Using causal loop diagrams to see the “big picture” and embrace complexity in human-wildlife coexistence governance
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In: Biological Conservation, Vol. 308, 111198, 08.2025.
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Using causal loop diagrams to see the “big picture” and embrace complexity in human-wildlife coexistence governance
AU - Kansky, Ruth
AU - Riechers, Maraja
AU - Fischer, Joern
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025
PY - 2025/8
Y1 - 2025/8
N2 - Sharing landscapes with wildlife is difficult because these landscapes have the potential to bring multiple costs for both people and wildlife. Finding solutions to promote human-wildlife coexistence is therefore critical, especially in the face of rapid global biodiversity loss. While traditionally the problem was addressed by implementing technological solutions to reduce negative wildlife impacts, more recently the complexity of the problem is recognized but tools and methods to deal with this complexity are scarce. In this perspective we apply causal loop diagrams and a leverage point perspective to synthesize the results of our long-term research in communal conservancies in the Zambezi region of Namibia and to better understand the complexity of this human-wildlife social-ecological system. After identifying 32 variables and 47 relationships between these variables, we constructed two causal loop diagrams consisting of two sub-systems — a “governance” sub-system and a “wildlife” sub-system. From the 32 variables, we identified four that could potentially leverage systemic change to improve human-wildlife coexistence. These were: 1. conflict between people, 2. tolerance by people for wildlife, 3. policy clarity, relevance, and congruence; and 4. congruence and relevance of governance structure with local conditions. Social learning programs involving training in nonviolent communication, global sustainability challenges and new governance models emerged as potentially valuable interventions. Our approach focusing on causal relationships and leverage points was useful to synthesize complex findings from long-term research and engage stakeholders in joint learning processes.
AB - Sharing landscapes with wildlife is difficult because these landscapes have the potential to bring multiple costs for both people and wildlife. Finding solutions to promote human-wildlife coexistence is therefore critical, especially in the face of rapid global biodiversity loss. While traditionally the problem was addressed by implementing technological solutions to reduce negative wildlife impacts, more recently the complexity of the problem is recognized but tools and methods to deal with this complexity are scarce. In this perspective we apply causal loop diagrams and a leverage point perspective to synthesize the results of our long-term research in communal conservancies in the Zambezi region of Namibia and to better understand the complexity of this human-wildlife social-ecological system. After identifying 32 variables and 47 relationships between these variables, we constructed two causal loop diagrams consisting of two sub-systems — a “governance” sub-system and a “wildlife” sub-system. From the 32 variables, we identified four that could potentially leverage systemic change to improve human-wildlife coexistence. These were: 1. conflict between people, 2. tolerance by people for wildlife, 3. policy clarity, relevance, and congruence; and 4. congruence and relevance of governance structure with local conditions. Social learning programs involving training in nonviolent communication, global sustainability challenges and new governance models emerged as potentially valuable interventions. Our approach focusing on causal relationships and leverage points was useful to synthesize complex findings from long-term research and engage stakeholders in joint learning processes.
KW - Environmental planning
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105004187688&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111198
DO - 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111198
M3 - Journal articles
AN - SCOPUS:105004187688
VL - 308
JO - Biological Conservation
JF - Biological Conservation
SN - 0006-3207
M1 - 111198
ER -