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Transformations for Sustainable Development

Institute forSocial-Ecological

Research

ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyTel. 069 707 69 19-0, Fax 069 707 69 [email protected], www.isoe.de/enhttps://twitter.com/isoewikom

Dr. Thomas Jahn PD Dr. Diana Hummel Dr. Engelbert Schramm

ISOE is a nonprofit research organization and one of the leading independent sustainability research institutes. For 25 years we have been developing a scientific basis for decision making and forwardlooking concepts for policy makers, civil society and business leaders – regionally, nationally and internationally.

The focal points of our social-ecological transdisciplinary research are water, energy and mobility. AtISOE we investigate how these issues are related, how they are affected by global developments suchas urbanization, climate change, biodiversity loss and demographic change, and what this all means,for example, for the sustainable conversion of utility infrastructures. In the course of our research weassume a critical attitude in order to ensure that today’s solutions do not become tomorrow’s problems.

It is very important for us to share our research results both with other scientists and the broadersociety, and to have them discussed by both. And that is another reason why we want to introduceyou to ISOE with this brochure. For our work we are looking forward to receiving new, stimulatingimpulses from our readers.

ISOE Executive Board

More than 25 Years of Researchfor Sustainable Development

Globally we are facing unprecedented social-ecological crises such as loss of biodiversity, landdegradation or climate change. These kinds ofdifficult problems require fundamental transfor-mations for sustainable development in all partsof society. To cope with these new and challeng-ing problems we need new knowledge in order toanswer the following central question: how cancrisis-prone societal relations to nature be recog-nized, understood and then responded to?

We look for answers by employing social-eco-logical transdisciplinary research. Our work con-tributes to an understanding of social-ecologicalsystems, an assessment of crises situations andthe creation of suitable pathways towards trans-formations for a sustainable development. Trans-disciplinary means that we take both the find-ings of various disciplines and the experienceand knowledge of stakeholders into considera-tion. Methods suitable for these integrationprocesses are continuously subject to further de-velopment.

Our work focuses on the subject areas ‘water’,‘energy’, and ‘mobility’. We examine the extentto which these topics are connected, how they

are influenced by global developments such asurbanization, climate change, loss of bio diversityand demographic changes and go on to ask, forexample, what all this means for a sustainablemodification of supply infrastructures.

Social ecology as the science of societal relationsto nature provides the theoretical basis for ourresearch projects. That way, social-ecologicaltransdisciplinary research integrates basic sci-ence and applied scientific research, always re-maining focused on solutions to practical prob-lems of everyday life. For example, one ISOE focal point is assessing the extent to which lifestyles or every day routines influence sustainableconsumption or how changes in behavior can reduce the pollutants being released into the environment. ISOE is continuously developingits scientific foundation for implementation intransdisciplinary projects. We also draw upstrategies for the transfer of knowledge, viawhich we aim to support joint learning processeswithin science, society, and politics in their ef-forts to move towards sustainability.

Transdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Development

ISOE-model of the transdisciplinary research process

Read more

Jahn, Thomas/Matthias Bergmann/Florian Keil (2012): Transdisciplinarity: Between mainstreaming and marginalization. Ecological Economics, Vol. 79, 1–10 dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2012.04.017

Jahn, Thomas (2014): Science for Sustainable Development Requires a Critical Orientation (originally published in German language inGAIA 22/1 (2013), 29–33) http://de.scribd.com/doc/ 226742770/Science-for-Sustainable-Development-Requires-a-Critical-Orientation

Water Resources andLand UseClimate change and changing land use alongwith demographic and economic developmentsare all exerting growing pressure on fresh waterresources. At the same time, increasing demand isleading to shortages and land-use conflicts. Thisresults in considerable risks to society and eco -systems. In seeking to develop sustainable solu-tion strategies, ISOE investigates how an inte-grated management of water and land resourcescan be organised, given the complex social-eco-logical interactions. The application and furtherdevelopment of methods and concepts play a vital role in this respect, for example modelling,impact assessment and scenarios as well as workdealing with the concept of social-ecological sys-tems and vulnerability.

