Examining Complex Interactions between Ecological and Socio-economic Processes as a Framing Problem

Session: 28. - Pilot Projects and Future Visions: Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Applied Research

James MacLellan, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, [email protected]

Abstract

This ideal of rationally devising an optimal land use plan in complex urban landscapes might be described as institutional naivety.  Rather than ‘solving’ such problems, Roberts (2000) has suggested three coping strategies: authoritative, competitive and collaborative approaches. Authoritative strategies place the problem in the hands of a few stakeholders who have the authority to define the problem and devise a solution.  Alternatively, competitive strategies assume a ‘zero-sum game’ wherein the winner acquires the power to define and solve the problem.  Both approaches may be unsatisfactory in that they access a limited set of solutions, and typically lack a broad base of support for implementation. Collaborative strategies on the other hand, seek win-win solutions by joining stakeholders in a collective framework to assume a ‘variable sum game’ which seeks to ‘enlarge the pie’ (Roberts 2000). Partnerships, and alliances seek collective problem understanding and resolution. And though more players make the process more complex, they also expand the potential for creativity (Conklin 2005).  Through the development of novel visualization techniques, we seek to facilitate collaboration by opening confronting the issue of landscape framing (as with legacy industrial systems).  This work is an extension of work undertaken with WWF in New Brunswick.

1. Keyword
ecosystems

2. Keyword
management

3. Keyword
environmental health