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Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) is increasingly recognized as a valuable asset in sustainability science. Knowledges of Indigenous peoples and local communities is becoming a critical tool for understanding coastal social-ecological systems and coping with global changes. The inclusion of ILK in research and management is key to local desirable social-ecological resilience and community-based conservation approaches, especially in areas with accelerated landscape changes. The Global South in particular is experiencing rapid changes through development and climate change, while harbouring many biodiversity hotspots. To synthesize the existing information and highlight still existing research gaps we conducted a systematic literature review on ILK from coastal ecosystems in the Global South (n = 254). Our results show to which biophysical aspects and ecosystems the knowledge is related, as well as the challenges and benefits that accompany the inclusion of ILK for management and research. Main challenges named were based on external forces, such as globalisation and market pressure but also a lack of integration and respect in governance and management for ILK and the difficulty of integrating ILK in today's academic work. Many researchers showed ways to overcome such multi-scale challenges and highlighted the importance of this process due to the various benefits of ILK for management and research. All articles reviewed named benefits in ecological (e.g. complementary knowledge production), political (e.g. support of community-based governance) or socio-cultural (e.g. maintenance of culture and livelihoods) aspects for management and research. Maintaining ILK is crucial for Indigenous people and local communities and carries insights to govern coastal ecosystems during the challenging times ahead. We conclude that future research is needed to further develop the current position of ILK in research and management of ecosystems, especially as global environmental changes may contribute to the acceleration of losing ILK from coastal ecosystems in the Global South.
Theresa Klara Loch; Maraja Riechers. Integrating indigenous and local knowledge in management and research on coastal ecosystems in the Global South: A literature review. Ocean & Coastal Management 2021, 212, 105821 .
AMA StyleTheresa Klara Loch, Maraja Riechers. Integrating indigenous and local knowledge in management and research on coastal ecosystems in the Global South: A literature review. Ocean & Coastal Management. 2021; 212 ():105821.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTheresa Klara Loch; Maraja Riechers. 2021. "Integrating indigenous and local knowledge in management and research on coastal ecosystems in the Global South: A literature review." Ocean & Coastal Management 212, no. : 105821.
Landscape simplification is a worldwide phenomenon that impacts biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Humans benefit greatly from nature’s contributions to people in both material and immaterial ways, yet landscape simplification can undermine these contributions. Landscape simplification can have negative consequences, for example, for human–nature connectedness and other relational values. Major and rapid land-use change, together with a declining appreciation of nature by individuals and societies, in turn, could cause a downward spiral of disconnections. Our empirical research combined a comprehensive assessment of five dimensions of human–nature connectedness with the lens of relational values to assess how these are influenced by landscape simplification. Focusing on two rural landscapes with differing agricultural development in Lower Saxony (Germany), we conducted 34 problem-centred interviews. We found that landscape simplification, especially if rapid, negatively influenced human–nature connectedness and particular relational values such as social relations, social cohesion or cultural identity. We postulate that human–nature connectedness might have a balancing influence on preserving relational values, buffering negative impacts of landscape simplification. Losing connections to nature could potentially foster conflicts among actors with different values. We conclude that combining the notions of human–nature connectedness and relational values can generate valuable insights and may help to uncover new ways to foster sustainability.
Maraja Riechers; Berta Martín-López; Joern Fischer. Human–nature connectedness and other relational values are negatively affected by landscape simplification: insights from Lower Saxony, Germany. Sustainability Science 2021, 1 -13.
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Berta Martín-López, Joern Fischer. Human–nature connectedness and other relational values are negatively affected by landscape simplification: insights from Lower Saxony, Germany. Sustainability Science. 2021; ():1-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Berta Martín-López; Joern Fischer. 2021. "Human–nature connectedness and other relational values are negatively affected by landscape simplification: insights from Lower Saxony, Germany." Sustainability Science , no. : 1-13.
Despite an increasing understanding of the issue of marine pollution, humanity continues on a largely unsustainable trajectory. This study aimed to identify and classify the range of scientific studies and interventions to address coastal and marine pollution. We reviewed 2417 scientific papers published between 2000 and 2018, 741 of which we analysed in depth. To classify pollution interventions, we applied the systems-oriented concept of leverage points, which focuses on places to intervene in complex systems to bring about systemic change. We found that pollution is largely studied as a technical problem and fewer studies engage with pollution as a systemic social-ecological issue. While recognising the importance of technical solutions, we highlight the need to focus on under-researched areas pertaining to the deeper drivers of pollution (e.g. institutions, values) which are needed to fundamentally alter system trajectories.
