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11 pages, 1694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coral Reef Socio-Ecological Systems Analysis & Restoration

by Natalia Uribe-Castañeda, Alice Newton and Martin Le Tissier

Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4490; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10124490 - 29 Nov 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6286

Restoration strategies for coral reefs are usually focused on the recovery of bio-physical characteristics. They seldom include an evaluation of the recovery of the socio-ecological and ecosystem services features of coral reef systems. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to address both the [...] Read more.

Restoration strategies for coral reefs are usually focused on the recovery of bio-physical characteristics. They seldom include an evaluation of the recovery of the socio-ecological and ecosystem services features of coral reef systems. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to address both the socio-ecological system features of coral reefs with the implementation of restoration activity for degraded coral reefs. Such a framework can lead to better societal outcomes from restoration activities while restoring bio-physical, social and ecosystem service features of such systems. We first developed a Socio Ecological System Analysis Framework, which combines the Ostrom Framework for analyzing socio-ecological systems and the Kittinger et al. human dimensions framework of coral reefs socio-ecological systems. We then constructed a Restoration of Coral Reef Framework, based on the most used and recent available coral reef restoration literature. These two frameworks were combined to present a Socio-Ecological Systems & Restoration Coral Reef Framework. These three frameworks can be used as a guide for managers, researchers and decision makers to analyze the needs of coral reef restoration in a way that addresses both socio-economic and ecological objectives to analyze, design, implement and monitor reef restoration programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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20 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathways to Coastal Resiliency: The Adaptive Gradients Framework

by Elisabeth M. Hamin, Yaser Abunnasr, Max Roman Dilthey, Pamela K. Judge, Melissa A. Kenney, Paul Kirshen, Thomas C. Sheahan, Don J. DeGroot, Robert L. Ryan, Brain G. McAdoo, Leonard Nurse, Jane A. Buxton, Ariana E. Sutton-Grier, Elizabeth A. Albright, Marielos Arlen Marin and Rebecca Fricke

Sustainability 2018, 10(8), 2629; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10082629 - 26 Jul 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6863

Abstract

Current and future climate-related coastal impacts such as catastrophic and repetitive flooding, hurricane intensity, and sea level rise necessitate a new approach to developing and managing coastal infrastructure. Traditional “hard” or “grey” engineering solutions are proving both expensive and inflexible in the face [...] Read more.

Current and future climate-related coastal impacts such as catastrophic and repetitive flooding, hurricane intensity, and sea level rise necessitate a new approach to developing and managing coastal infrastructure. Traditional “hard” or “grey” engineering solutions are proving both expensive and inflexible in the face of a rapidly changing coastal environment. Hybrid solutions that incorporate natural, nature-based, structural, and non-structural features may better achieve a broad set of goals such as ecological enhancement, long-term adaptation, and social benefits, but broad consideration and uptake of these approaches has been slow. One barrier to the widespread implementation of hybrid solutions is the lack of a relatively quick but holistic evaluation framework that places these broader environmental and societal goals on equal footing with the more traditional goal of exposure reduction. To respond to this need, the Adaptive Gradients Framework was developed and pilot-tested as a qualitative, flexible, and collaborative process guide for organizations to understand, evaluate, and potentially select more diverse kinds of infrastructural responses. These responses would ideally include natural, nature-based, and regulatory/cultural approaches, as well as hybrid designs combining multiple approaches. It enables rapid expert review of project designs based on eight metrics called “gradients”, which include exposure reduction, cost efficiency, institutional capacity, ecological enhancement, adaptation over time, greenhouse gas reduction, participatory process, and social benefits. The framework was conceptualized and developed in three phases: relevant factors and barriers were collected from practitioners and experts by survey; these factors were ranked by importance and used to develop the initial framework; several case studies were iteratively evaluated using this technique; and the framework was finalized for implementation. The article presents the framework and a pilot test of its application, along with resources that would enable wider application of the framework by practitioners and theorists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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17 pages, 3337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Considerations of Large River Sanctuaries: A Case Study from the Hilsa Shad Fishery in Bangladesh

by Mohammad Mahmudul Islam, Rumana Aktar, Md. Nahiduzzaman, Benoy Kumar Barman and Md. Abdul Wahab

Sustainability 2018, 10(4), 1254; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10041254 - 19 Apr 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4994

Abstract

The establishment of a sanctuary is often suggested as an effective strategy for ecological restoration, though social aspects of such attempts are often overlooked. This study analyzed the socioeconomic status of 248 fishing households who are dependent on hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha [...] Read more.

