Coastal transformations and connections: Revealing values through the community voice method

Abstract

Coastal transformations and connections -revealing values through the CommunityVoice Method Abstract 1. A wealth of evidence suggests an important relationship between nature and human health and well-being and this appears to hold particular resonance for coastal environments. Notably, this relationship has been explored in assessments of ecosystem services, or the benefits that people derive from nature. 2. In this paper, we extend the debate to encompass ideas around relational values which considers that human well-being is derived from relationships with nature rather than being solely delivered as the benefits commonly suggested in the ecosystem services literature. 3. The paper draws on conceptual ideas around relational values, sense of place, and environmental justice to understand the values and importance of coastal environments for people. 4. These value concepts are explored through detailed narratives revealed by participants in two case study UK coastal locations, using a form of civic dialogue and videography approach called Community Voice Method (CVM). 5. We find that despite levels of relative deprivation in our case study locations, interviewees express values which are striking in terms of the depth of care felt; values which are 'timedeepened' and shaped not only by what people do and are able to do but also by personal histories and memories which remain strong despite material changes and transformations in people's lives and the places they live. 6. The CVM method in addition provides a practical approach for creating deliberative spaces to explore those deeply embodied and shared connections to the coast which are important and should have greater prominence in coastal management policy and practice. Key words: coast, well-being, cultural ecosystem services, relational values, environmental justice, sense of place, community voice method Introduction Globally, human wellbeing and more locally responsive policy making are increasingly seen as critical goals of policy interventions (Atkinson et al., 2012). For diverse populations and governments around the world, wellbeing and marine policy agendas have mostly been segregated (Kelly, 2018). Integrated approaches are needed that make visible the diverse values of coastal environments in ways that connect to both policy makers and the general population. This study was commissioned by Natural England 1 with the aim of using a novel methodology (Community Voice Method) to understand perceptions of the coast from a diverse group of people, particularly those from low-income areas and BAME communities. Using a frame of relational values combined with sense of place and environmental justice the research showcases the power of the Community Voice Method (CVM) for providing a platform for rarely heard voices in natural resource management, voices which are powerful in terms of the emotion and authenticity they convey. The place-based approach taken here has much to offer in enabling an exploration of relational values which shape how people conne...

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