NEWS
New review on participatory scenario planning in social-ecological research
"Scenarios" are descriptions and visualizations of the potential future of a social-ecological system. In participatory scenario planning different groups of people use their local and scientific knowledge to develop sets of scenarios that provide multiple perspectives on real-world problems. A recent study by SAPECS researchers and a diverse group of international colleagues compares and contrasts 23 examples of participatory scenario planning. The study, published in Ecology and Society, aims to improve the rigor, inclusiveness and effectiveness of scenario planning exercises in place-based research. This is increasingly important as global initiatives such as [...]
Call for applications: Masters and PhD bursaries & Postdoctoral fellowships for 2016
SARChI Research Chair in Social-Ecological Systems and Resilience Hosted by the Centre for Complex Systems in Transition at Stellenbosch University Call for applications: Masters and PhD bursaries & Postdoctoral fellowships for 2016 Deadline for applications: 15 January 2016 Download advert here Escalating global challenges such as climate change, food and water security, biodiversity loss, socio-political conflict and economic volatility, demand new approaches to researching and governing our environment and societies. Approaches that account for the complex relationships between human well-being and ecological sustainability, while dealing with ongoing change and uncertainty, have become [...]
SAPECS learning event: The practicalities of engaging with society in social-ecological research
- by Odirilwe Selomane Just before the first ever Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS) conference this past November in Stellenbosch, SAPECS organised a pre-conference learning event for early career social-ecological systems researchers at STIAS; coordinated and facilitated by Christo Fabricius from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The topic of the event was “Participatory Action Research in Social-Ecological Systems”, and the focus was particularly on discussing the principles and practice of doing this research. The format for the day was three 15 minute food-for-thought presentations, each followed by an [...]
PECS Science-Policy Dialogue explores different pathways towards creating good Anthropocene futures in southern Africa
We have entered a new geological era called the Anthropocene, where human actions that are characterized by an increase in connectivity, speed and mobility are profoundly influencing the functioning of the earth system. Arguably the challenges of living in the Anthropocene are too complex and intractable to be solved by scientists, policymakers or corporate business in isolation of one another. To tackle the problem of navigating the complex mix of intertwined social-ecological drivers, biophysical constraints and improved social conditions for all, the Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS) (an [...]
Storify summary of #PECS2015
The first PECS conference, held near Stellenbosch on 3 - 5 November, was a resounding success, with provocative and insightful keynote presentations, innovative sessions and much merry mingling aided by some of the best wine South Africa has to offer! More posts on this conference will follow in the coming days on this website, but in the meantime, a great Twitter overview is available at the following Storify account: https://storify.com/PECS_Project/pecs2015-conference Stay tuned for more!
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PhD Autumn School in Portugal on Transformations to Sustainability
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Internship: Emerging Professional for Climate Change – deadline 21 April
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Vacancy: 1-year post-doctoral researcher for the “World In 2050” based in Stockholm at Future Earth
Future Earth has a great opportunity for a 1-year post doc at Future Earth (a Future Earth Fellow). The successful candidate will focus on global sustainability synthesis in a key area relevant to the "World In 2050" (TWI2050) project and develop closer links between Future Earth’s Earth system modelling communities and TWI2050. Find out more here: www.futureearth.org/news/future-earth-vacancy-global-sustainability-postdoctoral-researcher-sweden Deadline: 18 April 2007.
Vacancy: Deputy Director, African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), University of Cape Town
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Senior Position in Department of Environmental Science, Grahamstown
Associate Professor/Professor/Senior Lecturer/ Lecturer in Department of Environmental Science Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape R 766066 Professor/Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer / Lecturer in Department of Environmental Science (5 year contract) Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence, Rhodes University especially encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. Please note that this appointment will be made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of RSA and the University’s recruitment and selection policies and [...]