2,086 research outputs found
Geographies of Transition: Narrating environmental activism in an age of climate change and âPeak Oilâ
This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from SAGE Publications via the DOI in this record.The growth of community-based Transition Town initiatives in countries like the UK, USA and Canada is popularly perceived to represent a broad, socially inclusive and grounded approach to tackling environmental problems in place-based communities. In focusing on resilience as a core theme, so-called eco-localisation initiatives attempt to adopt consensus based approaches to decision making and to highlight the need for an âinner transitionâ of the self that encourages closer connections between individuals and nature. In this way, Transition has been framed as a new form of social and environmental movement that is re-casting community and political relations for a low carbon and post âPeak oilâ future. Yet despite these emergent philosophies of Transition and the considerable scholarship being generated on the role and success of such initiatives, there is an urgent need to situate and analyse Transition within broader understandings of environmental activism. Using data from a two year research project on âValues in Transitionâ, this paper argues that the praxis and spatial complexity of Transition can be understood more deeply through a narrative lens. In mobilising critical scholarship on environmental activism, the paper calls for a âTransition Geographiesâ that views eco-localisation as a dynamic and complex coalescence of competing narratives that sit between traditional forms of environmental activism and directive initiatives for individual behaviour change. As such, the paper highlights the ways in which this new form of environmental activism is shaping praxis across space, and the implications this has for those advocating eco-localisation as a strategy for tackling climate change and resource scarcity
Wildlife Tourism in Reintroduction Projects: Exploring Social and Economic Benefits of Beaver in Local Settings
This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordWildlife reintroduction projects are required to account for social and economic factors. Wildlife tourism is often cited as a benefit of reintroduction, so an understanding of whether and how this manifests is required. Through a case study of a village in the catchment of a live reintroduction project (Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in England) we reveal how reintroduced species tourism has economic benefit for local business, but the scale of benefit is dependent upon business initiatives that take the opportunity (eg merchandise, marketing etc.). We suggest reintroduction practitioners should actively encourage local businesses to maximise opportunities, especially where tourism is cited as a reason to reintroduce. We recommend further research into whether benefits remain in the long-term, but speculate some value will persist. Finally, we recognise reintroduction-related wildlife tourism may interact with other local issues, but seeing a reintroduced species or signs of its activity can produce positive emotional responses.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife TrustNatural Environment Research Council (NERC
Renewed coexistence: learning from steering group stakeholders on a beaver reintroduction project in England
This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this recordData availability:
All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article (and its Supplementary Information files). The anonymised survey data is available in full (with participantsâ details redacted) in the supplementary information.Species reintroductions are growing in popularity, and example motivations include supporting species populations or the restoration of ecosystem function. Interactions between humans and the reintroduced species are likely to occur post-reintroduction. Coexistence between humans and wildlife is adaptive and dynamic, in part requiring management of conflicts between humans and wildlife, or of conflicts between humans over wildlife management. We seek to learn from the experiences of steering group members in a Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) project in England and identify how governance of coexistence with reintroduced species may differ from the governance of coexistence with species that are already present in the landscape. Using a qualitative thematic analysis of an online survey, we identify a series of lessons in six key areas: (1) project governance, (2) stakeholder engagement, (3) research and monitoring programme, (4) strategy to manage arising conflicts, (5) public engagement, and (6) broad perspectives on reintroduction trials. We advocate for reflective evaluation as an essential component of reintroduction projects to enable knowledge-sharing from experiences, leading to improved practices in the future. Reflecting on our analysis, we identify and define 'Renewed Coexistence'-a new term that draws on pre-existing coexistence knowledge but identifies the unique elements that relate to governing coexistence with reintroduced species.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife Trus
Beavers and flood alleviation: Human perspectives from downstream communities
This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordData availability statement:
The anonymised Q-Sort data is available at: https://github.com/exeter-creww/Auster-Barr-Brazier_Beavers-and-Flood-Alleviation_Q-Sort-DataNatural flood management (NFM) methods work with natural processes to reduce flood risk, while often providing additional benefits such as water quality improvement or habitat provision. Increasingly, the activity of an animalâbeaversâis recognised to potentially provide flow attenuation, along with multiple benefits for the environment and society, but there can also be associated challenges. We use Q-Methodology to elicit and understand human perspectives of beavers and their potential role in flood management among communities living downstream of beavers at three sites in England (Cornwall, Yorkshire and the Forest of Dean). This is the first time a study has focused on downstream communities as the primary stakeholders. We identify diverse perspectives that exhibit a range of value judgements. We suggest a catchment-based approach to beaver management and public engagement may facilitate deeper recognition of contextual perspectives in decision-making and enable knowledge dissemination with communities. Further, we examine the relationship between beavers and other NFM methods through these perspectives. In doing so we identify features that relate to the unique element of relying on the natural behaviour of beavers for flood management, rather than human flood managers being the primary decision-makers.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife Trus
Improving engagement in managing reintroduction conflicts: learning from beaver reintroduction
This is the final version. Available on open access from Taylor & Francis via the DOI in this recordData availability statement:
The evidenced summaries as shared with the participants are attached as Supporting Information, as well as an example of the ethical consent form for participation.Social factors hold implications for the success or failure of wildlife reintroductions. Potential conflict issues may prevent projects from proceeding or succeeding. The manner in which wildlife managers engage with affected people in conflict scenarios may prevent or contribute toward conflict escalation, so an understanding of how to improve engagement is required. We conducted interviews with individuals who reported conflicts with beavers (Castor fiber) within the case study of a reintroduction trial in England, called the âRiver Otter Beaver Trialâ. Using a qualitative thematic analysis, we identified five themes to be considered when engaging with affected people in beaver reintroduction conflicts: (1) Proactive Engagement or a Fast Response; (2) Appropriate Communication; (3) Shared Decision-Making; (4) Sense that Humans are Responsible for Conflicts with Reintroduced Species; (5) A Need for Certainty. We conclude that engagement with affected individuals will likely be improved, with reduced conflict potential, where these themes are addressed.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife TrustNatural Environment Research Council (NERC
Beaver Management Groups: Capturing lessons from the River Otter Beaver Trial and River Tamar Catchment
This is the final version. Available from Natural England via the link in this recordThis commissioned report is a social science case study of how beaver management groups are forming around the unofficial beaver populations. It draws on findings from a previous, peer-reviewed study that captured the experiences of stakeholders involved in governing the River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT) (Renewed Coexistence: Learning from Steering Group Stakeholders on a Beaver Reintroduction Project in England, 2022), and explores the applicability of those findings to the River Tamar. The findings of the report can be applied to other settings and inform the development of other Beaver Management Groups.