Maraja Riechers; Benedikt P. Brunner; Jan-Claas Dajka; Ioana A. Dușe; Hannah M. Lübker; Aisa O. Manlosa; Juan Emilio Sala; Tamara Schaal; Sabine Weidlich. Leverage points for addressing marine and coastal pollution: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2021, 167, 112263 .
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Benedikt P. Brunner, Jan-Claas Dajka, Ioana A. Dușe, Hannah M. Lübker, Aisa O. Manlosa, Juan Emilio Sala, Tamara Schaal, Sabine Weidlich. Leverage points for addressing marine and coastal pollution: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2021; 167 ():112263.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Benedikt P. Brunner; Jan-Claas Dajka; Ioana A. Dușe; Hannah M. Lübker; Aisa O. Manlosa; Juan Emilio Sala; Tamara Schaal; Sabine Weidlich. 2021. "Leverage points for addressing marine and coastal pollution: A review." Marine Pollution Bulletin 167, no. : 112263.
Joern Fischer; Maraja Riechers. From grief to hope in conservation. Conservation Biology 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleJoern Fischer, Maraja Riechers. From grief to hope in conservation. Conservation Biology. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoern Fischer; Maraja Riechers. 2021. "From grief to hope in conservation." Conservation Biology , no. : 1.
Despite concerted efforts, achieving the goal of universal food security remains challenging. Food security interventions occur at different levels of systemic depth. Some interventions target visible supply-side gaps, while others focus on deeper systemic problems in the food system. Here, we used a leverage points perspective to ask how multiple types of more superficial (shallow) and more fundamental (deep) interventions in the food system interact. Focusing on a case study in southwestern Ethiopia, we examined (1) recent changes in formal and informal institutions related to food security; (2) the effects of formal and informal institutions on the food system at different levels of systemic depth (i.e., on parameters, feedbacks, design, and intent); and (3) issues of institutional interplay between formal and informal institutions. We surveyed 150 rural households and analyzed key policy documents. Both formal and informal institutions were perceived to improve food security. However, at the intent level, formal institutions primarily aimed to enhance food supply, while informal institutions additionally sought to build trust among farmers. At the design level, formal interventions targeted information flow through a newly created agricultural extension system, while informal institutions facilitated labor sharing and communication. In terms of institutional interplay, new formal institutions had partly undermined pre-existing informal institutions. We conclude that both visible supply-side gaps and deeper drivers of food insecurity should be targeted through food security interventions. Interventions need to be cognizant of potentially unexpected ways of institutional interplay, especially between formal and informal institutions.
Tolera Senbeto Jiren; Maraja Riechers; Arvid Bergsten; Joern Fischer. A leverage points perspective on institutions for food security in a smallholder-dominated landscape in southwestern Ethiopia. Sustainability Science 2021, 16, 767 -779.
AMA StyleTolera Senbeto Jiren, Maraja Riechers, Arvid Bergsten, Joern Fischer. A leverage points perspective on institutions for food security in a smallholder-dominated landscape in southwestern Ethiopia. Sustainability Science. 2021; 16 (3):767-779.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTolera Senbeto Jiren; Maraja Riechers; Arvid Bergsten; Joern Fischer. 2021. "A leverage points perspective on institutions for food security in a smallholder-dominated landscape in southwestern Ethiopia." Sustainability Science 16, no. 3: 767-779.
Calls for a reconnection to nature and the biosphere have been growing louder over the last decades. Cultural landscapes are rapidly changing, posing a threat to ecosystems and biodiversity, but also to human–nature connections. Human–nature connectedness may be a potential lever to shift the unsustainable trajectory that we are currently proceeding, but is also negatively influenced by it. To concretize the call for a reconnection to nature, we used the leverage points perspective on five empirical case studies with focus on human–nature connectedness. Based on the synthesis of our yearlong work, in this perspective paper, we propose four leverage points to foster a sustainability transformation: (1) maintain and enhance the structural diversity of landscapes, (2) maintain and enhance economically and ecologically sustainable small-scale agriculture, (3) strengthen sense of place and (4) strengthen sense of agency in actors. Intervening in these leverage points could be effective to foster human–nature connectedness and ultimately contribute towards a sustainable trajectory. We further argue that the interconnection between leverage points is equally important as their systemic depth.
Maraja Riechers; Ioana Alexandra Pătru-Dușe; Ágnes Balázsi. Leverage points to foster human–nature connectedness in cultural landscapes. Ambio 2021, 50, 1 -11.
