Brown, I, Martin-Ortega, J, Waylen, K et al. (1 more author) (2016) Participatory scenario planning for developing innovation in community adaptation responses: three contrasting examples from Latin America. Regional Environmental Change, 16 (6). pp. 1685-1700. ISSN 1436-3798
Abstract
Environmental change requires adaptive responses that are innovative, forward-looking and anticipatory, in order to meet goals for sustainability in socio-ecological systems. This implies transformative shifts in understanding as conceptualised by the idea of ‘double’- or ‘triple-loop learning’. Achieving this can be difficult as communities often rely on shorter-term coping mechanisms that purport to maintain the status quo. The use of participatory scenario planning to stimulate forward-looking social learning for adaptation was investigated through three contrasting community case studies on natural resource management in Latin America (in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia). Exploratory scenario narratives that synthesised local knowledge and future perceptions were used iteratively to define response options considered robust across multiple futures. Despite its intensive format, participants in each case agreed that scenario planning enabled a more systematic appraisal of the future. Scenarios facilitated innovation by providing scope to propose new types of responses and associated actions. Differences in local context meant that learning about future change developed in diverse ways, showing a need for a reflexive process. Reframing of key issues characteristic of double-loop learning did occur, albeit through different forms of interaction in each location. However, a shift towards transformative actions characteristic of triple-loop learning was less evident. Achieving this would appear to require ongoing use of scenarios to challenge social norms in light of changing drivers. Use of learning loops as a diagnostic to evaluate adaptive responses provided a useful reference framework although in practice both innovation and consolidative approaches can develop concurrently for responses to different issues.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015. This is an author produced version of a paper published in Regional Environmental Change. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10113-015-0898-7. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Socio-ecological systems; Community-based adaptation; Scenarios; Triple-loop learning; Social learning; Latin America |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) > Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 25 Nov 2015 12:44 |
Last Modified: | 02 Jan 2017 05:15 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10113-015-0898-7 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Springer Verlag |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s10113-015-0898-7 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:92235 |