The establishment of a sanctuary is often suggested as an effective strategy for ecological restoration, though social aspects of such attempts are often overlooked. This study analyzed the socioeconomic status of 248 fishing households who are dependent on hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) sanctuaries in southern Bangladesh. Also, the fishers’ perceptions were investigated to assess the status of ecological restoration, level of participation in the hilsa sanctuary management, their livelihoods constraints, and coping strategies during crises. Based on the fishers’ perceptions and fishery catch data of the government, it appears that the establishment of the hilsa sanctuary in the Bangladesh waters helped to restore the hilsa fishery and also enhanced the fishers’ income. However, a large section of hilsa fishers were found to be poor in terms of socioeconomic capital such as monthly income, housing conditions, and assets ownership. Particularly, these households suffer seasonal food insecurity during the banned period of fishing in the sanctuaries. The government’s compensation scheme is a good example of payment of ecosystem services in an open water fishery; however, this scheme does not include all the affected fishers. Food and income insecurity during ban period often force fishers to use illegal fishing as a livelihood strategy that undermines the success of sanctuaries as an ecological restoration strategy. The findings reflected that sanctuaries and other similar management strategies have social impacts on stakeholders and human societies, and these social impacts can have surprising feedbacks that influence management success. Thus, the success of ecological restoration relies on understanding the human dimensions of the system and that ecological and social restoration must go together. To address this goal, we call for developing fisheries policy that will facilitate engagement of resource users and other local stakeholders in sanctuary comanagement, which will ultimately strengthen fishers’ livelihoods and sustain the benefit from ecological restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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15 pages, 888 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Global Synthesis Reveals Gaps in Coastal Habitat Restoration Research

by Y. Stacy Zhang, William R. Cioffi, Rebecca Cope, Pedro Daleo, Eleanor Heywood, Carmen Hoyt, Carter S. Smith and Brian. R. Silliman

Sustainability 2018, 10(4), 1040; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10041040 - 01 Apr 2018

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7348

Abstract

Coastal ecosystems have drastically declined in coverage and condition across the globe. To combat these losses, marine conservation has recently employed habitat restoration as a strategy to enhance depleted coastal ecosystems. For restoration to be a successful enterprise, however, it is necessary to [...] Read more.

Coastal ecosystems have drastically declined in coverage and condition across the globe. To combat these losses, marine conservation has recently employed habitat restoration as a strategy to enhance depleted coastal ecosystems. For restoration to be a successful enterprise, however, it is necessary to identify and address potential knowledge gaps and review whether the field has tracked scientific advances regarding best practices. This enables managers, researchers, and practitioners alike to more readily establish restoration priorities and goals. We synthesized the peer-reviewed, published literature on habitat restoration research in salt marshes, oyster reefs, and seagrasses to address three questions related to restoration efforts: (i) How frequent is cross-sector authorship in coastal restoration research? (ii) What is the geographic distribution of coastal restoration research? and (iii) Are abiotic and biotic factors equally emphasized in the literature, and how does this vary with time? Our vote-count survey indicated that one-third of the journal-published studies listed authors from at least two sectors, and 6% listed authors from all three sectors. Across all habitat types, there was a dearth of studies from Africa, Asia, and South America. Finally, despite many experimental studies demonstrating that species interactions can greatly affect the recovery and persistence of coastal foundation species, only one-fourth of the studies we examined discussed their effects on restoration. Combined, our results reveal gaps and discrepancies in restoration research that should be addressed in order to further propel coastal restoration science. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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1299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges and Proposals for Socio-Ecological Sustainability of the Tagus–Segura Aqueduct (Spain) under Climate Change

by Álvaro-Francisco Morote, Jorge Olcina and Antonio-Manuel Rico

Sustainability 2017, 9(11), 2058; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9112058 - 09 Nov 2017

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4463

Abstract

Since its inauguration in 1979, the Tagus–Segura Aqueduct has become one of the hydraulic infrastructures that has had the most significant socio-economic repercussions in Spain during the past few decades. The aqueduct is significant for its strategic importance and developmental potential for south-east [...] Read more.

Since its inauguration in 1979, the Tagus–Segura Aqueduct has become one of the hydraulic infrastructures that has had the most significant socio-economic repercussions in Spain during the past few decades. The aqueduct is significant for its strategic importance and developmental potential for south-east Spain, where it provides water for agriculture as well as for tourism and urban consumption. The aim of this study is to analyze the uncertainties regarding the future functioning of this infrastructure in view of the reduction of water resources and a higher frequency of drought episodes due to climate change. To this end, an analysis was performed on previous studies of hydrological plans, regulations and studies on climate change in order to enable an assessment to be made of the possible effects of these changes on the normal functions of the Tagus–Segura Aqueduct. Consideration is also given to the new management rules that have regulated this infrastructure since 2014, the use of alternative water resources, and proposals such as measures to increase resilience in light of future climate change scenarios and their effects on the Mediterranean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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1945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Environmental Conservation Value of the Saemangeum Open Sea in Korea

by Seul-Ye Lim, So-Yeon Park and Seung-Hoon Yoo

Sustainability 2017, 9(11), 2036; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9112036 - 06 Nov 2017

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4699

Abstract

The Saemangeum open sea (SOS), which refers to the outer sea of the Saemangeum seawall in Korea, is being threatened by contamination caused by the Saemangeum development project. The policy-makers need information on the environmental conservation value of the SOS for informed decision-making [...] Read more.

