Boundary Object or Bridging Concept? A Citation Network Analysis of Resilience

Many recent studies observe the increasing importance, influence, and analysis of resilience as a concept to understand the capacity of a system or individual to respond to change. The term has achieved prominence in diverse scientific fields, as well as public discourse and policy arenas. As a result, resilience has been referred to as a boundary object or a bridging concept that is able to facilitate communication and understanding across disciplines, coordinate groups of actors or stakeholders, and build consensus around particular policy issues. We present a network analysis of bibliometric data to understand the extent to which resilience can be considered as a boundary object or a bridging concept in terms of its links across disciplines and scientific fields. We analyzed 994 papers and 35,952 citations between them to reveal the connectedness and links between and within fields. We analyzed the network according to different fields, modules, and sub-fields, showing a highly clustered citation network. Analyzing betweenness allowed us to identify how particular papers bridge across fields and how different fields are linked. With the exception of a few specific papers, most papers cite exclusively within their own field. We conclude that resilience is to an extent a boundary object because there are shared understandings across diverse disciplines and fields. However, it is more limited as a bridging concept because the citations across fields are concentrated among particular disciplines and papers, so the distinct fields do not widely or routinely refer to each other. There are some signs of resilience being used as an interdisciplinary concept to bridge scientific fields, particularly in social-ecological systems, which may itself constitute an emerging sub-field

Poseidon Linux 3.x - The scientific GNU/Linux option

This software review is about the newest version of Poseidon Linux (3.x). The current Poseidon Linux is a remastering from Ubuntu LTS family (Long Term Support), with extra specific software applicable to many areas of scientific research and education. It contains specialist software for GIS/Mapping, bathymetry, numerical modeling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, bioinformatics, chemistry, statistics, as well as tools for creating simple and complex graphics and programming languages. It also includes basic packages as would be expected on a normal desktop, such as a complete office suite, internet browser, e-mail client, instant messaging, chat, multimedia and many other tools. Poseidon Linux can run in two modes, as a live-DVD or installed on the hard disk. There are versions for 32 and 64 bit computers, and support for Brazilian Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Greek, Italian and German languages. Resumo. Poseidon Linux 3.x – A opção científica GNU/Linux. Esta resenha trata da nova versão do software Poseidon Linux (3.x). A versão atual é uma remasterização a partir do sistema operacional Ubuntu, família LTS (Suporte de Longo Prazo), com pacotes extras para várias áreas da ciência e educação. Contém programas específicos para SIG/mapeamento, batimetria, modelagem numérica, visualização 2D/3D/4D, bioinformática, química, estatística, bem como ferramentas para elaboração de gráficos simples e complexos e linguagem de programação. Inclui também os programas necessários encontrados num sistema operacional desktop, tais como suporte completo para escritório, navegador de internet, programas para envio e recebimento de mensagens instantâneas, multimídia e várias outras ferramentas. O Poseidon Linux pode ser utilizado de duas formas: diretamente do DVD, sem instalá-lo, ou instalando-o no disco rígido do computador. É apresentado nas versões 32 e 64 bits e pode ser totalmente configurado em Português do Brasil, Inglês, Espanhol, Francês, Grego, Italiano e Alemão

Segurança alimentar e pesca artesanal: análise crítica de iniciativas na América Latina