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Ioana Alexandra Pătru-Dușe, Ágnes Balázsi. Leverage points to foster human–nature connectedness in cultural landscapes. Ambio. 2021; 50 (9):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Ioana Alexandra Pătru-Dușe; Ágnes Balázsi. 2021. "Leverage points to foster human–nature connectedness in cultural landscapes." Ambio 50, no. 9: 1-11.
This conference report summarizes the current challenges of researching microplastics pollution in the ocean as debated by international experts and stakeholders at a workshop held in San Sebastián, Spain, 1–2 October 2019. The transdisciplinary, co-learning approach of this report stressed the need to incorporate multiple perspective in solving the problem of microplastics and resulted in three proposed actions: (i) filtering microplastics from waste waters; (ii) mandatory ecolabels on plastic products packages; and (iii) circular economy of packaging plastics.
Maraja Riechers; Lucia Fanini; Annalisa Apicella; Carolina Batista Galván; Elise Blondel; Begoña Espiña; Simone Kefer; Tristan Keroullé; Katja Klun; Tania R. Pereira; Francesca Ronchi; Pedro Ruiz Rodríguez; Haritz Sardon; Alexandra Viana Silva; Maris Stulgis; Nagore Ibarra-González. Plastics in our ocean as transdisciplinary challenge. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2021, 164, 112051 .
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Lucia Fanini, Annalisa Apicella, Carolina Batista Galván, Elise Blondel, Begoña Espiña, Simone Kefer, Tristan Keroullé, Katja Klun, Tania R. Pereira, Francesca Ronchi, Pedro Ruiz Rodríguez, Haritz Sardon, Alexandra Viana Silva, Maris Stulgis, Nagore Ibarra-González. Plastics in our ocean as transdisciplinary challenge. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2021; 164 ():112051.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Lucia Fanini; Annalisa Apicella; Carolina Batista Galván; Elise Blondel; Begoña Espiña; Simone Kefer; Tristan Keroullé; Katja Klun; Tania R. Pereira; Francesca Ronchi; Pedro Ruiz Rodríguez; Haritz Sardon; Alexandra Viana Silva; Maris Stulgis; Nagore Ibarra-González. 2021. "Plastics in our ocean as transdisciplinary challenge." Marine Pollution Bulletin 164, no. : 112051.
This perspective paper synthesises the special issue ‘Human-nature connectedness as a leverage point for sustainability transformation’. Based on the articles in this special issue, we aim to foster the operationalisation of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations to enable sustainability transformations. Specifically, we draw on four key advantages of the leverage points perspective: (i) the explicit recognition of deep leverage points; (ii) the ability to examine the interactions between shallow and deep system changes; (iii) the combination of causal and teleological modes of research; and (iv) the ability to function as a methodological boundary object. The contributions to this special issue revealed three deep leverage points addressing paradigm shifts in research and beyond: relational thinking and values, stewardship philosophy and shifting the economic growth paradigm to focus on human well-being. We highlight interlinkages between leverage points to further strengthen the transformative potential of interventions that aim at triggering shifts in our understanding about human-nature relations. Further, we show a way to bridge causal and teleological approaches by envisioning desired futures. Lastly, we emphasise the potential of arts-based methodologies, including participatory, transdisciplinary research to foster sustainability transformation and how this can be combined within the leverage points perspective.
Maraja Riechers; Jacqueline Loos; Ágnes Balázsi; Marina García-Llorente; Claudia Bieling; Aracely Burgos-Ayala; Leila Chakroun; Thomas J.M. Mattijssen; Maximilian M. Muhr; Irene Pérez-Ramírez; Kaisa J. Raatikainen; Sakshi Rana; Miles Richardson; Linda Rosengren; Simon West. Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations. Ecosystems and People 2021, 17, 205 -214.
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Jacqueline Loos, Ágnes Balázsi, Marina García-Llorente, Claudia Bieling, Aracely Burgos-Ayala, Leila Chakroun, Thomas J.M. Mattijssen, Maximilian M. Muhr, Irene Pérez-Ramírez, Kaisa J. Raatikainen, Sakshi Rana, Miles Richardson, Linda Rosengren, Simon West. Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations. Ecosystems and People. 2021; 17 (1):205-214.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Jacqueline Loos; Ágnes Balázsi; Marina García-Llorente; Claudia Bieling; Aracely Burgos-Ayala; Leila Chakroun; Thomas J.M. Mattijssen; Maximilian M. Muhr; Irene Pérez-Ramírez; Kaisa J. Raatikainen; Sakshi Rana; Miles Richardson; Linda Rosengren; Simon West. 2021. "Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations." Ecosystems and People 17, no. 1: 205-214.