The findings were that Beaver Management Groups can be adaptive structures that evolve in reflection of changing circumstances and new learning. Rather than being a fixed governance structure therefore, Beaver Management Groups themselves are a process, that seeks to facilitate renewed coexistence between humans and beavers in catchment settings. Three key stages to in the beaver management group process were identified: âFormationâ, âFunctioningâ, and âFuture?â. It also considers the external factors at play at each stage of the process
Perceptions of Pine Marten Reintroduction in South-West England: Results of a Q-Method Stakeholder Study and Regional Public Survey
This is the final version.Report for submission to the Two Moors Partnership.
Executive Summary
⢠At the time of writing, a proposal is being put forward by the Two Moors
Partnership to reintroduce pine martens (Martes martes) to the south-west.
⢠Neither the University of Exeter nor individual authors of this report are members
of the Two Moors Partnership. The authors were commissioned as independent
researchers to capture an understanding of perceptions held by key stakeholders and
the wider public about pine marten reintroduction in the south-west.
⢠Between March and July 2023, two studies were completed in parallel. This is a
factual report that presents the findings from these two studies. [...
Learning to live with reintroduced species: beaver management groups are an adaptive process
This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordIn anthropogenic landscapes, wildlife reintroductions are likely to result in interactions between people and reintroduced species. People living in the vicinity may have little familiarity with the reintroduced species or associated management, so will need to learn to live with the species in a new state of âRenewed Coexistence.â In England, Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) are being reintroduced and U.K. Government agencies are currently considering their national approach to reintroduction and management. Early indications are this will include requirement for âBeaver Management Groupsâ (BMGs) to engage with local stakeholders. This policy paper reports on qualitative research that captured lessons from the governance of two existing BMGs in Devon (south-west England), drawing on both a prior study and new interview data. Through the analysis, we identified that BMGs are not a fixed structure, but an adaptive process. This consists of three stages (Formation, Functioning, and Future?), influenced by resource availability and national policy direction. We argue that, where they are used, Species-specific Management Groups could provide a âfront lineâ for the integration of reintroduced species into modern landscapes, but their role or remit could be scaled back over time and integrated into existing structures or partnerships to reduce pressure on limited resources, as knowledge of reintroduced species (such as beaver) grows and its presence becomes ânormalized.â There must be sufficient flexibility in forthcoming policy to minimize constraint on the adaptive nature of BMGs and similar groups for other reintroduced species, if they are to facilitate a sustainable coexistence.Natural Englan
Perceptions of Eurasian beavers living wild in Wales: Results of an online public survey
This is the final version.The University of Exeter were commissioned by North Wales Wildlife Trust to undertake an online survey of individual public attitudes to beavers living wild in Wales.North Wales Wildlife Trus
Caspase cleavage of the Golgi stacking factor GRASP65 is required for Fas/CD95-mediated apoptosis
GRASP65 (Golgi reassembly and stacking protein of 65âKDa) is a cis-Golgi protein with roles in Golgi structure, membrane trafficking and cell signalling. It is cleaved by caspase-3 early in apoptosis, promoting Golgi fragmentation. We now show that cleavage is needed for Fas-mediated apoptosis: expression of caspase-resistant GRASP65 protects cells, whereas expression of membrane proximal caspase-cleaved GRASP65 fragments dramatically sensitises cells. GRASP65 coordinates passage through the Golgi apparatus of proteins containing C-terminal hydrophobic motifs, via its tandem PDZ type âGRASP' domains. Fas/CD95 contains a C-terminal leucineâvaline pairing so its trafficking might be coordinated by GRASP65. Mutagenesis of the Fas/CD95 LV motif reduces the number of cells with Golgi-associated Fas/CD95, and generates a receptor that is more effective at inducing apoptosis; however, siRNA-mediated silencing or expression of mutant GRASP65 constructs do not alter the steady state distribution of Fas/CD95. We also find no evidence for a GRASP65âFas/CD95 interaction at the molecular level. Instead, we find that the C-terminal fragments of GRASP65 produced following caspase cleavage are targeted to mitochondria, and ectopic expression of these sensitises HeLa cells to Fas ligand. Our data suggest that GRASP65 cleavage promotes Fas/CD95-mediated apoptosis via release of C-terminal fragments that act at the mitochondria, and we identify Bcl-XL as a candidate apoptotic binding partner for GRASP65
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