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Navigating marine social-ecological systems

We aimed to identify and/or improve our understanding of institutional, social and cultural factors that need to be incorporated into EBM for it to be successfully used to manage Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine resources.

Project LeaderDurationBudget
Karen Fisher (University of Auckland)April 2016 – September 2019 $920,000

Overview

Our research used social science to examine key issues in the marine environment. We engaged with Māori, industry representatives, resource managers, decision makers, environmental organisations and communities.  

We considered how knowledge about cumulative effects – environmental effects resulting from multiple activities over time – can improve decision-making for the marine environment. In 2016, we hosted a workshop with 40 scientists and senior policymakers from across New Zealand. It supported cross-institutional and cross-cultural dialogue to address issues raised by cumulative effects. 

We used sci-art and creative works to engage New Zealanders about EBM and the risks to the marine environment from human activities. We held sci-art workshops with 1600 students at 16 schools in Nelson and Marlborough. The resulting combined artwork created by the students, The Unseen, was exhibited at Albion Square, Nelson. We have also produced short films and other creative outputs to engage with the public. 

 

Another focus of our research was to understand how trust among researchers can enhance the quality of knowledge needed for EBM. We used focus groups and interviews to consider how trust is developed and maintained between Challenge researchers and experts who have diverse interests and experiences. We also explored the Challenge’s capacity to build trust with Māori and stakeholders.  

Related News

Related Events

The Unseen (Napier)

Project proposal

753 KB | pdf

Location

This is a national project.

Tools & Resources

This project has produced or contributed to:

The Unseen
Video
This 2 min film describes an art-science-education project exploring the risks associated with environmental and climate change.
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From the mountains to the seas: developing a shared vision for addressing cumulative effects in Aotearoa New Zealand
Academic publication
Davies K et al (2017) Regions Magazine, 308(4): 15–18
View
Navigating collaborative networks and cumulative effects for Sustainable Seas
Academic publication
Davies K et al (2018) Environmental Science & Policy 83, 22-32
View
Art is a powerful communicator of science
Presentation
Webinar presentation by Gabby O'Connor, Carolyn Lundquist and Joe O'Callaghan, May 2020 (52 mins + Q&A)
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Touching Outward: Art-Making at the Seam Where Care Meets Risk
Academic publicationVideo
Longley A, K Fisher, G O'Connor, J Hutchinson (2021) Journal of Embodied Research
View

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