Stormy Waters: moving forward amidst dissensus to accomplish holistic ecosystem-based management
Description: This project focuses on conflicts of interest surrounding the management of aquatic ecosystems, specifically the conflict of interest between the conservation of seal and cormorant populations and the fishing industry, which is understood here as a conflict intertwined with other issues at different geographical scales. Conflicts of interest in the management of aquatic ecosystems have historically been perceived as obstacles to implementing necessary measures to improve their management. This perspective has prevented deepening our understanding of what governance trajectories are possible amid dissensus. The project adopts a novel view of conflicts, assuming that disagreement can play a positive role in organizing political priorities. As part of this, the project will study the partially overlapping patterns of collaboration and conflicts of interest that characterize the relationships between key stakeholders involved in the management and/or utilization of aquatic ecosystems at the national level in Sweden and in three case study areas. The project aims to (i) examine whether and how divergent opinions and perspectives among key stakeholders affect existing collaboration networks; (ii) identify how patterns of conflicts and collaboration in stakeholder networks impact the status of aquatic ecosystems; (iii) study how possible future changes, such as changes in food chains or legislation, affect the dynamics of conflict and cooperation in management networks for aquatic ecosystems; (iv) evaluate different methods of participatory processes based on their ability to advance management processes despite, or because of, disagreement. This research will improve knowledge of interconnected socio-economic and ecological conflicts of interest, as well as develop tools for creating long-term sustainable and effective participatory methods for managing aquatic ecosystems.
Funder: Naturvårdsverket
Amount: SEK 5,034,000
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Project grant
Start date: 2024-12-15
End date: 2027-12-15
Investigator: Maria Mancilla Garcia
Institution: Stockholm University
Funded outputs count: 1
Funder award ID: 2024-00157
OpenAlex ID: G528954232