Multi-step cognitive mapping of perceived nexus relationships in the Seewinkel region in Austria
October 1, 2021 - Kropf, Bernadette; Schmid, Erwin; Mitter, Hermine
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EmailJournal or Book Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
DOI:10.1016/j.envsci.2021.08.004
Abstract: Multiple societal challenges such as climate change, water pollution and biodiversity loss require coordinated measures. Thereby the adoption of a nexus perspective is expedient. It acknowledges relationships between natural and social entities, and takes synergies and trade-offs of planned and implemented measures into account. We adopt a nexus perspective to elicit sectoral stakeholders' perceptions on the relationships of the regional nexus entities, relevant measures and their perceived synergies and trade-offs in the semi-arid agricultural production region Seewinkel in East Austria. In a multi-step cognitive mapping approach, consisting of a workshop and semi-structured interviews, we developed an aggregated cognitive map with perceptions of stakeholders from agriculture, water management, nature conservation, tourism, the civil society, renewable energy and hunting. Workshop and interview transcripts were analyzed by means of a qualitative content analysis. Stakeholders agree on the priority of a good quantitative and chemical status of the regional groundwater body and a location-adapted agricultural production. They propose a combination of market-based, legal and technical measures supported by cross-sectoral institutions in responding to regional nexus challenges. Stakeholders perceive divergent synergies and trade-offs. Perceived synergies may provide opportunities, which have not yet been considered for planning of measures. Perceived trade-offs require further examination and cross-sectoral discussion to encourage the implementation of measures. The aggregated cognitive map may improve stakeholders' understanding for nexus relationships and facilitate social learning through viewing the interlinked nexus from distance and different perspectives. This may facilitate cross-sectoral dialogue and enable collective decision making to tackle regional nexus challenges.
Type of Publication: Article