michelle esposito - "sci-tek: integrating traditional ecological knowledge and geospatial data for...

8/12/2019 Michelle Esposito - "Sci-TEK: Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Geospatial Data for Mapping Local Priorities"

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Sci-TEKIntegrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and

Geospatial Data for Mapping Local Priorities

Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology (UNO-CHART)

Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Science (PIES), University of New OrleansCoastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), State of Louisiana


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What is Traditional Ecological

Knowledge (TEK)?

TEK is a sophisticated knowledge possessed by a group or individual about anenvironment as a result of having lived in and observed an environment forgenerations. It is both evolving and current, and incorporates an historical,cultural and spiritual perspective of locals existence in that environment.

Native Womens Association of Canada


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Contributes new knowledge from years of on-the-ground

observations.

Gains support for the projects from local experts and theircommunities.

Reciprocal knowledge transfer (science/TEK).

Augment the current planning and implementationprocess.

Benefits of Incorporating TEK into

Restoration Decision Making


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TEK is gathered from local experts and transcribed.

TEK transcripts are converted to a coded, spatially

referenced dataset. TEK dataset analyzed for issues, factors, priorities,

etc.

Scientific datasets are chosen or created that reflect

the physical and biological characteristics and socialdynamics described by local experts.

Combined datasets are used to describe the TEKanalysis in a mapped format.

What is SciTEK?


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To expand, test and refine a technique that

incorporates TEK into the restoration tool box.

Determine resource users priorities, concerns, andtheir thinking about restoration project techniquesand locations.

Build relationshipsbetween scientists and localexperts with reciprocal knowledge transfer.

Incorporate lessons learned into the SciTEKmethodology for use in restoration decision-making.

Purpose & Goal of Project


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The Study Area


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Identifying TEK Experts


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TEK Trip Area Coverage


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Reciprocal knowledge transfer done best in person.

Relationship building for future engagement.

Refine & demonstrate the collaboration techniquewith numerous agency staff.

Bringing Agency Personnel

Out with TEK Experts


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Restoration Priority Areas Identified atLand-Based Meetings


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Through TEK process, ecosystem characteristics important to

users were identified.

Subsequently, existing or able to be collected spatial/scientificdata of same characteristics were identified: Land loss Historical marsh vegetation type Soil type Vegetation

Turbidity Marsh fragmentation Current and planned coastal protection and restoration project

boundary files Remotely sensed image data

Spatial/Scientific Data to RepresentTEK Priority Conditions


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Parameters for input datasetsdefined by TEK

Standardized weightingbased on TEK and merging

datasets

TEK related tolocation factors

for emergentfocus issues

Sci-TEK Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis(SMCDA) GIS Mapping Procedure

ComplimentaryScientific/SpatialInput Data Layers

Parameters for input datasetsdefined by TEK

SMCDA Model Map indicatingTEK-based priority areas for each

Sci-TEK focus issue


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Location Factor One: Areas which have experienced

land loss, but still have remnant marsh to build upon

are preferred for restoration.Quote: Now some of your sections of land that are

still theretry to build land there. But, stuff like this(pointing to mostly open water) dont waste yourmoney on that little bit. This one is gone, that is gone

over there is gone. Scientific Data Sets: Land loss data set from USGS,

marsh fragmentation.

Marsh Creation Logic Model

Factor 1: Marsh Fragmentation


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Marsh Creation Location

Factor 1: Remnant Marsh


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Location Factor Four: Areas near current or plannedrestoration projects are more preferable for

restoration.Quote: See if they would build this back up, and

with the siphon, all of this would be ready to holdthat fresh waterI think if they put the siphon back

on and restore the ridge so they can keep some ofthat fresh water, and plant vegetation, those arethings you could do to bring it back.

Scientific Data Sets: current and planned project

layer from CPRA.

Marsh Creation Logic ModelFactor 4: Near Other Restoration


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Marsh Creation Location Factor 4:Near Current or Planned Restoration


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Location preferences (by weight):

1) Areas where land loss has occurred, but remnant marsh still exists.

2) Barrier islands where land loss has occurred that provide needed

protection.3) Areas near the barrier islands that would help close the flow of too

much saltwater into the interior of the Basin.

4) Areas near current/planned restoration projects.

5) Poor marsh condition (related to fragmentation).

6) Poor marsh condition related to vegetation condition (related togreenness and biomass).

7) Restoration near ridges to provide enhanced benefit.

8) Avoid active oyster reef areas.

9) Areas near levee protection projects.

Summary of TEK Location Factors for the

Marsh Creation/Island Restoration Issue


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Composite Map: Marsh Creation/IslandRestoration Model of TEK Priorities


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Composite Map: Marsh Creation/IslandRestoration Model of TEK Priorities


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Other Products Created

Model for Shoreline Protection Projects

Model for Freshwater Introduction Projects


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Uses for Sci-TEK Results

Refine details of large conceptual footprints of projects inBarataria Basin.

Sequencing/prioritizing project implementation. Identify additional restoration projects.

Illustrate areas of consensus and potential conflicts.

Inform and refine decision criteria that are intended torepresent local priorities and knowledge.

To engage local experts and residents at every phase ofrestoration and protection project implementation.


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Thank You!

Questions?Your Thoughts?

michelle esposito - "sci-tek: integrating traditional ecological knowledge and geospatial data for...

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