Applying Transdisciplinary Thinking to Pastoral Livelihoods and Environments

Area of Science:

• Systems Thinking
• Environmental Science
• Social Science

Background:

• Transdisciplinary thinking is a continuum within systems thinking, distinct from multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches.
• It uniquely begins with problem-structuring in real-world contexts involving human-biophysical interactions and competing objectives.
• Pastoral systems, with intersecting livelihoods and environmental concerns and multiple stakeholders, are particularly suited for transdisciplinary approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the application and challenges of transdisciplinary thinking in complex pastoral systems.
• To demonstrate how transdisciplinary thinking facilitates communication and policy generation despite methodological difficulties.
• To illustrate the relevance of transdisciplinary approaches using contrasting case studies.

Main Methods:

• Comparative case study analysis of pastoral systems.
• Qualitative problem-structuring based on contextual understanding.
• Examination of stakeholder interactions within human-biophysical systems.

Main Results:

• Transdisciplinary thinking provides a vital framework for addressing complex issues in pastoral systems where human and environmental factors are intertwined.
• Integration within transdisciplinary thinking and action is challenging due to the lack of quantitative methodologies for human and biophysical complexities.
• Case studies from New Zealand and Qinghai highlight complex property rights and resource constraints with planetary environmental implications.

Conclusions:

• Transdisciplinary thinking is essential for navigating complex pastoral systems and fostering constructive dialogue.
• Despite integration challenges, this approach offers a robust framework for policy development in human-biophysical contexts.
• The planetary implications of local pastoral systems underscore the need for transdisciplinary problem-solving.