Abstract
AbstractResource management and conservation interventions are increasingly embracing social–ecological systems (SES) concepts. While SES frameworks recognize the connectedness of humans and nature, many fail to acknowledge the complex role of sociocultural factors in influencing people's interactions with the environment. As such, when indicators in SES frameworks are used to measure the social dimension, easy to measure, socioeconomic indicators are the norms, while more complex social and cultural indicators are rare. To develop meaningful indicators of resilience in SES we need to understand local definitions of resilience. In this paper we describe methods used in a biocultural approach to illuminate sociocultural factors that Pacific Islanders identify as important for resilient communities. We focus specifically on two dimensions of sociocultural factors, “Connectedness to People and Place” and “Indigenous and local knowledges, skills, practices, values and worldviews,” which relate to many interventions, but are not usually monitored. We offer examples of indicators that may be appropriate to measure under these dimensions. Increased use of biocultural indicators will bring additional insight on the types and combinations of indicators that work best in given contexts.
Highlights
We ask: What are the relevant sociocultural factors that influence resilience and how can such factors be measured? We present a sample methodology that provides a general road map for how resource managers and conservation practitioners can work with place-based communities to understand the cultural and social factors important to consider when designing interventions
We propose that biocultural approaches are most appropriate for such purposes
The approach can help develop locally appropriate indicators by identifying sociocultural components linked to resource use that are currently missing from most SES frameworks
Summary
Intervention planning needs to consider the multidimensional dynamic of human relationships to nature (especially those that incorporate culture or that are not tangible) to identify locally appropriate sociocultural components important for conservation and/or resource management. We present a sample methodology that provides a general road map for how resource managers and conservation practitioners can work with place-based communities to understand the cultural and social factors important to consider when designing interventions.
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