Applying the «Indicator Framework for Assessing Agroecosystem Resilience» Fostering resilient grasslands from soils to societies

Transcription

1 Applying the «Indicator Framework for Assessing Agroecosystem Resilience» Fostering resilient grasslands from soils to societies Joshua F. Cabell 17th December, 2013 Clermont-Ferrand, France

2 Outline Brief introduction to resilience and presentation of key terms and concepts. Present article and indicator framework. What is the intention and how does it work? In-depth discussion of a selection of indicators and how they may apply to the context of grassland management. Conclusion and recommendations for further action.

3 Defining Resilience I Here we are concerned with resilience of Complex Social-ecological Systems (SESs), where humans are dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services, and ecosystems are in return influenced by human activity (Berkes et al., 2003). Complex = unpredictable, dynamic, operating on multiple scales of space and time. Social = the aspect of human activities. Ecological = the aspect of bio-geophysical forces. Systems = the interplay between the two spheres.

4 Defining Resilience II Resilience is defined as: The amount of change a SES can undergo and still retain the same controls on function and structure (ecosystem) The degree to which the system is capable of selforganization (following disturbance) The ability to build and increase the capacity for learning and adaptation (social system) In other words, how well a SES can recover from shocks and disturbances and still be recognizable.

5 But resilience is not always a good thing Whether it is good or not is a matter of perspective.

6 Key Words and Concepts Adaptive Capacity Buffering Capacity Vulnerability Exposure System Regimes or States Thresholds/Tipping points Amplifying and Stablilizing Feedbacks Resistance (NOT to be confused with resilience)

7 Adaptive Cycle Opportunity to build resilience Opportunity for change and innovation Source:

8 «Ball-in-basin» heuristic Alternate State #1 Changes in internal conditions Exposed to external forces Alternate State #2 A system s resilience is a dynamic interplay between internal conditions and external forces at multiple scales of space and time as it follows the adaptive cycle.

9 The Indicator Framework Motivated by limitations of quantifiable metrics to predict resilience in agroecosystems, which are ultimately too complex to measure accurately. Original aim was to compile a list of characteristics and system behaviors common to the resilience literature (with some inspiration from other sources). Framework serves as a kind of «checklist» to guide actors in identifying strengths and vulnerabilities in agroecosystems: What is working and where do we need to intervene (or get out of the way)?

10 The Index of Behavior-Based Indicators Socially self-organized Ecologically self-regulated Appropriately connected High degree of functional and response diversity Optimally redundant Spatial and temporal heterogeneity Exposed to disturbance Responsibly coupled with local natural capital Reflective and shared learning Globally autonomous and locally interdependent Honors legacy Builds human capital Reasonably profitable

11 Are there indicators specific to grasslands? Ecologically self-regulated Functional and response diversity Spatial and temporal heterogeneity Exposed to disturbance Coupled with local natural capital Reflective and shared learning Builds human capital

12 Are properties of diversity, redundancy and connectivity generic for agroecosystem resilience, and are there thresholds? Yes, and sometimes.

13 The Social Dimension of Resilience Agroecosystems are by definition a result of human activity to a greater or lesser degree. The social dimension (encompassing culture, economy, policy) largely influences the appearance and performance of agroecosystems. Social systems play a crucial role in determining agroecosystem resilience as much as biological systems though are often neglected. Educational systems prepare the next generation and must teach ecological knowledge, not just mechanical knowledge.

14 The Social Dimension (cont.) Strength of community Informal networks and collaboration Feeling work is appreciated and valued Being challenged without being stressed Knowledge that the operation will be passed on to the next generation A sense of pride in quality work

15 Economy and Resilience Neoclassical economic model is incompatible with a resilient model of land management time perspectives, supply and demand, valuing ecosystem services, valuing people, etc. Current model makes energy and resource intensive food production profitable, but is extremely vulnerable. Subsidy schemes (only if necessary) and prices of goods should promote a multi-functional landscape model and not fall into the trap of paying for one service (i.e. sequestering carbon). Prices should reflect true costs, and more should go directly to the primary producers, not middle men more emphasis on direct sales between producers and consumers, (cooperatives, subscription farming, etc.). Enormous debt makes farmers vulnerable and forces them to make decisions based on profit, not on good stewardship.

16 Bad Economy = More Farms? Great Depression Financial Crisis Source: U.S Census Bureau

17 Policy and Resilience Policies should strive to allow knowledgeable land managers make the decisions they know are best for the land and should err on the side of ecosystem health. Must not view cultivated land and non-cultivated land as mutually exclusive managed properly, cultivated areas such as grasslands can produce food AND support biodiversity (and other ecosystem services) at the same time. Policies should encourage re-settling of rural areas and promote active, responsible stewardship of land.

18 We have access to all the knowledge, techniques and resources needed to create resilient agroecosystems

19 So why are agroecosystems still so vulnerable?

20 Because resilience is not something to be created, it must be fostered. Ecosystems are inherently resilient if left on their own. We need to shift the focus to ourselves, and it is the responsibility of socioeconomic systems to allow this intrinsic resilience to come through in agroecosystems, including grasslands.

21 Conclusion Management should focus on strengthening controlling and regulating elements (ecosystem services) such as biological diversity, hydrology, soil the foundations and regulators of a healthy ecosystem. Policies should encourage this and reward farmers and consumers for supporting ecosystem-based agriculture and land management practices that are identified in the framework. It should be profitable to farm and produce food and fiber, but not solely by way of subsidies. It should also be profitable for those who do the work, not just the middle-men. Profit should be based on building resilience.

22 References Berkes, F., and C. Folke, editors Linking Social and Ecological Systems: Management practices and social mechanisms for building resilience. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. Berkes, F., J. Colding, and C. Folke, editors Navigating socialecological systems: building resilience for complexity and change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, Volaire, F., K. Barkaoui, and M. Norton Designing resilient and sustainable grasslands for a drier future: Adaptive strategies, functional traits, and biotic interactions. European Journal of Agronomy 52(2014)