Flipping the Science?: Biocultural Heritage and Ecological Approaches
ABSTRACT. Contributions to the Roadmap to Science Missions for Sustainability
This presentation delves into the transformative potential of integrating biocultural heritage and ecological approaches within the framework of "Flipping the Science: A Roadmap to Science Missions for Sustainability". It emphasizes the crucial role of social sciences and humanities in enriching and directing sustainability science by grounding it in the context of human-cultural dynamics and environmental interdependencies.
Biocultural heritage, as a concept, captures the deep entwinement of local communities with their surrounding ecosystems. This relationship fosters a unique repository of traditional knowledge and practices that are invaluable for developing innovative, nature-based solutions (NBS) to contemporary environmental challenges. By prioritizing these traditional ecological knowledges, sustainability science can tap into centuries of adaptive and resilient practices that enhance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.
The presentation explores various instances where ecological methodologies informed by cultural understanding have led to successful sustainability initiatives. These include community-managed forests, traditional agricultural practices that enhance soil health, and the conservation of landscapes that are culturally significant yet biodiverse.
Drawing from the United Nations' directive for the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), this discussion positions SSH not merely as a peripheral or supportive field but as central to the conceptualization, design, and implementation of science missions aimed at sustainability. It argues that the future of sustainability science depends significantly on its ability to integrate with the social sciences and humanities, to not only understand but also implement solutions that are culturally sensitive and ecologically viable.
Serhat Burmaoglu (Department of Health Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Turkey)
Visioning the Future: Foresight Practices as Catalysts for Actionable Transformation and Societal Change
ABSTRACT. Foresight practices offer vital tools for envisioning and implementing transformative actions across diverse societal sectors. This paper reviews the literature on how foresight methodologies can guide researchers, policymakers, practitioners, industry leaders, educators, and artists in developing and executing strategies for societal change. By examining case studies and theoretical frameworks, the study highlights how these practices facilitate collaborative and anticipatory decision-making, enabling stakeholders to navigate complex challenges effectively. The discussion underscores the importance of integrating foresight into policy development, ensuring that future-oriented strategies are both innovative and practical, thus enhancing resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving global issues.
Doughnut Economics: A Tool for Collective Imagination
ABSTRACT. “Problems cannot be solved with the same kind of thinking that caused them” - Albert Einstein.
When considering the question of how actionable transformation can be imagined and set into practice by different actors, our ability to collectively imagine something different is crucial.
This talk will reply to the question of how actionable transformation can be imagined and set into practice by different actors by introducing Doughnut Economics – a framing idea, a set of tools and a community that is spreading to all corners of the planet.
The Role of Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Circular, Sustainable and Transformative BioWEconomy
ABSTRACT. Economies and societies cannot only be rebuilt. We need to make a “GREAT RESET”. We need to restore the Health of People and the Planet. We need BioWeconomy, which is defined as the sustainable, circular and transformative bioeconomy in which social aspects are of high importance, as it contributes to make EU more resilient and competitive. Entrepreneruship, although is as old as economic behavior, has been considered as a relative new concept, particularly in the bioeconomy discourse and the principles of responsible consumption and production. Even entrepreneurial approach should become sustainable, in order to meet societal goals and change the market contexts. In this paper is investigated the role of Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the BioWeconomy.
11:25
María Viota (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain) Laura Menatti (Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research, Austria) Ibone Ametzaga-Arregi (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain)
Universities as Catalysts for Urban Sustainability and Climate Resilience
ABSTRACT. In the context of climate change, urban spaces should enhance well-being, based on people’s needs and desires. Universities can serve as labs for testing and implementing these ideas, improving landscapes and acting as knowledge hubs. By transforming their sustainability policies, universities can leverage community initiatives, contributing to environmental sustainability and setting an example for broader change. They can integrate ecological considerations into their infrastructure, promoting green spaces that benefit both nature and urban populations. In our study, we have examined opinions and preferences from various university groups from the campuses of the University of the Basque Country to identify and discuss the most promising sustainability ideas to be collectively implemented. The results of our study will facilitate dialogues between the university community and decision-makers for actionable transformation towards sustainability and well-being.
ABSTRACT. At the end of each session will have a discussion based on the submitted abstracts and presentations with main objective "How can actionable transformation be imagined and set into practice by different actors (researchers, policymakers, practitioners, industry, educators, artists, etc.)?".
The conclusions will be used for the closing of the conference and the reports of the COST Action CA21166 SHIFT-Social Sciences and Humanities for Transformation.
Ana Sofia Ribeiro (Instituto de Ciências Sociais- Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal)
Preparing, responding and recovering: young people’s stories about the 2017 wildfires in Central Portugal
ABSTRACT. Wildfires are a global threat, posing risks to young people in rural areas, including health hazards, psychological trauma, and educational disruption. Despite their vulnerability, youth can actively contribute to wildfire prevention and management through community engagement, educational programs, and activism. This study explores the experiences of 12 young people from rural central Portugal who participated in an environmental activism program after the major wildfires of October 2017. Using the capabilities approach, it examines their relationship with nature, stressing the importance of incorporating young voices in rural resilience efforts. The study emphasizes youth empowerment and their potential role in disaster management.
