The valuation of ecosystem services is often centred on the proper integration of ecological and economic values but overlooks the social and cultural dimensions of ecosystem changes. We argue that these factors are essential for sustainable outcomes because they underlie preference formation, affect ownership over decision making and may help ensure that primary non-market services needed to maintain ecosystem functions are sustained. In this study, we propose a conceptual framework for ecosystem service valuation at a local subwatershed scale that employs participatory democracy and discourse-based methods to elicit and develop value systems while at the same time serving as a decision-making process. Incorporating cultural theory and perceptions of risk tolerance, the framework discusses the importance of cultural considerations to achieving intergenerational equity, a precondition for sustainable development. The framework is applied to the case of Chelsea, Québec (Canada), and used to examine the community consultation component of a policy development process.1 Four landowners/developers and two public institutions were the only ones allowed to vote on the new water and sewer infrastructure in the unbuilt sector (borrowing by-law 781-11; Municipality of Chelsea, 2011b). Figure 2. Application of framework to sustainable infrastructure deliberation process in Chelsea, Québec 360 M. Retallack and S. Schott
Water is a multi-use resource, with governance being shaped by a range of interacting institutional and economic imperatives. These many uses comprise a joint system where water and economy are linked by varying degrees of dependency on water-based ecosystem services. The production of ecosystem services is contingent on underlying ecological processes. However these processes can be affected by our actions, creating a sustainability dilemma. Institutions are in place to manage the impacts of our actions; however, institutions are subject to a range of pressures including actor preferences, historical factors, socio-cultural narratives, the influence of ideas and experts, and political As with any journey the quality of this experience and the richness of its rewards was a function of guidance received along the way. It is with this in mind that I express my great appreciation for the energy and ideas that my co-Supervisors, Graeme Auld and Stephan Schott, brought to the task. In many ways the substantive focus of my thesis was fodder for the training of a research mind. Their efforts have imparted a capacity for clear communication of critical thought, while always keeping the policy relevance in mind, alongside the human dimensions of my work. It is equally important to be realistic about one's work and see it as part of a larger intellectual purpose. I was very fortunate to have Michael Brklachich and Robert Slater round out my committee, and join Stephan and Graeme in this project of fostering a research mind. There are many others at the School of Public Policy and Administration whose instruction and support have made this journey possible, enlightening and enjoyable. My coursework was thoroughly expansive. It brought a tremendous level of insight to previous professional experience, and resulted in the assembly of a robust interdisciplinary mental model of policy science for research and application. To the administrators who kept me on track, helped to traverse unseen hurdles, and intervened numerous times to ensure all the i's were dotted and the t's crossed, thank you. Last but not least, my PhD colleagues. We studied together, struggled together, shared our highs and lows, critiques and compliments. We have lived our lives together and it has been a true pleasure to spend this time with you.
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