Understanding Climate Change Perception in Community-Based Management Contexts: Perspectives of Two Indigenous Communities

Abstract

Many natural resources around the world are managed by indigenous communities that are closely connected to nature and have nature-based livelihoods. These communities are particularly vulnerable to climate change and in need of adaptation strategies. Therefore, understanding how a community that is connected to nature perceives climate change is crucial. Some studies have shown that the capacity to respond to climate change vulnerability might be influenced by the social ties among community members. We used Q methodology to explore and compare climate change perceptions in two indigenous communities in Colombia and Mexico. Both of these communities are characterized by nature-based livelihoods, collective ownership of land, and community-based natural resource management. We analyzed their perception of climate change and nature, their preferred options for adaptation strategies, and the sources of information they trust. The perceptions that emerged were interpreted according to the four worldviews proposed by cultural theory. Overall, this research suggests that perceptions varied across and within local contexts, meaning that different ways of understanding and dealing with climate change coexist within the communities. The results showed that hierarchy and egalitarian worldviews (as described by cultural theory) are more common in both indigenous communities. The history and lived experiences of community-based management for both communities influence preferred adaptation options to cope with climate change.

“What are you going to do, Protest the Wind?”: Community Perceptions of Emergent and Worsening Coastal Erosion from the Remote Bering Sea Community of St. Paul, Alaska

“…Respondents generally noted a definitive timeline when they began noticing erosion occurring on St. Paul and an increase in changes to the environment in recent years. These changes were related to other climate changes being perceived by residents, which is consistent with similar studies (Ambrosio-Albala and Mar Delgado-Serrano 2018 ; Marin and Berkes 2013 ). A majority of interviewees viewed erosion as a concern with potentially devastating consequences, as noted by high occurrences of the word “erosion” and erosion-related terms compared to other community concerns (i.e., decline in winter snow cover, declines in wildlife populations, shifting social behaviors, stochastic events).…”

“…This question provided insight on how much or little residents prioritized erosion in relation to other environmental concerns. Previous studies have shown that individual perceptions vary widely depending on the number of climate stressors, degree of urgency, perceived risk, and attribution of climate versus social or economic stressors (Dinero 2013 ; Herman-Mercer et al 2016 ; Ambrosio-Albala and Mar Delgado-Serrano 2018 ). Respondents generally noted a definitive timeline when they began noticing erosion occurring on St. Paul and an increase in changes to the environment in recent years.…”

“…Additionally, by understanding how a community perceives and understands climate change, it can facilitate more meaningful adaption policies. Previous literature demonstrates how differently individuals’ lived experiences and shared histories affect how adaptation options are considered, prioritized, and implemented (Marin and Berkes 2013 ; Herman-Mercer et al 2016 ; Ambrosio-Albala and Mar Delgado-Serrano 2018 ; Mugambiwa and Rukema 2019 ). This is because, while collaborative approaches are key to instrumenting meaningful action (Callaghan et al 2020 ), they can also lead to discourse with divergent opinions which, despite the obstacles, are still important in facilitating mutual support for later decisions (Curtis and Hauber 1997 ; Blair et al 2014 ); Armitage et al 2007 ).…”