Sowing Seeds of Understanding: Epistemic Justice in the Co-Creation of Nature-based Solutions

Abstract

This research studies Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and their potential in creating a climate adaptation approach that is just and inclusive. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) represent a promising approach to climate adaptation, aiming to develop resilient landscapes that draw inspiration from local natural environments, thereby complementing or mimicking existing ecosystems to address climate change in a systemic and integrative manner.NbS should be created and implemented in an inclusive and multidisciplinary way, including the knowledge and expertise of local communities as scientists, and policymakers, to also enhance human wellbeing and support socio-economic development. However, research shows that local communities are not always included in co-creation processes, because of past histories or biases, even though they are particularly affected by climate change. Furthermore, these communities often display unique relations to their natural surroundings due to a closeness to nature. They are therefore important stakeholders for NbS, and can potentially contribute to the creation of NbS with their unique relations and experiences. In this study ‘epistemologies’ refers to this notion of relating and allocating meaning to one’s social and ecological surroundings. Considering the character of NbS, these epistemologies should be equally engaged in their co-creation, a concept referred to as ‘epistemic justice’. Various studies assessed epistemic justice in NbS, describing the risks and challenges that are involved in the trying to include all stakeholders. However, while it is recognised that local communities have valuable epistemologies, they have not been described before in relation to the creation of NbS. Arguably, by zooming in on the epistemologies in NbS – the various relations to nature and other stakeholders – lessons can be learned on how epistemic justice can be ensured in co-creating NbS. This research seeks to fill this gap in the research about epistemic justice in NbS by zooming in on the epistemologies of local communities in a single case study where NbS are to be implemented. Through qualitative research methods, the epistemologies of local communities in the Gediz Delta are described. The damaging effects of the climate crisis are noticeable in this unique wetland ecosystem in Türkiye, impacting flora and fauna, as well as the local communities who depend on the area for their livelihood. The study underlines the importance of epistemologies, illustrating that they hold unique and valuable ways of meaning-making that can contribute to NbS. Local communities have an emotional connection to the Delta that leads to feelings of belonging as well as responsibility. They display a rich understanding of the area, informed by lived experience and generational knowledge that highlights the importance of integrating their epistemologies. The study further demonstrates that, while the political landscape might complicate epistemic justice, social relations hold the potential to engage all epistemologies. Nurturing these relationships, for example, through close contacts or organisations that can bridge the gap between local communities and official organisations create opportunities for knowledge sharing and mutual acceptance and, thus, for creating inclusive NbS.