Maraja Riechers; Ágnes Balázsi; Marina García-Llorente; Jacqueline Loos. Human-nature connectedness as leverage point. Ecosystems and People 2021, 17, 215 -221.
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Ágnes Balázsi, Marina García-Llorente, Jacqueline Loos. Human-nature connectedness as leverage point. Ecosystems and People. 2021; 17 (1):215-221.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Ágnes Balázsi; Marina García-Llorente; Jacqueline Loos. 2021. "Human-nature connectedness as leverage point." Ecosystems and People 17, no. 1: 215-221.
Social–ecological systems (SES) exhibit complex cause‐and‐effect relationships. Capturing, interpreting, and responding to signals that indicate changes in ecosystems is key for sustainable management in SES. Breaks in this signal–response chain, when feedbacks are missing, will allow change to continue until a point when abrupt ecological surprises may occur. In these situations, societies and local ecosystems can often become uncoupled. In this paper, we demonstrate how the red loop–green loop (RL–GL) concept can be used to uncover missing feedbacks and to better understand past social–ecological dynamics. Reinstating these feedbacks in order to recouple the SES may ultimately create more sustainable systems on local scales. The RL–GL concept can uncover missing feedbacks through the characterization of SES dynamics along a spectrum of human resource dependence. Drawing on diverse qualitative and quantitative data sources, we classify SES dynamics throughout the history of Jamaican coral reefs along the RL–GL spectrum. We uncover missing feedbacks in red‐loop and red‐trap scenarios from around the year 600 until now. The Jamaican coral reef SES dynamics have moved between all four dynamic states described in the RL–GL concept: green loop, green trap, red loop and red trap. We then propose mechanisms to guide the current unsustainable red traps back to more sustainable green loops, involving mechanisms of seafood trade and ecological monitoring. By gradually moving away from seafood exports, Jamaica may be able to return to green‐loop dynamics between the local society and their locally sourced seafood. We discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this proposed intervention and give indications of why an export ban may insure against future missing feedbacks and could prolong the sustainability of the Jamaican coral reef ecosystem. Our approach demonstrates how the RL–GL approach can uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef SES, a way the concept has not been used before. We advocate for how the RL–GL concept in a feedback setting can be used to synthesize various types of data and to gain an understanding of past, present and future sustainability that can be applied in diverse social–ecological settings. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Jan‐Claas Dajka; Anna J. Woodhead; Albert V. Norström; Nicholas A. J. Graham; Maraja Riechers; Magnus Nyström. Red and green loops help uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef social–ecological system. People and Nature 2020, 2, 608 -618.
AMA StyleJan‐Claas Dajka, Anna J. Woodhead, Albert V. Norström, Nicholas A. J. Graham, Maraja Riechers, Magnus Nyström. Red and green loops help uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef social–ecological system. People and Nature. 2020; 2 (3):608-618.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan‐Claas Dajka; Anna J. Woodhead; Albert V. Norström; Nicholas A. J. Graham; Maraja Riechers; Magnus Nyström. 2020. "Red and green loops help uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef social–ecological system." People and Nature 2, no. 3: 608-618.
Context The global trend of landscape simplification for industrial agriculture is known to cause losses in biodiversity and ecosystem service diversity. Despite these problems being widely known, status quo trajectories driven by global economic growth and changing diets continue to lead to further landscape simplification. Objectives In this perspective article, we argue that landscape simplification has negative consequences for a range of relational values, affecting the social-ecological relationships between people and nature, as well as the social relationships among people. A focus on relational values has been proposed to overcome the divide between intrinsic and instrumental values that people gain from nature. Results We use a landscape sustainability science framing to examine the interconnections between ecological and social changes taking place in rural landscapes. We propose that increasingly rapid and extreme landscape simplification erodes human-nature connectedness, social relations, and the sense of agency of inhabitants—potentially to the point of severe erosion of relational values in extreme cases. We illustrate these hypothesized changes through four case studies from across the globe. Leaving the links between ecological, social-ecological and social dimensions of landscape change unattended could exacerbate disconnection from nature. Conclusion A relational values perspective can shed new light on managing and restoring landscapes. Landscape sustainability science is ideally placed as an integrative space that can connect relevant insights from landscape ecology and work on relational values. We see local agency as a likely key ingredient to landscape sustainability that should be actively fostered in conservation and restoration projects.