The Saemangeum open sea (SOS), which refers to the outer sea of the Saemangeum seawall in Korea, is being threatened by contamination caused by the Saemangeum development project. The policy-makers need information on the environmental conservation value of the SOS for informed decision-making about the SOS. This paper attempts to measure the environmental conservation value of the SOS. To this end, the public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for conserving the SOS is derived from a 2015 contingent valuation survey of 1000 Korean households comprising 400 households residing in the Saemangeum area and 600 households living in other areas. The authors employ a one-and-one-half-bounded dichotomous choice question format. Moreover, the spike model is adopted to analyze the WTP data with zero observations. The mean annual WTP values for both areas are calculated to be KRW 3861 (USD 3.26) and KRW 3789 (USD 3.20) per household, respectively. They are statistically significant at the 1% level. When the sample is expanded to the whole country, it is worth KRW 70.9 billion (USD 59.8 million) per annum. Therefore, conserving the SOS will contribute to the Korean people’s utility and can be done with public support. The value provides a useful baseline for decision-making for the SOS management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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8330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Perception of Ecosystem Services in a Coastal Wetland Post-Earthquake: A Case Study in Chile

by Octavio Rojas, María Zamorano, Katia Saez, Carolina Rojas, Claudio Vega, Loretto Arriagada and Corina Basnou

Sustainability 2017, 9(11), 1983; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9111983 - 30 Oct 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6136

Abstract

Natural disasters can cause abrupt disturbances in coastal wetlands, affecting the social perception of ecosystem services (ES). The Tubul-Raqui coastal wetland is one of the most important wetlands in south-central Chile. Rich in biodiversity, these wetlands provide ES to a population of 2238 [...] Read more.

Natural disasters can cause abrupt disturbances in coastal wetlands, affecting the social perception of ecosystem services (ES). The Tubul-Raqui coastal wetland is one of the most important wetlands in south-central Chile. Rich in biodiversity, these wetlands provide ES to a population of 2238 inhabitants. The recent M_W = 8.8 earthquake of 2010 caused a coastal uplift of 1.4 m and substantial morphological, social, and environmental changes. This paper analyzes the social perceptions of the inhabitants of the village of Tubul-Raqui following a large earthquake disturbance with regards to ES provision frequency and their future changes. A statistically representative semi-structured survey was conducted (175 valid surveys) and the data interpreted through factor analysis and statistical tests for independent categorical variables. The perception of cultural and regulating services was significantly greater than that of provisioning services, which were probably the most affected by the earthquake. Residents identified habitat for species, recreation, and hazard regulation as the most important ES. Perception was influenced by the categorical variables of gender, age, and ethnicity; for example, hazard regulation services varied strongly by gender. According to the respondents, the availability of ES will remain stable (50%) or decrease (40%) in the next 50 years, mainly due to anthropogenic drivers; the effect of natural disasters was not mentioned among the main drivers of change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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11 pages, 12648 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoicePerspective

Investing in Natural and Nature-Based Infrastructure: Building Better Along Our Coasts

by Ariana E. Sutton-Grier, Rachel K. Gittman, Katie K. Arkema, Richard O. Bennett, Jeff Benoit, Seth Blitch, Kelly A. Burks-Copes, Allison Colden, Alyssa Dausman, Bryan M. DeAngelis, A. Randall Hughes, Steven B. Scyphers and Jonathan H. Grabowski

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 523; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10020523 - 15 Feb 2018

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 15216

Abstract

Much of the United States’ critical infrastructure is either aging or requires significant repair, leaving U.S. communities and the economy vulnerable. Outdated and dilapidated infrastructure places coastal communities, in particular, at risk from the increasingly frequent and intense coastal storm events and rising [...] Read more.

Much of the United States’ critical infrastructure is either aging or requires significant repair, leaving U.S. communities and the economy vulnerable. Outdated and dilapidated infrastructure places coastal communities, in particular, at risk from the increasingly frequent and intense coastal storm events and rising sea levels. Therefore, investments in coastal infrastructure are urgently needed to ensure community safety and prosperity; however, these investments should not jeopardize the ecosystems and natural resources that underlie economic wealth and human well-being. Over the past 50 years, efforts have been made to integrate built infrastructure with natural landscape features, often termed “green” infrastructure, in order to sustain and restore valuable ecosystem functions and services. For example, significant advances have been made in implementing green infrastructure approaches for stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and drinking water conservation and delivery. However, the implementation of natural and nature-based infrastructure (NNBI) aimed at flood prevention and coastal erosion protection is lagging. There is an opportunity now, as the U.S. government reacts to the recent, unprecedented flooding and hurricane damage and considers greater infrastructure investments, to incorporate NNBI into coastal infrastructure projects. Doing so will increase resilience and provide critical services to local communities in a cost-effective manner and thereby help to sustain a growing economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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