Understanding social–ecological vulnerability with Q-methodology: a case study of water-based ecosystem services in Wyoming, USA

Christopher Armatas; Tyron J Venn; Alan Watson

doi:10.1007/s11625-016-0369-1

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Understanding social–ecological vulnerability with Q-methodology: a case study of water-based ecosystem services in Wyoming, USA

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Understanding social–ecological vulnerability with Q-methodology: a case study of water-based ecosystem services in Wyoming, USA

Christopher Armatas, Tyron J Venn and Alan Watson

Sustainability Science, Vol.12(1), pp.105-121

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-016-0369-1

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Abstract

ecosystem services

social vulnerability

stakeholder involvement

Q-sort

factor analysis

Q-method

integrated vulnerability assessment

A broad range of participatory methods can be employed to understand the vulnerability of social-ecological systems threatened by various drivers of change including climate change and land-use change. Understanding this vulnerability is critical for managing natural resources, particularly water resources that flow across jurisdictional boundaries, and support conflicting uses. This paper demonstrates Q-methodology, a promising participatory method infrequently applied in the vulnerability context, with a case study investigation of the vulnerability of stakeholders reliant on water-based ecosystem services derived from the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, USA. The approach identified four distinct viewpoints regarding vulnerability, including an environmental perspective, agricultural perspective, Native American perspective, and recreation perspective. The distinct viewpoints highlighted disparate levels of importance related to 34 water benefits, such as commercial irrigation, oil and natural gas extraction, river-based fishing, and cultural and spiritual use. A diverse range of drivers of change threatening important water benefits were also identified, including pollution, too much management intervention, and development of recreation opportunities. The potential benefits of Q-methodology for vulnerability assessment include a rank-ordering exercise that elicits preferences for tradeoffs, and statistical derivation of a small number of perspectives about the topic.

Details

Title: Understanding social–ecological vulnerability with Q-methodology: a case study of water-based ecosystem services in Wyoming, USA
Authors: Christopher Armatas (Author) - University of Montana, United States
Tyron J Venn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Alan Watson (Author) - Rocky Mountain Research Station, United States
Publication details: Sustainability Science, Vol.12(1), pp.105-121
Publisher: Springer Japan KK
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1007/s11625-016-0369-1
ISSN: 1862-4065
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449884702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences; Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

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