Contact personStefan [email protected]

Research unitSelected literature

Liehr, Stefan/Oliver Schulz /ThomasKluge/Alexander Jokisch (2015): Watersecurity and climate adaptation throughstorage and reuse. ISOE Policy Brief1/2015, ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecolog-ical Research, Frankfurt /Main, Germany

Lütkemeier, Rober/Stefan Liehr (2015):Impact of drought on the inhabitants ofthe Cuvelai watershed: A qualitative ex-ploration. In: Joaquin Andreu et al. (Eds.):Drought: Research and Science-PolicyInterfacing. London, 41–48

Kluge, Thomas (2014): Water Reuse, Rain -water Harvesting and Decentralizationas Elements to Mitigate the Water Crisisin Israel and the Middle East Region. In:Hubertus Fischer et al. (Eds.): Environ-mental Policy and Landscape Architec-ture. CGL-Studies 18. Munich, 257–274

Woltersdorf, Laura/Stefan Liehr/RuthScheidegger/Petra Döll (2014): Small-scale water reuse for urban agriculturein Namibia: Modeling water flows andproductivity. Urban Water Journal 12 (5): 414–429

Polak, Mathias/Stefan Liehr (2012): The-oretical reflections about the analysis of water governance in coupled social-ecological systems. In: Ibrahima Anne(Ed.): Water Governance – Challenges inAfrica: Hydro-optimism or hydro-pessi -mism? CEAUP Studies on Africa, Vol. 2.Bern/Berlin /Bruxelles/Frankfurt amMain/NewYork/Oxford/Wien, 65–80

Sample project

SASSCAL – Water and food security in southern Africa

The setting up of the regional science centreSASSCAL (Southern African Science Service Cen-tre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Man-agement) is a joint initiative by the countries An-gola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africaand Germany. The aim of the centre is to under-take cross-border research into the consequencesof global change in southern Africa and therebyidentify an appropriately sustainable path of de-velopment. As part of the initiative, ISOE con-ducts research into the impacts of drought on thewater and food safety of the population based onthe cross-border Cuvelai catchment area in south-ern Angola and northern Namibia. ISOE drawshere on its years of experience from the CuveWa-ters project.

Research approachPronounced seasonal rainy and dry seasons arethe trademark of the Cuvelai catchment area. Ex-treme events such as flooding and droughts areregular occurrences and a characteristic feature ofthe region. In the past, droughts lasting for sev-eral years have triggered food crises for severalhundred thousand people, creating a need forstate and international aid measures. The inhabi-tants of the region are nonetheless able to copewith the respective risks to some extent by adapt-ing their ways of life. Against this background,the team of researchers develops tools to helpwith decision-making and reduce risk. The prob-lem is approached from a multidisciplinary per-

spective: analysis includes the geographical pa-rameters of a drought situation (such as reducedprecipitation, lack of soil moisture, and dimin-ished vegetation activity), socio-economic vari-ables (such as consumer patterns and financialcapacities), along with infrastructure and institu-tional frame conditions.

Provision of decision-making aidsISOE works with local authorities and social ac-tors in using empirical data to gain a differenti-ated spatial understanding and illustrate the riskto domestic households. With this objective inmind, the team developed a synthetic indicator(Household Drought Vulnerability Indicator –HDVI) which links geographical drought parame-ters to societal variables, thus enabling identifica-tion of areas at high risk. This tool offers deci-sion-makers a basis from which to initiate aidmeasures in cases of emergency and respond toneeds by means of long-term adaptive measures.➜ www.sasscal.org

Contact person Stefan Liehr, [email protected]

Project partners Germany Universities of Hamburg, BremenHannover, Jeny, Trier and Marburg; Climate Service Center 2.0Hamburg; Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.DLR); German Federal Institute for Geosciences and NaturalResources (BGR), Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD)

Project partners Namibia & AngolaMinistry for Agriculture,Water and Forestry, Windhoek (MAWF); Cuvelai-Etosha BasinManagement Committee, Outapi (CEBMC); Rural DevelopmentCenter, Ongwediva (RDC); Private University of Angola (UPRA)

Funding German Federal Ministry of Education and Research(BMBF), Framework Programme Research for Sustainable Development (FONA)

Methods used:

Empirical research

Target groups/ lifestyles

Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment

Institutional analysis

Stakeholder processes

Water Infrastructureand Risk AnalysesWater management is facing major challengesworldwide: dated infrastructures of limited flexi-bility are jeopardising efficiency and sustainabil-ity. Furthermore, increasing levels of critical sub-stances are being measured in our ground- anddrinking water. ISOE comes up with innovativeconcepts of how to sustainably reconstruct infra-structures and adapt them to changing circum-stances. We also develop methods of weighing upcomplex risks and devise strategies to minimisethem. It is our aim to generate knowledge whichis relevant for stakeholders working towards inte-grated water management.

