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Quick guide one -Perceptions of risk and uncertainty influence marine management decisions
This research highlights the impact of diverse perceptions of risk on marine management and the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge for improved ecological decision-making.
Introduction to risk in marine management
The first in a series of guides from Sustainable Seas research focuses on the crucial role of risk and uncertainty perceptions in marine management. In the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, considering the obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising the contributions and guardianship of indigenous knowledge is key to protecting the marine environment. Conflict arises from diverse interpretations of risk and uncertainty, which then impact legal procedures, resource use, and broader management decisions. A prominent example is the contentious management of mangroves, where views range from viewing them as invasive to advocating for their protection, exacerbated by scientific knowledge gaps.
Analysis of perceptions and decision-making
Perceptions of risk and uncertainty are influenced by worldviews, education, and individual experiences. Understanding these factors can improve handling of ecosystem-based marine management and Te Tiriti partnerships. Insightful research demonstrates that varying practices built on these perceptions can lead to different futures, with increased acceptance of collective values and mana-enhancing processes in decision-making. The research also illustrates how consenting processes offer strategic opportunities to move towards sustainable management by integrating indigenous knowledge and redefining risk methodologies.
Conclusions and future recommendations
The study concludes with recommendations to make worldviews, disciplinary backgrounds, and positional experiences visible in resource management decision-making. These aspects are often unseen yet shape risk perception and responses to uncertainty. Utilising diagnostic tools like those in Quick guide 4 can enhance collective thinking and collaborative approaches. Recognising the diversity of worldviews, including the Dominant Social Paradigm, the New Environmental Paradigm, and indigenous worldviews, is imperative for resetting practices to achieve better ecological and social outcomes.
Key insights
Understanding worldviews reshapes risk management
The study underscores that people’s worldviews, disciplines, and experiences critically shape their risk perceptions in marine environments. It argues for the importance of these factors being acknowledged and incorporated, particularly indigenous perspectives, to overcome conflicts and promote ecosystem-based management in policy and practice.
Incorporating indigenous knowledge in marine policy
The research highlights the transformative potential of indigenous knowledge, particularly Māori perspectives, in informing and restructuring risk and uncertainty thinking within marine management. Such inclusive approaches align with ecological policy directions and foster decision-making that honours collective values and future generations.
Consenting processes as gateways to sustainability
The findings point to consenting processes as strategic avenues through which sustainable resource management outcomes can be progressively shaped. The study recommends systematically documenting worldview influences to enhance resource management, advocating for a risk approach that is holistic and adaptive to change.
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Knowledge guiding change.
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
Knowledge guiding change.