Maraja Riechers; Ágnes Balázsi; Lydia Betz; Tolera S. Jiren; Joern Fischer. The erosion of relational values resulting from landscape simplification. Landscape Ecology 2020, 35, 2601 -2612.
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Ágnes Balázsi, Lydia Betz, Tolera S. Jiren, Joern Fischer. The erosion of relational values resulting from landscape simplification. Landscape Ecology. 2020; 35 (11):2601-2612.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Ágnes Balázsi; Lydia Betz; Tolera S. Jiren; Joern Fischer. 2020. "The erosion of relational values resulting from landscape simplification." Landscape Ecology 35, no. 11: 2601-2612.
Contemporary Romania has been subject to several major social and institutional shifts that have had implications for the connectedness of humans with their environment. Four major governance eras have influenced human-nature connections: (1) formal and informal institutional governance after the World Wars and before socialism (before 1947), (2) top-down governance during socialism (1947–1989) and (3) during sovereign state governance and transition to European Union (1990–2006), and (4) multilevel governance since European Union accession (after 2007). We analyzed two cultural landscapes in Transylvania with respect to changes in human-nature connectedness. The two systems were similar at the beginning of the 20th century, but developed differently in their intensity of landscape management in the 21st century. Drawing on 41 semi-structured interviews, we examined changes that influenced landscape management and human-nature connectedness, considering five dimensions of connectedness: material, experiential, emotional, cognitive and philosophical. Material connections have weakened as a result of changes in food production and rising consumerism. Experiential and emotional connections were influenced by socio-economic and landscape management changes. Cognitive connections reflected changes in the knowledge system on the environment. Philosophical connection was influenced by changes in ideologies and globalization. Our findings highlight the central influence of social and institutional change on perceived human-nature connectedness. Understanding this influence provides important pointers for how to reconnect humanity to nature in the coming decades.
Ágnes Balázsi; Maraja Riechers; Tibor Hartel; Julia Leventon; Joern Fischer. The impacts of social-ecological system change on human-nature connectedness: A case study from Transylvania, Romania. Land Use Policy 2019, 89, 104232 .
AMA StyleÁgnes Balázsi, Maraja Riechers, Tibor Hartel, Julia Leventon, Joern Fischer. The impacts of social-ecological system change on human-nature connectedness: A case study from Transylvania, Romania. Land Use Policy. 2019; 89 ():104232.
Chicago/Turabian StyleÁgnes Balázsi; Maraja Riechers; Tibor Hartel; Julia Leventon; Joern Fischer. 2019. "The impacts of social-ecological system change on human-nature connectedness: A case study from Transylvania, Romania." Land Use Policy 89, no. : 104232.
Understanding emotions is necessary to analyse underlying motivations, values and drivers for behaviours. In landscapes that are rapidly changing, for example, due to land conversion for intensive agriculture, a sense of powerlessness of the inhabitants can be common, which may negatively influence their emotional bond to the landscape they are living in. To uncover varied emotional responses towards landscape change we used an innovative approach that combined transdisciplinary and artistic research in an intensively farmed landscape in Germany. In this project, we focused on the topic of favourite places in public spaces, and how change in such places was experienced. Drawing on workshops and interviews, we identified themes of externally driven societal and internal personal influences on the public favourite places. “Resilient” emotional responses towards landscape change showed a will to integrate the modifications, while “non-resilient” responses were characterised by frustration and despair. We argue that identifying emotions towards change can be valuable to strengthen adaptive capacity and to foster sustainability.
Maraja Riechers; Werner Henkel; Moritz Engbers; Joern Fischer. Stories of Favourite Places in Public Spaces: Emotional Responses to Landscape Change. Sustainability 2019, 11, 3851 .
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Werner Henkel, Moritz Engbers, Joern Fischer. Stories of Favourite Places in Public Spaces: Emotional Responses to Landscape Change. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (14):3851.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Werner Henkel; Moritz Engbers; Joern Fischer. 2019. "Stories of Favourite Places in Public Spaces: Emotional Responses to Landscape Change." Sustainability 11, no. 14: 3851.
