Human population growth and increasing demands for natural resources are leading to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services worldwide. To develop sustainable social-ecological systems, we need to understand the complex feedback loops between nature and people. The DFG research unit “The role of nature for human well-being in the Kilimanjaro Social-Ecological System” (Kili-SES Phase II) aims to understand the potential and the leverages for social-ecological transformations to enhance resilience and sustainability of local communities at Kilimanjaro. Thereby, we aim to advance social-ecological research and provide a scientific basis for decision-making that promotes sustainable relationships between nature and people at Kilimanjaro and beyond.
The Section International Agricultural Policy and Environmental Governance at the University of Kassel is leading sub-project 5 which focuses on understanding social-ecological transformations and the role of governance and institutions. This sup-project aim is to identify the key institutions and governance arrangements that shape nature’s contribution to people (NCP) in relation to agricultural production and forest conservation. Further, we aim to understand how polycentric governance approaches can be leveraged to promote sustainable and resilient local farming communities at Kilimanjaro. To this end, we will conduct a context-specific assessment of the role of polycentric governance and institutions in shaping local SES, and their impact on resilience, sustainability, and transformation.
