Creating conditions for knowledge exchange: a project on preservation of ecosystem services in fluvio-littoral landscapes

Abstract

The management of the natural capital of fluvio-littoral Mediterranean landscapes, and the flow of ecosystem services that are generated, are key concepts for the functionality and sustainability of these areas. The sustainable management of these resources has been a topic of continued concern, in part due to the complex and dynamic socio-ecological systems (SES) in which they are imbedded. Knowledge exchange is increasingly recognized as a key factor facilitating the social, environmental and economic impacts of research. This approach aims to identify the various points of view and knowledge that local actors implicitly refer to and use in their relationship with their environment, working out a common vision of a given SES and its social-ecological interdependencies while combining scientific, local, and indigenous knowledge. Our work is part of a stakeholder-engaged process focused on answer questions inspired by the beneficiaries and managers of ecosystem services in an area located in the Valencia province (Spain) between the Turia (to the North) and Jucar (to the South) rivers. The environmental importance of the selected area and, therefore, the need to reconcile protectionist interests with different socio-economic demands is emphasized because more than 50% of its surface has some level of protection as natural area. A range of stakeholder mapping and analysis techniques were used to help identify and select individuals and organisations for engagement, and systematically consider their behaviour, interests, agendas, and influence on decision-making. And then, articulate a clear understanding of the context and needs of users, and consider ways for the proposed research to meet these needs or impact upon understandings of these needs.