The land‐sharing versus land‐sparing debate recently stagnated, lacking an integrating perspective in agricultural landscapes as well as consideration of ecosystem services. Here, we argue that land‐sharing (i.e. wildlife‐friendly farming systems) and land‐sparing (i.e. separation of high‐yielding agriculture and natural habitats) are not mutually exclusive, as both are needed to balance management needs for the multifunctionality of agricultural landscapes. Land‐sharing promotes ecosystem services in agricultural settings, thereby allowing for environmentally friendly production. Land set aside in protected areas by land‐sparing is crucial for conservation of those species that are incompatible with agriculture. Importantly, as species move throughout the landscape and exploit different habitats, increased connectivity between environmentally friendly managed and protected areas is needed to (a) promote spillover of ecosystem service providers from land‐sharing/‐sparing measures to agricultural production and rescue service‐providing species from extinction in hostile areas, (b) to facilitate immigration and counteract possible extinctions in spared habitats and (c) to conserve response diversity of species communities for ensuring resilience of ecosystem services in changing environments. In conclusion, the successful management of multifunctional landscapes requires the combination of context‐specific land‐sharing and land‐sparing measures within spatially well‐connected landscape mosaics, resulting in land‐sharing/‐sparing connectivity landscapes. A plain language summary is available for this article.
Ingo Grass; Jacqueline Loos; Svenja Baensch; Péter Batáry; Felipe Librán Embid; Anoush Ficiciyan; Felix Klaus; Maraja Riechers; Julia Rosa; Julia Tiede; Kristy Udy; Catrin Westphal; Annemarie Wurz; Teja Tscharntke. Land‐sharing/‐sparing connectivity landscapes for ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. People and Nature 2019, 1 .
AMA StyleIngo Grass, Jacqueline Loos, Svenja Baensch, Péter Batáry, Felipe Librán Embid, Anoush Ficiciyan, Felix Klaus, Maraja Riechers, Julia Rosa, Julia Tiede, Kristy Udy, Catrin Westphal, Annemarie Wurz, Teja Tscharntke. Land‐sharing/‐sparing connectivity landscapes for ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. People and Nature. 2019; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIngo Grass; Jacqueline Loos; Svenja Baensch; Péter Batáry; Felipe Librán Embid; Anoush Ficiciyan; Felix Klaus; Maraja Riechers; Julia Rosa; Julia Tiede; Kristy Udy; Catrin Westphal; Annemarie Wurz; Teja Tscharntke. 2019. "Land‐sharing/‐sparing connectivity landscapes for ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation." People and Nature , no. : 1.
Drawing on seminal work by the late Donella Meadows, we propose a leverage points perspective as a hitherto under‐recognized heuristic and practical tool for sustainability science. A leverage points perspective focuses on places to intervene in complex systems to bring about transformative change. A leverage points perspective recognizes increasingly influential leverage points relating to changes in parameters, feedbacks, system design and the intent encapsulated by a given system. We discuss four key advantages of a leverage points perspective. First advantage: A leverage points perspective can bridge causal and teleological explanations of system change – that is, change is seen to arise from variables influencing one another, but also from how human intent shapes the trajectory of a system. Second advantage: A leverage points perspective explicitly recognizes influential, ‘deep’ leverage points – places at which interventions are difficult but likely to yield truly transformative change. Third advantage: A leverage points perspective enables the examination of interactions between shallow and deep system changes – sometimes, relatively superficial interventions may pave the way for deeper changes, while at other times, deeper changes may be required for superficial interventions to work. Fourth advantage: A leverage points perspective can function as a methodological boundary object – that is, providing a common entry point for academics from different disciplines and other societal stakeholders to work together. Drawing on these strengths could initiate a new stream of sustainability studies, and may yield both practical and theoretical advances. A plain language summary is available for this article.
Joern Fischer; Maraja Riechers. A leverage points perspective on sustainability. People and Nature 2019, 1, 115 -120.
AMA StyleJoern Fischer, Maraja Riechers. A leverage points perspective on sustainability. People and Nature. 2019; 1 (1):115-120.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoern Fischer; Maraja Riechers. 2019. "A leverage points perspective on sustainability." People and Nature 1, no. 1: 115-120.
