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Understanding the Use of Ecosystem Service Knowledge in Decision Making: Lessons from International Experiences of Spatial Planning

Author

Listed:
  • Emily McKenzie

    (World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037-1193, USA; and WWF-UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Goldalming, Surrey GU7 1XR, England)

  • Stephen Posner

    (Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, University of Vermont, 617 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • Patricia Tillmann

    (World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037-1193, USA; and Center for Public Policy and Administration, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Gordon Hall 1st Floor, 418 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002, USA)

  • Joanna R Bernhardt

    (Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1ZT, Canada)

  • Kirsten Howard

    (World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037-1193, USA; and School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041, USA)

  • Amy Rosenthal

    (World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037-1193, USA)

Abstract

The limited understanding of how ecosystem service knowledge (ESK) is used in decision making constrains our ability to learn from, replicate, and convey success stories. We explore use of ESK in decision making in three international cases: national coastal planning in Belize; regional marine spatial planning on Vancouver Island, Canada; and regional land-use planning on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Decision makers, scientists, and stakeholders collaborated in each case to use a standardized ecosystem service accounting tool to inform spatial planning. We evaluate interview, survey, and observation data to assess evidence of ‘conceptual’, ‘strategic’, and ‘instrumental’ use of ESK. We find evidence of all modes: conceptual use dominates early planning, while strategic and instrumental uses occur iteratively in middle and late stages. Conceptual and strategic uses of ESK build understanding and compromise that facilitate instrumental use. We highlight attributes of ESK, characteristics of the process, and general conditions that appear to affect how knowledge is used. Meaningful participation, scenario development, and integration of local and traditional knowledge emerge as important for particular uses.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily McKenzie & Stephen Posner & Patricia Tillmann & Joanna R Bernhardt & Kirsten Howard & Amy Rosenthal, 2014. "Understanding the Use of Ecosystem Service Knowledge in Decision Making: Lessons from International Experiences of Spatial Planning," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 32(2), pages 320-340, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:32:y:2014:i:2:p:320-340
    DOI: 10.1068/c12292j
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    References listed on IDEAS

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