Contact personMartina [email protected]


Brandmayr, Caterina/Heide Kerber/Martina Winker/Engelbert Schramm(2015): Impact assessment of emissionmanagement strategies of the pharma-ceuticals Metformin and Metoprolol tothe aquatic environment using Bayesiannetworks. Science of the Total Environ-ment, 532, 605–616

Winker, Martina/Sabine Kunkel /ArashDavoudi /Jörg Felmeden/Heide Kerber/Engelbert Schramm/Jan Trapp (2014):Heat and water recovery from waste-water in a passive house – scaling upfrom building to district level. In: Pro-ceedings of IWA World Water Congress,21–26 September 2014, Lisbon, Portugal

Hummel, Diana/Cedric Janowizc/Alex -andra Lux (2013): Demographic changes,sustainability and the regulation of watersupply systems. In: Bernd Siebenhüner/Marlen Arnold/Klaus Eisenack et al.(Eds.): Long-term governance for social-ecological change. Routledge Researchin Environmental Politics. London/NewYork, 112–126

Felmeden, Jörg/Engelbert Schramm(2012): Towards more resilient water in-frastructure. In: K.-O. Zimmermann (Ed.):Resilient Cities 2, Cities and Adaptationto Climate Change – Proceedings oft heGlobal Forum, Dordrecht, 177–186

Götz, Konrad/Corinne Benzing/JuttaDeffner/Florian Keil (2012): HandbookCommunication strategies for shapingenvironmental awareness in the han-dling of pharmaceutical drugs. ISOE-Studientexte No. 16, Frankfurt am Main

Sample project

KREIS – Innovative municipal waste-water system in ‘Jenfelder Au’

The innovative drainage and energy-generatingconcept HAMBURG WATER Cycle® is being im-plemented in a new urban district of the city ofHamburg. ISOE is analysing the scheme in termsof user behaviour, cooperation management andsustainability.

Research approachThe quarter ‘Jenfelder Au’ comprising around 630new residential units is being developed on thesite of former military barracks. The novel waste-water concept foresees the separate draining andtreatment of the toilet effluents (blackwater) andthe other domestic wastewater (greywater). This iscoupled with an innovative energy-generatingconcept. The goal of KREIS is to provide prepara-tory surveys to support the planning and con-struction process along with the actual startingup of the technical systems by HAMBURGWASSER. Upon completion of this project phase,the partners are planning to provide scientificback-up during the operation phase in a subse-quent project.

Perception by residentsISOE is responsible for socio-technical analysesof user behaviour and a sustainability analysis.The researchers capture the needs of future resi-dents regarding water. Wishes, expectations andrequirements are inquired at an early stage, sothat they can be considered in the planning. Theresearchers have a special focus on investigatingthe acceptance of vacuum toilets. The results were

integrated in the manual for vacuum drainagewhich informs architects, fitters and plumbers onthe correct planning, construction and installa-tion of such systems to guarantee high qualitystandards and avoid inconveniences.

Cooperation managementApplying new technologies with changed mate-rial flows can lead to both modifications regard-ing the division of labour among key players anda shift of needs and motivation between involvedactors. It is vital to identify and develop the nowrequired linkages and coordination between thevarious actors in order to tap the full potential ofthese novel technologies. Therefore, cooperationmodels were developed, which could contributeto a smooth and sustainable implementation. Ac-cording to different physical and socio-economicconditions at various places of implementationthe more appropriate models are selected. Com-munication at an early stage of implementationplays a crucial role in coordinating the activitiesand interests of the different parties.➜ www.kreis-jenfeld.de/home.html

Contact person Engelbert Schramm, [email protected]

Project partners Bauhaus-Universität Weimar; HAMBURGWASSER; Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe; Solar- und Wärme-technik Stuttgart, ein Forschungszentrum der Steinbeiß-Stiftung (STW); Öko-Institut e. V.; Technische Universität Ham-burg-Harburg; Buhck Umweltservices GmbH & Co. KG; infra-nova Bauentwicklungs GmbH & Co. KG Flintenbreite Lübeck;OtterWasser GmbH; Vacusatec Vacuum Sanitärtechnik GmbH& Co. KG; Odocon GbR

Funding Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF),Funding Project “Intelligent and multifunctional infrastructuresystems for sustainable water and waste water systems (INIS)”