Despite the normative nature of sustainability, values and their role in sustainability transformations are often discussed in vague terms, and when concrete conceptualizations exist, they widely differ across fields of application. To provide guidance for navigating the complexity arising from the various conceptualizations and operationalization of values, here, we differentiate four general perspectives of how and where values are important for transformation related sustainability science. The first perspective, surfacing implicit values, revolves around critical reflection on normative assumptions in scientific practices. Sustainability transformations concern fundamental ethical questions and are unavoidably influenced by assumptions sustainability scientists hold in their interactions with society. The second perspective, negotiating values, is related to the values held by different actors in group decision processes. Developing and implementing solution options to sustainability problems requires multiple values to be accounted for in order to increase civic participation and social legitimacy. The third perspective, eliciting values, focuses on the ascription of values to particular objects or choices related to specific sustainability challenges, for example, valuations of nature. The fourth perspective, transforming through values, highlights the dynamic nature and transformational potential of values. Value change is complex but possible, and may generate systemic shifts in patterns of human behaviours. Explicit recognition of these four interconnected values perspectives can help sustainability scientists to: (1) move beyond general discussions implying that values matter; (2) gain an awareness of the positionality of one’s own values perspective when undertaking values related sustainability research; and (3) reflect on the operationalizations of values in different contexts.
Andra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu; David J. Abson; Cristina I. Apetrei; Ioana Alexandra Duse; Rebecca Freeth; Maraja Riechers; David P. M. Lam; Christian Dorninger; Daniel J. Lang. Values in transformational sustainability science: four perspectives for change. Sustainability Science 2019, 14, 1425 -1437.
AMA StyleAndra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu, David J. Abson, Cristina I. Apetrei, Ioana Alexandra Duse, Rebecca Freeth, Maraja Riechers, David P. M. Lam, Christian Dorninger, Daniel J. Lang. Values in transformational sustainability science: four perspectives for change. Sustainability Science. 2019; 14 (5):1425-1437.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu; David J. Abson; Cristina I. Apetrei; Ioana Alexandra Duse; Rebecca Freeth; Maraja Riechers; David P. M. Lam; Christian Dorninger; Daniel J. Lang. 2019. "Values in transformational sustainability science: four perspectives for change." Sustainability Science 14, no. 5: 1425-1437.
Urbanization by densification is globally increasing and endangers maintenance of urban green and associated social-ecological systems. Cultural ecosystem services play a crucial role in human well-being, especially in urban areas. We analyzed perceived importance of cultural ecosystem services provided by green space in Berlin along an urban-periurban gradient. Based on extensive pretests, we designed a standardized questionnaire and conducted 558 face-to-face interviews. B using multiple regressions and principal component analysis, we show that perceived importance of cultural ecosystem services and patterns of urban green use are affected by an urbanization gradient and associated changes in population density. Important cultural ecosystem services decreases in urban core areas with higher population density, whereas people in periurban areas with more available green spaces exhibit a greater valuation of nature. In contrast, social relations and cultural diversity had the highest importance in the urban core, while cultural heritage, education, natural awareness, recreation, and aesthetical appreciation were higher valued in the less populated periurban areas, suggesting two bundles of cultural ecosystem services.
Maraja Riechers; Micha Strack; Jan Barkmann; Teja Tscharntke. Cultural Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Change along an Urban-Periurban Gradient. Sustainability 2019, 11, 645 .
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Micha Strack, Jan Barkmann, Teja Tscharntke. Cultural Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Change along an Urban-Periurban Gradient. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (3):645.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Micha Strack; Jan Barkmann; Teja Tscharntke. 2019. "Cultural Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Change along an Urban-Periurban Gradient." Sustainability 11, no. 3: 645.
Human-wildlife conflicts are a growing problem in Iran and pose a notable challenge to conservation efforts in its Hyrcanian forest region. We surveyed 162 households in 45 villages at six study sites to understand species-specific patterns of human-wildlife conflicts and people’s reactions to these conflicts, and to suggest appropriate conflict mitigation measures. By using generalized linear and generalized linear mixed models, we analysed socio-economic and ecological variables to find key determinants of the main conflict types around seven species of mammals. We also incorporated prey richness data (i.e. red deer, roe deer and wild boar) in our models. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) and grey wolf (Canis lupus) were found to be the primary conflict species in regard to reported levels of severity; and crop loss by wild boars was reported by 97% of households. Logistic regression shows that these conflicts were positively influenced by the variety of cultivated crop species and the size of land under cultivation. Generalized linear mixed models show that human-wild boar conflicts increased in areas with lower human density, vegetation cover and distance to protected areas. Wolf conflicts were most frequently in the form of sheep attacks (81%) compared to goat (11%) and cattle (8%) attacks. Data shows that the attacks were positively influenced by village and landscape elevation and increased in areas with lower prey richness and those located closer to, or inside, protected areas. Several cost-effective mitigation measures should be used complementarily according to their effectiveness. These include avoiding planting of palatable seasonal crops near protected areas and establishing physical barriers around crop fields to lower large-scale crop damage by wild boars. To reduce livestock predation by wolf, it will be essential to address the restoration of the wild prey community and efficiency of animal husbandry practices.
