Diverse values and a common utopia: Insights from a participatory art-based plural valuation experience in Xalapa, Mexico

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

Plural valuation of nature is key for inclusive and fair sustainability policies. Although there is a growing awareness of the importance of incorporating multiple values of nature in decision making, inclusive processes of this type are rare, limited to consultations, or have little transparency regarding their translation into public policy. Especially in nature conservation schemes such as protected areas, the integration of values from local communities is much needed. In this article, we analyze the experience of the Forest Stewards Network in Xalapa, Mexico, to show how plural valuation and the recognition of the inseparable link between the values of nature and the values that shape social organization can contribute to environmental decision making. We present the method of collective creation of utopias by drawing-telling as a practice to elicit and integrate multiple values in decision-making processes. We applied a participatory art-based plural valuation approach, structured in five stages: (1) a collective diagnosis of the problem(s), (2) creating individual utopias through drawings and narratives, (3) integrating values in collective utopia, (4) strategic planning, and (5) collective action. This method led to significant results in relation to learning, values, decision making, and action, fostering mutual understanding and diversity as principles for a more horizontal organization. We conclude by highlighting the importance of learning and experimenting around inclusive decision-making processes at all levels, as well as the significant contributions of grassroots organizations to this matter.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1234747
JournalCase Studies in the Environment
Volume5
Issue number1
Number of pages19
ISSN2473-9510
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24.02.2021

DOI

Recently viewed

Publications

  1. A Statistical Approach to Estimate Spatial Distributions of Wet Deposition in Germany
  2. Forced exit from the joint-decision trap
  3. Tree cover mediates the effect on rapeseed leaf damage of excluding predatory arthropods, but in an unexpected way
  4. Does Allulose Appeal to Consumers? Results from a Discrete Choice Experiment in Germany
  5. If you call for frameworks in sustainability management... editorial to the special issue
  6. OPERATIONALIZING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FROM MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES
  7. Reading instruction in 5th grade: teachers’ perspectives on promoting self-regulated reading in language and content area teaching
  8. Polarization of Time and Income
  9. Optimisation of root traits to provide enhanced ecosystem services in agricultural systems
  10. How digital reflection and feedback environments contribute to pre-service teachers’ beliefs during a teaching practicum
  11. Käsemann, Ernst
  12. Challenges in political interviews
  13. The theory of human development
  14. How cognitive issue bracketing affects interdependent decision-making in negotiations
  15. Time matters
  16. Integration of material flow management tools in workplace environments
  17. An Ecosystem Architecture Meta-Model for Supporting Ultra-Large Scale Digital Transformations
  18. Exports and productivity: A survey of the evidence from firm-level data
  19. Donor Upgrading Strategies
  20. Das Inverted Classroom Model (ICM) im Kontext kompetenzorientierter Hochschullehre
  21. Teaching Provenance to AI
  22. Effect of ambient conditions in friction surfacing
  23. Article 66 CISG
  24. Structuring and advancing solution-oriented research for sustainability
  25. Reading Marx