Capabilities, Ecosystem Services, and Strong Sustainability through SMCE: The Case of Haren (Belgium)

Abstract

The goal of this article is to develop further the promising theoretical framework that cross ecosystem services and capability approach developed by Pelenc and Ballet (2015) in a strong sustainability perspective. Given the multidimensional and deliberative aspect of Pelenc and Ballet's (2015) framework, the social multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) methodology seems relevant to advance the operationalization of the former. Indeed, SMCE is a support tool used in decision-making processes for complex socio-ecological systems. This operationalization is conducted through a participatory action-research with the social movement opposing a mega-prison project in Haren, Brussels (Belgium). Our empirical and methodological results show the richness and limitations of using such a scientific apparatus to conduct action-research with social movement.