Laura Meinecke; Mahmood Soofi; Maraja Riechers; Igor Khorozyan; Hamid Hosseini; Stefan Schwarze; Matthias Waltert. Crop variety and prey richness affect spatial patterns of human-wildlife conflicts in Iran’s Hyrcanian forests. Journal for Nature Conservation 2018, 43, 165 -172.
AMA StyleLaura Meinecke, Mahmood Soofi, Maraja Riechers, Igor Khorozyan, Hamid Hosseini, Stefan Schwarze, Matthias Waltert. Crop variety and prey richness affect spatial patterns of human-wildlife conflicts in Iran’s Hyrcanian forests. Journal for Nature Conservation. 2018; 43 ():165-172.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Meinecke; Mahmood Soofi; Maraja Riechers; Igor Khorozyan; Hamid Hosseini; Stefan Schwarze; Matthias Waltert. 2018. "Crop variety and prey richness affect spatial patterns of human-wildlife conflicts in Iran’s Hyrcanian forests." Journal for Nature Conservation 43, no. : 165-172.
Global environmental and social changes will have great impact on the development of cities in the coming decades. Impacts of climate change, demographic shifts and conservation of biodiversity should be incorporated into urban green space planning to balance for the increasing development pressure of cities. Urban green spaces provide multiple ecosystem service benefits to diverse social groups. In this paper, we analyzed inhabitant perceptions of cultural ecosystem services provided by urban green spaces in the city of Berlin based on a face-to-face questionnaire (n = 558). As analysis tool, we used proportionate cluster sampling and focused on non-monetary statements on the perceived importance of a broad spectrum of cultural ecosystem services. Results show that cultural ecosystem services can be perceived through bundles and that those bundles may have negative influence on each other. The perceived importance of cultural ecosystem services was influenced by spatial and social factors: Older inhabitants living in periurban areas preferred cultural ecosystem services related to nature experiences. Younger inner city dwellers tended to prefer cultural ecosystem services facilitating social interactions. Those diverging perceptions should to be taken into account through urban development strategies to create a socially just and sustainable city planning in the face of global environmental changes. The ecosystem service framework can be one tool to facilitate a more participatory planning process to find solutions for urban sustainability challenges.
Maraja Riechers; Jan Barkmann; Teja Tscharntke. Diverging perceptions by social groups on cultural ecosystem services provided by urban green. Landscape and Urban Planning 2018, 175, 161 -168.
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Jan Barkmann, Teja Tscharntke. Diverging perceptions by social groups on cultural ecosystem services provided by urban green. Landscape and Urban Planning. 2018; 175 ():161-168.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Jan Barkmann; Teja Tscharntke. 2018. "Diverging perceptions by social groups on cultural ecosystem services provided by urban green." Landscape and Urban Planning 175, no. : 161-168.
Urban cultural ecosystem services are understood differently by experts and laypersons. Yet, unaccounted differences can lead to management problems for urban green spaces, as experts may recommend practices that do not meet the laypersons’ wishes. Qualitative research on the perception of cultural ecosystem services can be one tool to analyze these differences. We use expert and problem-centered interviews to assess differences in cultural ecosystem service perceptions for experts and laypersons in Berlin. Using an innovative approach, we combine inductive qualitative content analysis with a frequency analysis and multidimensional scaling. This explorative study innovatively merges qualitative and quantitative approaches to show new ways of analysis. Our results show that the experts’ perceptions of nature appear to be more practical, management-centered, whereas laypersons appear to prioritize enjoyment of nature. Overall, multidimensional scaling indicates different perceptions and conceptualizations of cultural ecosystem service bundles, emphasizing the diverging understandings. If these different perceptions are not accounted for it could lead to social and political contrast. They should therefore be acknowledged in decision-making and goal formulation for the management of urban green.
Maraja Riechers; Eva Maria Noack; Teja Tscharntke. Experts’ versus laypersons’ perception of urban cultural ecosystem services. Urban Ecosystems 2016, 20, 715 -727.
AMA StyleMaraja Riechers, Eva Maria Noack, Teja Tscharntke. Experts’ versus laypersons’ perception of urban cultural ecosystem services. Urban Ecosystems. 2016; 20 (3):715-727.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaraja Riechers; Eva Maria Noack; Teja Tscharntke. 2016. "Experts’ versus laypersons’ perception of urban cultural ecosystem services." Urban Ecosystems 20, no. 3: 715-727.