CHANS-Net: The International Network of Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems

Journal or Book Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY

DOI:10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103801

Abstract: Maladaptation occurs when actions taken to adapt to global change end up increasing vulnerability, instead of reducing it. This process often occurs when multiple drivers affecting a system's vulnerability are not considered. To prevent maladaptive actions, it is important to consider both these drivers and the potential conflicting interests at different territorial scales. Unfortunately, existing guidelines for assessing the risk of maladaptation are not context specific. To address this, we developed a set of guidelines that can establish a link between drivers, trends of change, adaptation actions, and potential conflicts of interest. The suggested protocol allows for context -specific assessment, making it easier to detect adaptation actions that could become maladaptive by either increasing vulnerability or causing negative externalities. It also helps to identify potential conflicts among mental frameworks at the local territorial scale and between these frameworks and development pathways, normally decided for large territorial scales. As a case study, we applied these guidelines to the Pyrenees mountain range. The results show that some adaptation actions, such as promoting local varieties of crops, would be welcomed by all locals, while others, such as revitalizing the building sector, would displease the majority and turn maladaptive. Our application to the Pyrenees also suggests that Degrowth is the development pathway that better fits the locals' interests, and Business -as -usual has the worst fit. Our guidelines are flexible and modifiable, making them applicable to any social -ecological system.

Type of Publication: Article