Working towards incorporating human well-being and cultural importance into the West Hawaii Integrated Ecosystem Assessment

Ecosystem-based management is increasingly recognizing the importance of the reciprocal relationships that exist between humans and ecosystems, and the critical links between human well-being and ecosystem services. These... [ view full abstract ]

Ecosystem-based management is increasingly recognizing the importance of the reciprocal relationships that exist between humans and ecosystems, and the critical links between human well-being and ecosystem services. These links are not linear, but rather create dynamic, interwoven, and complex networks of social-ecological interactions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s West Hawaii Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) is a program grounded in ecosystem-based methods and recognizes the importance of place-based human dimensions. Initial IEA work with stakeholders in West Hawaii revealed detailed social-ecological system dynamics and highlighted both the importance and lack of understanding of the links between ecosystem services and human well-being, particularly services that enhance and maintain cultural connections to a place. Without an understanding of these links, it is almost certain that crucial ecosystem services will be left out of resource management strategies, as has been witnessed in numerous regions globally. Our strategy was to begin deciphering how West Hawaii communities interact with intangible, non-material ecosystem services (through spiritual, social, and emotional avenues) and learn how people value services differently. This required developing a process for including human dimensions in marine management that is place-based, informed by communities, and addresses social needs. Using a biocultural approach and qualitative research methods, and referring to previous West Hawaii community-based research endeavors and other projects examining cultural ecosystem services, we created a method for the IEA to begin incorporating human dimensions into the framework. From here, we will develop an index of biocultural indicators using guidance and responses from the community.