Setting Tiered Management Triggers using a Values-based Approach in an Indigenous-led Cumulative Effects Management...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Indigenous Studies
• Policy and Management

Background:

• Indigenous-led cumulative effects assessment and management (CEM) is a proactive strategy for industrial impacts.
• A key challenge is linking CEM assessment and monitoring data to effective management actions.
• Tiered management triggers offer a promising approach to guide adaptive management responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, co-developed six-step method for setting tiered management triggers within an Indigenous-led CEM program.
• To demonstrate the application of this method in a community-based setting.

Main Methods:

• Co-developed a six-step method with the Metlakatla First Nation.
• Applied the method through community workshops to select triggers for specific values (butter clams, housing, food, social, and ceremonial activity).
• Utilized participatory frameworks, including structured decision-making and collaborative planning.

Main Results:

• Successfully established tiered management triggers for selected values through a values-focused process.
• Demonstrated that community engagement, informed by scientific research and local knowledge, can effectively set management triggers.
• The co-developed method facilitated social choice in defining triggers.

Conclusions:

• The novel six-step method enables the successful establishment of tiered management triggers in Indigenous-led CEM.
• Community engagement and participatory approaches are crucial for linking CEM information to management actions.
• This approach supports adaptive management and the restoration of valued ecosystem components and social well-being.