Methods used:

Empirical research


Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment



Energy and Climate Pro-tection in Everyday LifeMore than half of the anthropogenic greenhousegas emissions in Germany are directly or indi-rectly influenced by private households. The de-carbonisation of our carbon-based economy andsociety requires the transformation of infrastruc-tures and production systems as well as far-reaching changes in consumption patterns,lifestyles, and everyday life practices. ISOE aimsto support low carbon routines and behaviours byanalysing different approaches, potentials, con-straints, and limits for change. Housing as an en-ergy-intensive need area constitutes a major fo-cus here, as does the question of how behaviouralchange and social innovations can contribute to-wards a climate-friendly and sustainable trans-formation of the energy system.

Contact personImmanuel Stieß[email protected]


Schuldt-Baumgart, Nicola/ ImmanuelStieß (2014): Reducing Carbon Emissionsin Everyday Life. In: Elmer Lenzen (ed.):Global Compact International Yearbook2014. macondo publishing, 44–47

Stieß, Immanuel /Elisa Dunkelberg(2013): Objectives, barriers and occa-sions for energy efficient refurbishmentby private homeowners. Journal ofCleaner Production, Vol. 48, 250–259

Weiß, Julika/ Immanuel Stieß/StefanZundel (2012): Motives for and barriersto energy-efficient refurbishment of re -sidential dwellings. In: Rico Defila /An-tonietta Di Giulio /Ruth Kaufmann-Hayoz(Eds.): The Nature of Sustainable Con-sumption and How to Achieve it. Resultsfrom the Focal Topic “From Knowledgeto Action – New Paths towards Sustain-able Consumption”. Munich, 65–180

Zundel, Stefan/ Immanuel Stieß (2011):Beyond profitability of energy savingmeasures – Attitudes towards energysaving. Journal of Consumer Policy 34,91–105

Sample project

KlimaAlltag – low carbon lifestyles in the zero emissions city

The “KlimaAlltag” project is investigating lowcarbon lifestyles in different social strata. The focus is on mobility, nutrition, home living andhousehold energy consumption.

Research approachThe transdisciplinary researcher team working onKlimaAlltag examined how everyday routines indifferent social classes can be changed, and howclimate-friendly ways of life can be supported.ISOE supervised the joint project.

Field testingA field test in Cologne headed by the ConsumerAssociation of North Rhine-Westphalia involved“climate households” from different milieus andsocial strata voluntarily reducing their CO2 emis-sions. They received pertinent advice over a pe-riod of six months along with scientific back-upto help with implementing suitable measures. Theresearch team of ISOE interviewed the “climatehouseholds” on drivers and obstacles experiencedas they seek to change their everyday routines.

Empirical survey Furthermore, the ISOE team conducted a stan-dardized survey in the cities of Frankfurt/Mainand Munich with 2.002 participants. The surveyshowed that most interviewees are aware of theimportance of climate-friendly behaviour. How-ever, a segmentation according to the extent ofactual climate-friendly behaviour showed: only

20 per cent succeeded in implementing climate-friendly practices coherently in the areas of en-ergy use, mobility and nutrition.

Potentials and social impact of climate policy tools Based on the examples of Frankfurt/Main andMunich, the scientists investigated suitable pro-grammes and tools with which the local authori-ties could offer socially just support in bringingabout climate-neutral lifestyles. To this end, thestandardized survey explored, whether or not themunicipal climate policy tools and measures areactually taken on board. The Institute for Ecolog-ical Economic Research (IÖW) was analysing theefficacy and efficiency of the climate policy toolsalready in place. How measures to protect the cli-mate affect households on low incomes was in-vestigated by the University of Graz. ➜ www.isoe.de/en/klimaalltag

Contact person Immanuel Stieß, [email protected]

Coperation partners Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-WestfalenConsumer Association of North-Rhine-Westphalia; Institute forEcological Economic Research (IÖW); Institute of Sociology atthe University of Graz

Practice partners Energy Agency Frankfurt am Main; Depart-ment of Urban Planning and Building Regulation Munich

Funding Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF),Funding Programme Social-Ecological Research

Methods used:

Empirical research


Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment



Mobility and UrbanSpacesTraffic flows are increasing – which means an in-crease in familiar negative consequences of traf-fic for society and the environment. But it is notjust transport and mobility that manifest non-sustainable dynamics; different forms of urbansettlement are also an issue. ISOE develops socio-ecological design concepts by asking how trafficcan be reduced while still serving the basic needfor mobility, and exploring possible forms of sus-tainable urban development and land use. Specialattention is paid to the social and socio-culturaldimension of technological and social innova-tions. Empirical social research methods and thesocial-ecological lifestyle concept play an impor-tant role – for example in analysing traffic be-haviour and mobility, or with respect to the qual-ity of stay in urban areas.

