Narratives of adaptation for future-oriented conservation (thesis proposal)

Ecosystems and biodiversity in and outside protected areas face many threats, including the observed and projected impacts of climate change. In practice, conservation biology has traditionally focused in protecting and restoring biodiversity and provision of ecosystems services from the impacts derived from human activities. Climate change brings new and inevitable ecological transformation, where preserving, maintaining and restoring to existing or earlier states may no longer be possible. This is particularly relevant in protected areas contexts, designated to conserve nature and provide benefits over the long term, bringing philosophical questions around the purpose of conservation programs, as well as practical implications for conservation strategies and governance.

The proposed research looks to study what are the narratives of the future framing climate adaptation in conservation policies. Focusing on three case studies in Australia, Colombia and South Africa, Claudia will identify how future conservation of biodiversity is conceived in the adaptation strategies.

The overall aim of the research is to change the way people think and act, and to identify transitions and re frame their approach towards dynamic management that can cope with transforming landscapes of natural resources under climate change. Expected outcomes from this research project include supporting participants to identify solutions that align with, or challenge, societal norms, recognize political contestation over knowledge and the different perceptions of reality and visions of the future that managers, planners, policy makers and scientists may have.

About the speaker

Claudia is a Biologist, with a Master in World Heritage and Cultural Projects for Development (University of Turin & Politecnico di Torino). Her work focus and interests include biodiversity and conservation science, climate change adaptation, sustainable development and environmental policy, with a focus on the social and livelihood impacts of environmental conservation initiatives, and developing solutions that help to achieve real sustainable development. Claudia is a Luc Hoffmann Institute Fellow at the Australian National University, working with the Future-Proofing Conservation project supporting adaptive governance for protected areas management in Colombia, and studying knowledge governance arrangements that facilitate strategic thinking and collective learning to navigate global changes.