The collaboration intends an exchange of experiences, methods and knowledge with regard to socio-ecological transformation in Germany and the United Kingdom, enhanced and initiated by Kevin Grecksch (Oxford) and Stefan Knauß (Halle).
Socio-ecological transformations are complex and far reaching processes of change of land and society. East Germany faces in particular the exit from lignite and the ecological and social sustainable development of post-mining landscapes by the introduction of new industries (e.g. innovative digital and sustainable technologies). While the United Kingdom does not face these large scale transformation processes, it does face similar ecological challenges requiring a just transformation. This relates especially with regard to how certain types of knowledge(s) such as local (expert) knowledge are being ignored, for example in water management, or in the debate around access to nature and land.
An approach of “Just Transfer” is needed in order to confront social inequality and enhance acceptance for new social and ecological norms eventually reaching to Rights of Nature. Innovative formats of transformative research and collaborative planning/learning are needed.
Important lessons can be drawn in particular from various transformation case studies undertaken by Kevin Grecksch and by research of rights and values of nature from Stefan Knauß.
a) public participation / co-creation of knowledge (local knowledge)
b) transformational processes / methods / problems etc.
c) education (for just transformation)
a) environmental ethics and Values of Nature
b) rights of nature/ property narratives
c) social justice/ environmental justice
Dr. Kevin Grecksch, Departmental Lecturer and Course Director, University of Oxford, kevin.grecksch@ouce.ox.ac.uk
Dr. Stefan Knauß, Senior Research Associate, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, stefan.knauss@geo.uni-halle.de