Contact personJutta [email protected]


Deffner, Jutta/Tomas Hefter (2015): Sus-tainable mobility cultures and the role ofcycling planning professionals. ISOEPolicy Brief, No. 3 /2015. ISOE – Institutefor Social-Ecological Research (ed.).Frankfurt am Main

Götz, Konrad/Jutta Deffner/ThomasKlinger (2015): Mobilitätsstile und Mobi -litätskulturen – Erklärungspotentiale,Rezeption und Kritik. In: Oliver Schöller /Weert Canzler /Andreas Knie (Hg.):Handbuch Verkehrspolitik. Wiesbaden

Götz, Konrad (2014): Traffic Mobility. In:A.C. Michalos (ed.): Encyclopedia ofQuality of Life Research. Dordrecht

Roßnagel, Alexander/Christoph Ewen/Konrad Götz /Tomas Hefter /Anja Hent -schel /Antonia Huge/Carla Schönfelder(2014): Mit Interessengegensätzen fairumgehen – zum Einbezug der Öffentlich -keit in Entscheidungsprozesse zu dezen-tralen Energieanlagen. ZNER Zeitschriftfür Neues Energierecht, 4, 329–337

Stieß, Immanuel /Christian Dehmel /Georg Sunderer (2013): Promoting LowCarbon Lifestyles among Urban Popula-tions: Status quo and Opportunities forChanging Everyday Routines. Confer-ence Proceedings. ERSCP & EMSU Conference. Istanbul

Sample project

MobileLiving – Innovative Home and Mobility Services

The research project aims to develop and testmodels for joint mobility and home services aswell as land use. In the course of the project, themodels will also be developed, tested and as-sessed with regard to their economic viability andtheir ecologic and social impact.

Research approachThe project initiates a knowledge brokerageprocess between joint housing initiatives andhousing companies. Innovative ideas from jointhousing and mobility concepts are going to bedesigned to be compatible and economically vi-able. Furthermore, the research project offers aknowledge pool containing promising ideas andconcepts. In order to systemize scopes for actionand innovation and make them utilizable, frame-work conditions and practised business models,existing offers and organizational forms will beanalysed. The empirical analytic dimensions in-clude practices in new buildings or already exist-ing housing stock, user demand and behaviourand settlement structure.

Implementation in real-life laboratoriesThe core of the project is the transdisciplinary de-velopment of specific concepts for practice part-ners which will then be implemented (real-lifelaboratories). The concepts will be developed inteams consisting of research and practice part-ners. Then measures developed for home and mo-bility services will be locally implemented by thehousing initiatives resp. housing companies. Theexperiences made in the real-life laboratories will

subsequently be assessed. As far as possible, theservices implemented will be empirically analysedwith regard to their ecological, social/sociocul-tural and economical sustainability impact. Con-cepts that offer potential to be marketed will beclassified with respect to their viability and com-patibility for existing business models.

BackgroundCurrently, initiatives for innovative forms ofhousing are emerging in many places. Often, sus-tainability is playing an important role: there is afocus on exchange, jointly shared facilities aswell as the aim to develop affordable housing forseveral generations. The initiatives emphasizeecological aspects with their desire for environ-mentally friendly mobility or resource efficiency.On the other hand, housing companies are ad-dressing the mainstream with their proven hous-ing concepts. Creative impulses are rarely consid-ered. There is hardly any exchange between inno-vative housing initiatives and commercial actorsfrom the building societies: From the building so-cieties’ perspective the joint models often do notseem to be marketable. A social-ecological trans-formation in the field of housing and mobility istherefore currently rather taking place in niches.➜ www.isoe.de/en/mobile-living

Contact person Jutta Deffner, [email protected]

Project partners Bundesverband Baugemeinschaften e.V.,Freiburg; Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Heidelberg; Öko-Institut e.V. Berlin; Technical University ofKaiserslautern, Department of Real Estate Economics; BauhilfePrimasens GmbH; Baugemeinschaft Wohnen am HochdammTreptow, Berlin; Bergedorf-Bille Baugenossenschaft, Hamburg;Communale e.V., Heidelberg; Deutsche Wohnen AG, Berlin;GBS Gemeinnützige Baugenossenschaft Speyer

