Lesson 13. Structure knowledge in its key dimensions

Environmental issues are complex, and the knowledge gathered can be vast and become overwhelming. Focusing on the issue at hand and providing a framework for organising the knowledge as it is exchanged between participants avoids this risk. Many frameworks such as Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses, Ecosystem Services, Resources-Uses-Governance are commonly used for this purpose.

It is essential to maintain the balance between the different dimensions of the problem and to focus on all key components and interactions of the problem. Not all dimensions, especially the social components, are easy to map or model. Social representations, value systems, power relations or social norms need to be shared to understand the levers or barriers to transformative action and to be included in the assessment.