Using a causal conceptual model of managed dyke realignment as a boundary object promotes multi-stakeholder collaboration and co-production

Abstract

Collaboration in cross-sectoral initiatives with diverse groups of stakeholders can be facilitated using boundary objects. Knowledge co-production based in such collaboration approaches can contribute to solve pressing environmental issues. In this paper, we describe the process of developing a conceptual model through synthesis and expert knowledge elicitation to assess social-ecological dynamics in the context of managed dyke realignment in a complex coastal landscape around the Bay of Fundy, Canada. We explored how the model served as a boundary object for multi-stakeholder collaboration, and how it contributed to interdisciplinary research within our case study. A participatory approach involving stakeholders from different institutions and backgrounds who are actively working in the landscape, was carried out through 5 elicitation phases in 5 months. This participatory process produced a conceptual model that meets the characteristics of a boundary object and contributes to the principles of co-production. Discussions about model functionality and the complexity of the system, including conflicting arguments, emerged from the participatory process. The process highlights climate adaptation policy implications such as the need to decrease administrative complexity and facilitate funding access, as well as guarantee long-term monitoring of implementation sites to pursue adaptive management. We suggest the model structure and process presented in this work can be used to assess other management strategies in this and similar landscapes.