The importance of food security is frequently mentioned in small-scale fisheries policies, but it is seldom articulated as an explicit objective. We propose to approach fisheries as a food system, and by doing so, we seek to contribute to governance processes which integrate poverty reduction, sustainability and development. This paper aims to analyse current discourse and practice in artisanal fisheries, from the perspective of food security and with a specific focus on Latin America. We applied systematic review of secondary data and a detailed survey of initiatives led primarily by the civil society in fisheries, marine conservation and coastal development. We demonstrated a striking divergence between project planning and implementation. Several initiatives which had food security and poverty reduction among their objectives (n=60 in the global sample, nine of which in Latin America) were identified. In spite of reasons for optimism, we observed that interventions which adopted food security in a simplistic manner, or purely at the level of discourse, were predominant. We propose the discussion of mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation which demonstrate the effectiveness of fisheries management and development initiatives in securing the access to resources and their nutritional benefits to fisheries-dependent populations.A importância da segurança alimentar é frequentemente mencionada em políticas públicas focadas na pesca artesanal, mas raramente é articulada como objetivo específico. Propõe-se neste artigo abordar a pesca como sistema alimentar e, assim, contribuir para um processo de governança que integre redução da pobreza, sustentabilidade e desenvolvimento humano. Este artigo busca analisar as práticas atuais de governança da pesca artesanal, sob o prisma da segurança alimentar e com foco específico na América Latina. Utilizou-se revisão sistemática dos dados secundários e levantamento detalhado de projetos liderados predominantemente pela sociedade civil em pesca, conservação marinha e desenvolvimento costeiro. Demonstrou-se uma marcada divergência entre planejamento e execução de projetos. Foram identificadas diversas iniciativas que afirmaram ter a segurança alimentar e redução da pobreza entre seus objetivos (n=60 na amostra global, nove das quais na América Latina). Apesar de haver razão para otimismo, nota-se que predominam iniciativas que adotam a segurança alimentar de forma simplista, ou puramente conceitual. Propõe-se a discussão de mecanismos de avaliação e monitoramento que demonstrem quão efetivas são iniciativas de gestão e desenvolvimento pesqueiro em assegurar o acesso ao pescado e seus benefícios nutricionais para populações dependentes da pesca artesanal

Sustainable development outcomes of livelihood diversification in small-scale fisheries

Livelihood diversification is increasingly central to policy advice and investments in rural development and fisheries management. For small-scale fishing communities in low- to middle-income countries, more diverse livelihoods are generally hypothesized to reduce fishing pressure and vulnerabilities to external shocks and adverse trends while enabling people to construct routes out of poverty. Yet, evidence of impacts from livelihood diversification in small-scale fisheries remains sparse. Our examination of the peer-reviewed literature found substantial differences in how livelihood diversification is pursued, and in the realized outcomes from the process of diversification. Studies describing diversified livelihoods were almost as likely to report that livelihoods were not improved or that outcomes were mixed (54% combined) as they were to report improved livelihood outcomes (45%). Furthermore, one of the main theoretical drivers behind the support for diversified livelihoods—ecological conservation benefits—was unexplored in over 70% of studies. Of the minority of studies that did explore ecological outcomes, most reported that ecological conditions had not improved. These findings indicate conceptual ambiguity around livelihood diversification and a lack of empirical evidence supporting its theoretical underpinnings. There remain important questions about the impacts of diversification on multidimensional poverty and ecological conservation. Future research on and investment in diversification should be both more deliberate of what diversification means and more rigorous in the evaluation of its impacts

Vulnerability of small-scale fisherfolk in Southern Brazil: context and perception

This paper aims at providing empirical material that could shed light on a wider discussion about how the vulnerability of small-scale fisherfolk is affected by diverse contexts and environmental, social and economic change. The research was carried out between 2006 and 2008, in Southern Brazil (Patos Lagoon estuary) and combined qualitative and quantitative approaches in a case study design. The findings highlight the complexity of livelihoods by contrasting rural and urban contexts, and shows how the fisherfolk themselves perceive the different factors determining their success or failure in either coping or adapting to change. Informal practices were found to result in elaborate links between local and global markets and to make for consistent income generation among poor fisherfolk. However, informality was also often based on the exploitation of workers and on unsustainable fishing. This research draws attention to the paradoxical nature of processes in small-scale fisheries and the complex relationship between poverty, vulnerability and natural resource use.Este trabalho tem por objetivo fornecer material empírico que contribua com a discussão sobre como a vulnerabilidade de pescadores de artesanais é afetada pela diversidade de contextos e por mudanças ambientais, sociais e econômicas. A pesquisa foi realizada entre 2006 e 2008, no extremo sul do Brasil (estuário da Lagoa dos Patos) e combinou abordagens qualitativas e quantitativas em um design de estudo de caso. Os resultados demonstram a complexidade dos modos de vida ao contrastar contextos urbanos e rurais e apresenta a percepção dos próprios pescadores sobre os diferentes fatores que determinam seu sucesso ou falha ao suportar a mudança ou adaptar-se a ela. Práticas informais de trabalho foram identificadas como sendo resultantes de elaboradas conexões entre mercados locais e globais, assim como essenciais na geração de renda para os pescadores mais pobres. Porém, a informalidade também baseou-se na exploração de trabalhadores e na pesca não-sustentável. Esta pesquisa chama atenção para a natureza paradoxal dos processos na pesca artesanal, assim como para a relação complexa entre pobreza, vulnerabilidade e uso de recursos naturais

