientific knowledge for decision-making purposes while local concerns and ‘knowledges’ were not included. To learn from these developments and past mistakes, we compare concepts of co-management, boundary work and boundary objects (BO) to theoretically and methodologically explore their potentials to generate shared meanings and instigate communication in the context of future managing purposes. Against this theoretical background, we propose the empirical show-case example of the German concept of ‘Heimat’ as a BO to assess its applicability to study place-based meanings and to illustrate it as a practice-oriented point of entry to initiate productive science-stakeholder interaction (SSI) in managing the North Frisian Wadden Sea
Martin Döring; Beate Ratter. ‘Heimat’ as a boundary object? Exploring the potentialities of a boundary object to instigate productive science-stakeholder interaction in North Frisia (Germany). Environmental Science & Policy 2015, 54, 448 -455.
AMA StyleMartin Döring, Beate Ratter. ‘Heimat’ as a boundary object? Exploring the potentialities of a boundary object to instigate productive science-stakeholder interaction in North Frisia (Germany). Environmental Science & Policy. 2015; 54 ():448-455.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Döring; Beate Ratter. 2015. "‘Heimat’ as a boundary object? Exploring the potentialities of a boundary object to instigate productive science-stakeholder interaction in North Frisia (Germany)." Environmental Science & Policy 54, no. : 448-455.