Transmission of knowledge through local networks

Farmers are part of a local network that shares information about traditional and new management practices. This pool of shared knowledge enhances resilience by increasing the capacity to respond adaptively to change.

Farmers experiment with new and old varieties of seeds or with new (using latest scientific findings) or traditional management methods to mitigate disturbances (such as pests). Experimentation can provide “new” solutions to climate change impacts.

Some farmers were part of non-governmental organisations which provided a source of knowledge and practices that improve small holder farming that could be shared.

Experimenting and exchanging information increases adaptive capacity and resilience of the farmers in response to climate variability and change.

Furthermore, reviving traditional knowledge provides some interesting solutions to the impacts of changes in climate such as increased pests. For example, stinging nettles (Urticaria dioica) were known to enhance resistance of livestock and vegetables against disease. Using an infusion of stinging nettles to spray crops, increased the survival of the potato crop.

Management of the environment

Farmers manage their environment to mitigate disturbances, such as floods, drought and disease.

Forests and trees in wetlands areas are protected to regulate water levels. Practices are undertaken, such as harrowing in early spring or using nurse crops or trees for shade, to preserve soil moisture.

Pests and weeds are controlled through intercropping and crop rotation in fields, through alternate grazing by different species, through manual removal and by protecting or creating habitat for pest-controlling species, e.g. birds and insects.

Wild trees, bushes and flowering plants, especially important for pollinators, are protected.

Being in an environment where natural habitat co-exists with the agro-ecosystem and is protected enables ecosystems to function and provide services for agriculture.

Protecting and enhancing natural ecosystem services is essential for agricultural success under a variable and changing climate.

Use of natural indicators

In order to be able to interpret and effectively respond to ecosystem variability and change, wild flora and fauna were also used as indicators. Farmers observed the development of wild plants and the development and behavior of wild animals, and used this information to plan and adjust land management. For example in Roslagen, Sweden, the size of birch leaves can give an indication of when to sow. The presence of certain plant species gives an indication on soil quality.

Being in an environment where natural habitat co-exists with the agro-ecosystem and is protected enables the use of natural indicators.

In variable conditions, the timing of planting and harvesting is critical. Natural indicators capture multiple information that is important for crop success or at least reducing failure.

Management of multiple species

Farmers practiced polyculture, which involved mixing crops in the same field space (i.e., intercropping) and growing them at different times (i.e., crop rotation).

 

Farmers also recognized that farm animals, non-cultivated plants, birds, and soil flora and fauna are important components in agroecosystems and therefore protect and manage these. For example, geese were used to control weeds in gardens, and hens were used to control livestock parasites. Non-cultivated plants were used as primary producers, as shade plants, as temporary stores of nutrients, and to prevent growth of visceral parasites. Certain wild fauna are also protected (prohibition to harm) as their role in regulating pests or in pollination is recognized.

Crop rotation revitalizes the soils and prevent pest infestations. A typical crop rotation in Roslagen, includes perennial leys with nitrogen-fixating species. The timing and sequencing of crops are adjusted to soil type and field condition. Intercropping with leguminous plants enhances plant availability of nitrogen.

Local practices of mixing species and varieties have beneficial effects on crop production over time, especially by buffering climate variability and reducing pest damage. Indeed farmers identified the following benefits of intercropping:

1. Increases production

2. Enhances the supply of nutrients, especially nitrogen

3. Attracts insects and birds that control pests and diseases

4. Protects the crop against fungi by naturally occurring chemical compounds

5. Repels harmful insects by fragrance

6. Increases taste and aroma in the crop

7. Increases the content of ethereal oils in herbs

8. Increases crop quality in vegetables

9. Buffers for crop failure during climate irregularities

Ensuring Sustained Utility

In order for the finished product to have practical value, the model should be i) hosted in a location convenient and conducive to land use planning, ii) hosted in a place free from environmental elements (rain, wind, salt water, etc), iii) visible by community/state planning agencies, iv) revisited on a regular basis to incorporate spatial information into ongoing planning exercises

- A hosting space/agency free from environmental elements

- Enthusiasm for use by state and community planning groups

If a case can be purchased/provided, covering the model will extend its shelf life by years. 

Exchange of Traditional Knowledge

When conducting a P3DM workshop in a place with a high percentage of an indigenous community (like Palau), the utility of traditional knowledge is invaluable and irreplaceable. The format of a P3DM workshop can help capture traditional knowledge better than many planning exercises, and can ensure the prolonged preservation of such knowledge by storing it in a tangible model.

