The role of multiple values of nature in supporting social-ecological transformations

Resumen

The IPBES Values Assessment published in 2022 provides evidence that confirms the key role of diverse values of nature as leverage points for enabling transformative changes towards more just and sustainable futures. However, the critical role of nature’ values to enact transformative changes has not been sufficiently addressed in science and policy. In this work, we aim to pursuit the following objectives based on a case study located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (Basque Country, Spain): (1) identify the main patterns of change in the social-ecological system perceived by the stakeholders, (2) analyze the effects of these changes on the elicited multiple values of nature and (3) evaluate how values can act as leverage points of change towards a desirable native ethical-normative framework of socio-ecological interaction with nature (stewardship and care of nature or “zaintza-suna”). We have developed a conceptual framework in which nature is defined as a complex socio-ecological space, historically shaped by a contextualized social and cultural construction. We assume that values strongly influence behaviour. We apply an interdisciplinary heuristic approach to qualitative research, based on an epistemological approach adhered to phenomenology, to capture a multiplicity of perceptions and values with the purpose of evaluating their potential for transformation. Based on the application of semi-structured interviews, we code and analyse the narratives, generated by the stakeholders from their own life frames and their own words, using qualitative methods such as grounded theory and content analysis. The expected results will allow us to acknowledge the quality and degree of human-nature connectedness and comprehend how people’ prioritised values are mutually interlinked with current patterns and processes of change. Furthermore, our findings will highlight the levers and tradeoffs affecting the process of building a desirable framework of socioecological interaction with nature considering five categories: (1) capacity, (2) responsibility, (3) legitimacy, (4) collaboration and (5) motivation to act.