Learning platforms
Local Social-Ecological Systems (SES) are shaped by global dynamics, and local drivers can escalate into global concerns. Research on SES transformations shows that small- and medium-scale social-ecological experimental units, or learning platforms (LP), are important to assess adaptive capacity, foster innovation, leverage opportunity and determine conditions for scaling, as LP solutions have the potential to reinforce each other.
SECOS uses LP to generate new knowledge and practices through developing a shared vision between stakeholders (e.g.. communities, business, government officials) and management approaches trialed at appropriate spatial and temporal scales.
LP use both existing management regimes as SES settings or promote niche innovations. Niche innovations are alternatives that challenge current practices, catalyzing pathways to transitions. SECOS research topics focus on 7 LP in three economically important Chilean coastal SES where science, practice, policy and business interact.
Our proposed SES represent systems in urgent needs for transitions towards sustainability or in the process of navigating such transitions. The 7 LP which provide the setting for SECOS interdisciplinary thinking are in shellfish aquaculture, artisanal (small-scale) fisheries and coastal development SES.
These learning platforms will be located in North-Central Chile, the Gulf of Arauco and the interior sea of Chiloé.
Artisanal Fishery
Adaptation capacity and payment for ecosystem services in territorial systems of exclusive rights.
Ecosystem management and polycentricity in fishing policies.
Rights of indigenous peoples, associated with environmental justice and equity policies.
Coordinators: Rodrigo Estévez, Loretto Contreras-Porcia
Shellfish Aquaculture
Shellfish aquaculture, associated with multiple environmental forces and adaptive capacity.
Small-scale aquaculture, focused on socio-cultural factors that drive change and innovation.
Coordinators: Cristian Vargas, Bernardo Broitman.
Coastal Development
Tourism, mainly associated with social and ecological tradeoffs, and synergies between mega-development and small businesses.
Interactions between fresh water and salt water (land-sea), mainly the impacts of emerging projects, such as water highways and desalination plants and their biogeochemical consequences.
Coordinators: Carolina Martínez, Felipe Vásquez.