The P3DM captures traditional knowledge through organized, structured discussions around the model. Advanced planning to advertise the event is important for word of mouth to reach those living in more isolated communites. Semi-structured interviews around the model can capture most of the ideas; attention should be given to quieter participants who may shy away from sharing in crowds.

Representation by the elderly community; high demand for such a workshop to take place (the greater the enthusiasm, the greater the knowledge input); access to researching traditional knowledge in advance through surveying or literature review; spreading news of the workshop early by word of mouth

- Involve a process during the workshop where elders interact directly with the younger generation so that such a learning exchange occurs directly and in real time

- Elders typically demonstrate more traditional knowledge and are able to supplant important spatial information that does not exist in modern land use plans – it is critical to get as much involvement from them as possible. Reach out to them at early stages

Workshop Planning

The workshop must be carefully planned well in advance to allow for those with jobs, school, or household duties to attend their prioritized needs. A critical component of success is the participatory feature of this workshop, and to make this workshop fully participatory, there must be a coordinator and personnel duties fully established

- A project coordinator with good communication skills.

- A good outreach strategy to advertise the project to all potential participants and broadcast its purpose and function

A scoping trip should take place at least two weeks in advance to help prepare. During this time, responsibilities should be delegated so that participants come in time ready to work

GIS/Technical Planning

The technical aspects of the table/model must be carefully planned by a GIS specialist. Key considerations include: intent of model, vulnerable natural and social resources, land elevation, land area, marine and water features, space to host the model, and access to model materials.

The spatial extent and the elevation of the land will inform the GIS specialist of the scale to be used. The scale impacts the number of foam layers to be used, and ultimately the amount of foam material needed to create the model. Experience with topographic maps and geospatial analysis is required.

- The major enabling factor is technical expertise in the field of cartography/GIS.

- If working in a remote location, access to the model materials is critical and need to be arranged in advance.

- The ability to communicate complex geospatial skills into practical and creative excercises is another skill that is very enabling.

- Foam sheets work better as a foundation than cardboard

- Technical input needs to be received from stakeholders regarding the key considerations above months in advance of the purchasing of materials

- If the land elevation is not very high, changing the scale can create an exaggerated model, which is beneficial to visualize land properties and potential problems

Right of humans to a healthy environment

By establishing legal rights for nature, we can begin to restore balance to our relationship with nature, which is currently based on exploitation but which can evolve into a partnership in which humans and nature flourish together. Thus another key building block is the right of humans to a healthy environment, which supports rights of nature and vice versa.The conditions are (1) local advocates supportive of the rights of nature, (2) lawmakers or judges willing to consider rights of nature as an alternative to the current legal paradigm under which nature is property, and (3) professional legal support from experienced rights of nature campaigners (e.g., Earth Law Center).

The conditions are (1) local advocates supportive of the rights of nature, (2) lawmakers or judges willing to consider rights of nature as an alternative to the current legal paradigm under which nature is property, and (3) professional legal support from experienced rights of nature campaigners (e.g., Earth Law Center).

Having an inside champion is essential to the success of rights of nature laws. In our case, a member of the Santa Monica Environmental Task Force (a quasi-governmental body led by citizens) was extremely supportive, which helped us earn an audience with the City of Santa Monica. Additionally, careful legal analysis and drafting is necessary to create a legally-defensible rights of nature law. One aspect that could work better is a specific timeline for full implementation of a rights of nature law as well as specific funding mechanism, as this is necessary to ensure the rights of nature are actually enforced on the ground. 

Legal recognition of nature’s inherent rights through Earth Law

The Sustainability Rights Ordinance is based on the concept that nature has inherent rights, just as humans enjoy inherent human rights. The rights of nature movement is growing worldwide. For example, in 2017, four rivers earned recognition of their legal personhood (in New Zealand, India, and Colombia).

The conditions are (1) local advocates supportive of the rights of nature, (2) lawmakers or judges willing to consider rights of nature as an alternative to the current legal paradigm under which nature is property, and (3) professional legal support from experienced rights of nature campaigners (e.g., Earth Law Center).

Having an inside champion is essential to the success of rights of nature laws. In our case, a member of the Santa Monica Environmental Task Force (a quasi-governmental body led by citizens) was extremely supportive, which helped us earn an audience with the City of Santa Monica. Additionally, careful legal analysis and drafting is necessary to create a legally-defensible rights of nature law. One aspect that could work better is a specific timeline for full implementation of a rights of nature law as well as specific funding mechanism, as this is necessary to ensure the rights of nature are actually enforced on the ground.