Integration of Human-Dimensions Science (HDS) in Ecosystem Restoration:

A Case Study of the Florida Everglades.

Sapna MulkiMA/SID ‘09

May 12, 2009

Presentation Overview

Relevance of HDS Practicum background Study area The human element in the

Everglades Target audience Planning and implementation Results Discussion Conclusion Acknowledgments

Mulki 2009

Relevance of HDS to ecosystem restoration

Drawing upon principles of Human-Dimensions Science (HDS), the dynamics of people-environment interactions were examined based upon information on public attitudes and values towards the environment, and the role of ecosystem services.

(Adapted from Michigan Sea Grant, 2005).

Practicum Background:

Florida Sea Grant (FSG) National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA) University of Florida (UF)

ResponsibilitiesRegional Water Academy Project

Action Plan

Promote water awareness amongst youth and encourage community participation in Everglades restoration

HDS Module HDS Pilot Session

Information + Knowledge =

ACTION

Study Area: South Florida, U.S.A

http://www.fla-keys.com

The human element in Everglades management

Before the mid-1800sthe Everglades was aslow moving riverthat flowed from LakeOkeechobee

By 1948 under the Central and Southern Florida Project a dense canal network of gates, culverts, and pumps were authorized to control water flow

Now a $10.9 bn project called Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is being implemented to get “the water right”

Compartmentalization of south Florida

Water Conservation Areas (WCAs).

Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs).

1.7 billion gallons of water directed daily from the Everglades out into the ocean (FDEP, 2007).

South Florida Water Management District

Human-environment in the Everglades

http://www.destination360.com

http://crca.caloosahatchee.org

Land use change

Mulki 2009Mulki 2009

http://www.nps.gov

Canals Suburban Sprawl Farming

Economic valuation and the Everglades

Community- In 2005, south Floridians consumed approximately 3.5 billion gallons of water per day (FDEP, 2008)

Tourism- “South Florida environment is the foundation for a $18 billion/year recreation and tourism industry and supports countless amenities for commercial, residential and employment sectors” (SFER Working Group, 1999)

Agriculture- “Florida is the nation’s ninth leading agricultural state, with annual farm cash receipts totaling $6 billion” (SFER Working Group, 1999).

Making the HDS connection…

ANTHROPOGENIC FACTORS:

Agriculture Urban development Population Expansion

STAKEHOLDERS: Youth Community leaders Policy makers Segments of the

general public e.g. Miccosukee Tribe of Indians

Does the average south Floridian understand his/her role in the Everglades ecosystem and its restoration?

Study group profile

South Plantation High School in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration Magnet

Program. Total sample size of 76 freshmen from three Environmental

Research I & II courses.

Mulki 2009

Planning and implementation:

Exploring the potential to build a HDS module to build the link between high school youth and restoration

Informal Needs Assessment

METHODS:Literature Review

Pre and Post SurveyCourse Evaluation

PRODUCTS:HDS Module

HDS PilotAction Plan

Results for survey:

Quantitative:

Factor PreN= 80

PostN= 76

Geographical awareness 60% 67%

Participation in environmental activities 17.5% 15%

Knowledge of CERP 30% 90%

It was interesting to note that from both pre and post surveys: Approx. 88% of students answered “no” when asked

whether they know they lived in a watershed

Approx. 90% of students answered “no” when asked whether they know where their household water came from

Other interesting responses

Discussion

There is gap between knowledge and action

Participation was low which could suggest that they are not interested

Most students appreciated the environmental value of the Everglades but were not sure of how to make the connection between themselves and the greater society

Recommendations

Recommendation for a thorough baseline analysis to be conducted of community behavior and perception

Such information could help identify habits or attitudes that are environmentally detrimental

A widespread community campaign that encourages public participation and engagement in restoration

An educational curriculum on water conservation and Everglades restoration

Acknowledgments

Prof Marion Howard Pamela Fletcher, AOML/FSG Faculty and Staff of the Heller

School and University of Florida, Homestead Campus

Fellow Heller colleagues

http://www.jmcurzonphoto.com

Thank you!