Informal institutions and adaptive livelihoods of fisherfolk in Southern Brazil

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Efeito de eventos El Niño na economia da pesca do camarão-rosa (Farfantepenaeus paulensis) na Lagoa dos Patos, RS, Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influencia de mudanças climáticas na economia da pesca do camarão-rosa na região estuarina da Lagoa dos Patos, RS, Brasil, e ressaltar seus impactos socioeconômicos. A atividade pesqueira na Lagoa dos Patos e região costeira adjacente envolve aproximadamente 30 mil pessoas direta e indiretamente no setor produtivo pesqueiro. A captura do camarão-rosa nesta região é a mais importante atividade econômica deste setor. A metodologia de análise socioeconômica foi aplicada, e os resultados revelaram que, altas descargas de água doce dos rios dentro da Lagoa dos Patos (descargas essas associadas aos eventos El Niño) causam perdas no volume de captura do camarão-rosa e receitas negativas para os pescadores. A consequência aparece como efeitos negativos para todo o setor da pesca na região, uma vez que o camarão-rosa gera mais que 50% da receita anual média desta atividade em anos estáveis de pesca. Desde os anos 60, tem havido registros de impactos de altas descargas de água doce associada a eventos El Niño na região da Lagoa dos Patos. A perda econômica média, por ano afetado pelo El Niño, foi em torno de US$7,4 milhões. Este valor é relevante ao considerar que, em um ano estável de pescaria do camarão-rosa nesta região, a receita gerada é em torno de US$9 milhões. Assim, esta variabilidade ambiental implica necessariamente em uma vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, implicando em um enorme desgaste à população pesqueira da região da Lagoa dos Patos, RS, Brasil. Este estudo é parte de um amplo projeto apoiado pelo IAI-CRN2076/NSF-GEO-0452325, que tem como foco o melhor entendimento da vulnerabilidade social, da capacidade de adaptação e dos impactos socioeconômicos dos povos pesqueiros, quando suas atividades são afetadas por alterações no clima.The objectives of this study were to analyze the influence of climate changes on pink-shrimp fisheries economics in the estuarine area of the Patos Lagoon – RS, Brazil, and to evaluate their socioeconomic impacts. The fisheries activity in the Patos Lagoon region and coastal adjacent area involves approximately 30 thousand people directly and indirectly in the productive fishing sector. The capture of pink-shrimp in this area is the most important economic activity. To achieve the objectives, a methodology of econometric modeling and a socio-economic analysis were applied. Results revealed that high river discharge into the Patos Lagoon (associated with the El Niño event) causes low catches of pink-shrimp and low revenue to the fishers. Since the 60’s, there have been records of the impacts of high freshwater discharge associated with the El Niño event in the Patos Lagoon region. The average economic loss per year (which was affected by this event) was around US$7,4 million dollars. This value is relevant if we consider that in a stable year of pink-shrimp fisheries in this region the revenue is around US$9 million dollars. This environmental variability poses enormous stress to the fisherfolks of the Patos Lagoon. This study is part of a broader project supported by IAI-CRN2076/NSF-GEO-0452325, that aims at building more adaptive and less vulnerable fisheries systems through the understanding of the social vulnerability, adaptation capacity, and socioeconomic impacts. Thus, the results contribute to the decision-making process in the fishery system