Considering Local Knowledge in Adaptive Capacity of Local Communities at the Land-Sea Interface

Abstract

Globally, coastal communities are facing changes and threats to biodiversity and food security. A major driver of change relates to declining productivity of fisheries and agriculture in coastal areas that depend on land and sea. Terrestrial and marine ecosystems provide diverse benefits to people through ecosystem services, such as food supply, coastal protection, climate regulation and cultural experiences.

Since land-sea interactions can negatively affect the livelihoods of communities, it is important to understand how this interaction affects different ecosystem services at the land-sea interface and, consequently, human well-being. One way that coastal communities cope with these changes is through their adaptive capacity, i.e., their ability to respond to and anticipate change. An important indicator of adaptive capacity is local knowledge, which can help to cope with environmental threats that negatively affect natural resources.

The objectives of this thesis are i) to identify approaches, tools and knowledge gaps on the study of land-sea interactions in their relationship with ecosystem services; ii) to assess the relationship between local knowledge, values and livelihoods to identify emerging synergies or trade-offs in this relationship; and iii) to assess how different dimensions of adaptive capacity, including local knowledge, determine the adaptive capacity of coastal communities.

Citaction

Carvajal, M.B., 2023. Considering Local Knowledge in Adaptive Capacity of Local Communities at the Land-Sea Interface (Doctoral dissertation, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (Chile)).