Eyes and Voices on the Street: Marginalized Communities and the Climate Crisis
ABSTRACT. The unequal urban development resulted in cities marked by social divisions and inadequate infrastructure. At this point, the climate crisis worsened this context. The vulnerable population that lives in slums does not feel seen or heard in mitigating the consequences of floods resulting from the new climate cycles. An ethnographic study in southern Bahia (Brazil) focuses on two cities displacing over 5,000 families impacted by floods. This paper aims to shed light on the community perspective affected by disasters, worsened due to climate change events, giving them voice and visibility to create inclusive and resilient spaces.
ABSTRACT. Sustainability and sustainable development include questions of climate change, as well as climate-culture, but are broader, involving other environmental concerns, as well as questions of social justice and distribution of economic resources in human communities and environmental protection, addressing various forms of pollution, ensuring the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.
Climate crises intensify our vulnerability to disasters and conflict rises. Nowadays, more than ever before, the challenges on the way to protect the nature are paramount. Improving resilience to climate change is an important goal to manage vulnerability of extreme floods and climate change. Amidst the rampant environmental degradation and destruction, it is of prime importance to unite our efforts, minds and hearts around the idea of universal environmental responsibility.
11:25
Aysegul Ilgaz (Akdeniz University, Faculty of Nursing, Turkey)
Climate Change and Public Health: The Critical Role of Health Professionals in Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Resilience
ABSTRACT. Climate change threatens human life and worsens public health by affecting clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food, and shelter. Expected to increase death rates after 2030 due to malnutrition, infectious diseases, and health issues from rising temperatures, climate change poses serious risks. Greenhouse gas levels are rising, harming the climate and human health. Environmental health is crucial to addressing these impacts. Health professionals play a unique role in mitigating climate risks, promoting health solutions, and educating communities. By participating in policy-making and providing training on healthy behaviors, health professionals can help society adapt and combat climate change effects. This review aimed to explore how health professionals can improve climate resilience by empowering society against climate change.
Socioeconomic Challenges And Policy Initiatives for Roma and Egyptian Communities In Albania: A Comprehensive Review
ABSTRACT. This study aims to provide an overview of the socioeconomic challenges faced by Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania, along with an analysis of policy initiatives undertaken by the Albanian government to address their needs.
The study employs a literature review approach, drawing insights from academic papers, reports, and surveys.
The Roma and Egyptian in Albania face significant socioeconomic disparities, characterized by extreme poverty, low education attainment, limited access to formal employment, inadequate housing conditions, and social marginalization.
The findings underscore the importance of sustained efforts by the government and relevant stakeholders to promote social inclusion among these marginalized groups.
Discussion on "S2B-Give a voice to marginalized groups and future generations"
ABSTRACT. At the end of each session will have a discussion based on the submitted abstracts and presentations with main objective "How can we give a voice to marginalized groups and future generations when it comes to debating the future of our planet and desirable connections between society, technology, and nature?"
The conclusions will be used for the closing of the conference and the reports of the COST Action CA21166 SHIFT-Social Sciences and Humanities for Transformation.
Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement for Climate Resilience through Social Sciences and Humanities
ABSTRACT. The workshop will shift its focus to stakeholder analysis. Participants will be introduced to essential tools and methodologies, such as stakeholder mapping, power-interest matrices, and engagement strategies. These tools are designed to help identify key stakeholders, understand their influence and interest levels, and develop strategies –dissemination and exploitation avenues - for effective collaboration and communication.
The goal is to foster a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder dynamics to enhance project outcomes and societal impact. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a robust understanding of stakeholder dynamics and be equipped with practical skills to foster meaningful engagement, ultimately enhancing the project's outcomes and societal impact.
Education on Climate Change and Planetary Health: Actionable Transformation for Healthcare Professionals in Global Context
ABSTRACT. Planetary Health (PH) has a strong mission to deal with the environmental threats to public health and should be considered in healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) teaching and practice-oriented learning agenda. A scoping review was conducted to identify existing PH education programs for HCPs. A visible resource inequity in global south, lack of a universal PH module and minimal inclusion of allied health disciplines except nursing and medical curricula were observed. There should be a consensus-based global knowledge module for clinicians with agonistic approaches to ensure political willingness. Expert involvement of other professionals such as pedagogy and social sciences are also required.
Improving Climate Resilience Through Community Lawyering
ABSTRACT. This study aims to explore the potential role of the community lawyering in providing and enhancing climate resilience and transformation. While doing its analysis, it takes environmental law clinics as research field, and it is based on three subfields: 1. Lawyering, 2. Empowering pro-environmental behaviours through street law, 3. Supporting activism/ social movements. Finally, based on its findings, it makes an overall assessment on benefits and limits of this approach for improving climate resilience and transformation.
13:55
Larissa Jane H. Houston (Research Center for Climate Law (ClimLaw: Graz), University of Graz, Austria)
Discussion on "Actionable Transformation-Part C
ABSTRACT. At the end of each session will have a discussion based on the submitted abstracts and presentations with main objective "How can actionable transformation be imagined and set into practice by different actors (researchers, policymakers, practitioners, industry, educators, artists, etc.)?".
The conclusions will be used for the closing of the conference and the reports of the COST Action CA21166 SHIFT-Social Sciences and Humanities for Transformation.