Research Lines

The research will focus on:

1. The analysis of knowledge quality supporting global change adaptation planning.
2. Assessment of interactive governance of socio-ecological systems.
3. Critical analysis of existing regulatory frameworks.
4. review of existing Social-Ecological learning initiatives/tools and adaptation of lessons learnt to different case studies.
5. Conceptualization and applicability of ecodevelopment and alternative local development strategies.

The non-linear dynamics resulting in accelerated impacts of coastal systems will be analyzed using different theoretical frameworks. Vulnerability analysis (for flood risk), Coevolution and Conflict (for fisheries).

The main priority is understanding territorial unbalances in the provision of public services and infrastructures at the local, regional, national and supranational scales with the final aim to promote territorial re-equilibrium. Among others, the transboundary cooperation analytical framework will be used.

The aim is to conceptualize and explore the environmental and social burdens suffered by marginalized groups through a critical analysis of urban planning and policies to advance towards socio-economic ecocentric practices and polices.

Using the previous experience of the group and taking advantage of incorporation of a tourism specialist to the group, first we will undertake research on nature-based tourism (tourism in protected areas) and the link between health/human wellbeing and green spaces from the point of view of recreational visitation of such places. Secondly, we will be understanding of the existing socio-ecological knowledge gaps in tourism policies and planning and critical analysis of social and environmental justice of tourism initiatives.

Under the unifying approach of the accelerated and irreversible dynamics of the Anthropocene, the team will explore and develop articulations of original concepts from the Political Ecology, Degrowth, Anthropocene studies, Complexity theory, Community Economies theory and Political Geography to:

1. Understand the implications of the Global Change research for the governance of socio-ecological systems.
2. develop new knowledge and policy co-production tools that couple INTERFASE research with present and future society needs.

Transferring lessons learnt about Global Change governance by the INTERFASE team. Linked to all previous research lines, three researchers of the team along with the strong INTERFASE:

1. Analysis of values, assumptions, programs and actions driving marine tourism and planning in the Arctic.
2. Defining guidelines for alternative developments more inclusive of the local communities and environmental needs.