Visions, beliefs and transformation: Methods for understanding cross-scale and trans-boundary dynamics in the wider Mekong Region

Author:

Smajgl, Alexander; Foran, Tira; Dore, John; Larson, Silva; Ward, John

Date of Publication:

2011-03-11

Publication Type:

Conference Material

Conference Name:

Resilience 2011. Resilience, Innovation and Sustainability. Second International Science and Policy conference, Tempe, Arizona, 11-16 March 2011

Pages:

online proceedings

Editor:

Martie Andries

Abstract:

Policy and investment decisions can have implications far beyond their initial objective. Local decisions that aim for trajectories towards desirable local futures can alter drivers that are determined at higher scales. Such alterations of regional drivers can create feedbacks for the initial local decision making situations and result in undesirable outcomes. In addition to such cross-scale dynamics multi-level governance aspects have to be considered. The ability to realise desirable local futures diminishes if decision making processes are not coordinated with other influencing governance levels. Consequentially, it seems adequate to (a) identify desired outcomes at the relevant levels of decision making, (b) improve the understanding of complex interactions that link to potentially transforming decisions, and (c) contrast desired outcomes with likely outcomes. If such research is implemented in a participatory mode it can facilitate among decision makers and decision influencers relevant system learning. This paper conceptualises such a learning process for the specific context of the Mekong region, where decisions are contemplated at national or state levels while having the potential to transform the wider Mekong region. The participatory process this work employs builds on the development of holistic scenarios and agent-based simulation.

Publisher:

ASU

Field Of Research:

Environment and Resource Economics

URL:

Link to Publisher's Version

Rights Notice:

© Resilience 2011

Identifier:

EP105501

Publication Sub Type:

Conference Paper - Refereed

Language:

English

Attribution Statement:

Smajgl, Alexander; Foran, Tira; Dore, John; Larson, Silva; Ward, John. Visions, beliefs and transformation: Methods for understanding cross-scale and trans-boundary dynamics in the wider Mekong Region. In: Martie Andries, editor/s. Resilience 2011. Resilience, Innovation and Sustainability. Second International Science and Policy conference; 11-16 March 2011; Tempe, Arizona. ASU; 2011. online proceedings.