Post on 29-Nov-2014
description
Integration of Human-Dimensions Science (HDS) in Ecosystem Restoration:
A Case Study of the Florida Everglades.
Sapna MulkiMA/SID ‘09
May 12, 2009
Presentation Overview
Relevance of HDS Practicum background Study area The human element in the
Everglades Target audience Planning and implementation Results Discussion Conclusion Acknowledgments
Mulki 2009
Relevance of HDS to ecosystem restoration
Drawing upon principles of Human-Dimensions Science (HDS), the dynamics of people-environment interactions were examined based upon information on public attitudes and values towards the environment, and the role of ecosystem services.
(Adapted from Michigan Sea Grant, 2005).
Practicum Background:
Florida Sea Grant (FSG) National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA) University of Florida (UF)
ResponsibilitiesRegional Water Academy Project
Action Plan
Promote water awareness amongst youth and encourage community participation in Everglades restoration
HDS Module HDS Pilot Session
Information + Knowledge =
ACTION
Study Area: South Florida, U.S.A
http://www.fla-keys.com
The human element in Everglades management
Before the mid-1800sthe Everglades was aslow moving riverthat flowed from LakeOkeechobee
By 1948 under the Central and Southern Florida Project a dense canal network of gates, culverts, and pumps were authorized to control water flow
Now a $10.9 bn project called Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is being implemented to get “the water right”
Compartmentalization of south Florida
Water Conservation Areas (WCAs).
Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs).
1.7 billion gallons of water directed daily from the Everglades out into the ocean (FDEP, 2007).
South Florida Water Management District
Human-environment in the Everglades
http://www.destination360.com
http://crca.caloosahatchee.org
Land use change
Mulki 2009Mulki 2009
http://www.nps.gov
Canals Suburban Sprawl Farming
Economic valuation and the Everglades
Community- In 2005, south Floridians consumed approximately 3.5 billion gallons of water per day (FDEP, 2008)
Tourism- “South Florida environment is the foundation for a $18 billion/year recreation and tourism industry and supports countless amenities for commercial, residential and employment sectors” (SFER Working Group, 1999)
Agriculture- “Florida is the nation’s ninth leading agricultural state, with annual farm cash receipts totaling $6 billion” (SFER Working Group, 1999).
Making the HDS connection…
ANTHROPOGENIC FACTORS:
Agriculture Urban development Population Expansion
STAKEHOLDERS: Youth Community leaders Policy makers Segments of the
general public e.g. Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
Does the average south Floridian understand his/her role in the Everglades ecosystem and its restoration?
Study group profile
South Plantation High School in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration Magnet
Program. Total sample size of 76 freshmen from three Environmental
Research I & II courses.
Mulki 2009
Planning and implementation:
Exploring the potential to build a HDS module to build the link between high school youth and restoration
Informal Needs Assessment
METHODS:Literature Review
Pre and Post SurveyCourse Evaluation
PRODUCTS:HDS Module
HDS PilotAction Plan
Results for survey:
Quantitative:
Factor PreN= 80
PostN= 76
Geographical awareness 60% 67%
Participation in environmental activities 17.5% 15%
Knowledge of CERP 30% 90%
It was interesting to note that from both pre and post surveys: Approx. 88% of students answered “no” when asked
whether they know they lived in a watershed
Approx. 90% of students answered “no” when asked whether they know where their household water came from
Other interesting responses
Discussion
There is gap between knowledge and action
Participation was low which could suggest that they are not interested
Most students appreciated the environmental value of the Everglades but were not sure of how to make the connection between themselves and the greater society
Recommendations
Recommendation for a thorough baseline analysis to be conducted of community behavior and perception
Such information could help identify habits or attitudes that are environmentally detrimental
A widespread community campaign that encourages public participation and engagement in restoration
An educational curriculum on water conservation and Everglades restoration
Acknowledgments
Prof Marion Howard Pamela Fletcher, AOML/FSG Faculty and Staff of the Heller
School and University of Florida, Homestead Campus
Fellow Heller colleagues
http://www.jmcurzonphoto.com
Thank you!