WS5: Diving into uncertainty: Decision making for Climate Change Adaptation in the mangroves of Guayas, Ecuador
22.11.2023 14:15 – 15:45
Auditory C102
The aim of this workshop is to raise awareness of how local knowledge and cultural context influence decision-making for climate change adaptation, sustainable ecosystem management, and securing the community livelihoods.
The case study is the mangroves in the Inner Estuary of the Gulf of Guayaquil “Don Goyo”, situated in the southern region of Ecuador. These ecosystems, classified as intertidal wetlands, thrive in the transitional zone between the ocean and the terrestrial environment. Nevertheless, despite their ecological significance in providing coastal protection, and their vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities, these mangroves face ongoing and imminent threats associated with habitat loss.
This interactive workshop explores climate change adaptation, emphasizing inclusive decision-making that values local knowledge and community perspectives, allowing participants to experience the challenges faced by decision-makers in addressing environmental issues. Consists of three main parts: introduction, game play (participatory discussion groups) and de-briefing. The game play part is divided into three rounds, each representing a different phase of decision-making: Round 1 – Understanding the Basics, Round 2 – Contextualizing Decisions and Round 3 – Informed Decision-Making. The Participants are expected to decide on the climate change adaptation measures in the context of the introduced case study and to revisit and work on their decision in each round based on the information received.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the workshop, participants have
– explored the challenges and complexities involved in the mangrove management of Gulf of Guayaquil
– developed critical thinking skills by adapting their strategies based on real-world insights
Key Takeaways:
– Recognizing the role of cultural and social contexts in shaping climate change adaptation strategies.
– Appreciating the value of the local knowledge to sustain ecosystems under climate change uncertainties.
This workshop is part of the Project “Strengthening the Climate change, ecosystems and livelihood nexus in coastal zones of Ecuador – CELICE” between University of Applied Science – TH Köln, German and ESPOL University, Ecuador. The project is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Session Host
Alba Calles Procel, Sudeh Dehnavi, Lucia Calla Durandal, Sandra Avendano Rondon