Funding Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF),Funding Programme Social-Ecological Research

Methods used:

Empirical research


Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment



Biodiversity and PeopleBiological diversity is pivotal for the provision ofecosystem services and human well-being. Theconcept of ecosystem services embraces all theeconomic, ecological, cultural and social benefitsfrom biodiversity to society. Population dynamicssuch as migration or urbanisation impact on bio-diversity via (changing) utilisation, perceptionand valuation of ecosystem services. We regardthis interface as a social-ecological system link-ing society with Nature. Our empirical focus is onthe change of ecosystem services and the corre-sponding effects on population dynamics, for ex-ample on migration. We also investigate the ef-fects of societal changes (e.g. urbanisation,shrinking population) on the provision of ecosys-tem services and forms of perception and valua-tion of ecosystem services.

Contact personMarion [email protected]


Hummel, Diana (2015): Climate change,land degradation and migration in Maliand Senegal – some policy implications.Migration and Development

Hauck, Jennifer /Burkhard Schweppe-Kraft /Christian Albert /Christoph Görg/Kurt Jax/Rita Jensen/Christine Fürst /Joachim Maes/ Irene Ring/ Iva Hönigo -vá/Benjamin Burkhard/Marion Mehring/Maria Tiefenbach/Karsten Grunewald/Markus Schwarzer/Julian Meurer/MarioSommerhäuser/Jörg A. Priess/JennySchmidt /Adrienne Grêt-Regamey (2013):The Promise of the Ecosystem ServicesConcept for Planning and Decision-Making. GAIA 4/2013, 232–236

Hummel, Diana/Susanna Adamo/Alexde Sherbinin/Laura Murphy/RimjhimAggarwal /Leo Zulu/Jianguo Liu/KyleKnight (2013): Inter- and transdisciplinaryapproaches to population-environmentresearch for sustainability aims: a review and appraisal. Population andEnvironment, 34 (4), 481–509

Land, Victoria van der/Diana Hummel(2013): Vulnerability and the Role of Education in Environmentally InducedMigration in Mali and Senegal. Ecology& Society, 18 (4), 14

Mehring, Marion (2013): How to FrameSocial-Ecological Biodiversity Research –A Methodological Comparison betweentwo Approaches of Social-EcologicalSystems. In: Jan Friedrich/Aurélie Hals-band/Lisa Minkmar (Eds.): Biodiversityand Society: Societal Dimension of theConservation and Utilization of Biologi-cal Diversity. Conference Proceedings.14.–16.11.2012. Göttingen, 91–98

Sample project

West African Savannahs as Social-Ecological Supply Systems

Based on findings from research on the social-ecological conditions of migratory process in theWest-African Sahel, the project focusses on theinfluence of ecosystems on the human well-beingand on the mobility patterns of the local popula-tion in the West African Savannah. The researchproject is part of the cooperation with the Bio -diversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F). InBiK-F, interactions between changes in biodiver-sity and climate are investigated.

Research approachPrevious research about interactions between cli-mate change, land degradation and mobility re-vealed that in the West African Sahel, migrationis deeply rooted in history and culture representsa traditional strategy to cope with harsh environ-mental conditions. Since agriculture is the mostimportant source of income in rural areas, thelivelihoods are highly affected by shifting rainfallpatterns and ecosystem degradation. Given theseconditions, migration can be one of severalstrategies to cope with negative effects of envi-ronmental changes. However, motives for migra-tion are manifold and cannot be reduced to anadaptation strategy to environmental changes.Most people move temporarily from rural to ur-ban areas within the countries or the region andkeep strong ties to their rural home communities.Based on these findings, the project investigatesthe relationship between biodiversity, ecosystemservices and the mobility of the population. Re-search questions are: What is the significance of

ecosystem services for the generation of income,food security and health? In which way dochanges of biodiversity affect the mobility of thepopulation? What are the effects of mobility onbiodiversity and ecosystem services? Apart fromregulating and provisioning ecosystem services,there will be a special focus on cultural ecosystemservices for human well-being. The first will be apreliminary study based on desktop research andsecondary analysis of existing data. The aim is todevelop a concept for a further transdisciplinaryempirical study in the West African Savannah.

BackgroundDebates about climate-induced migratory move-ments frequently highlight West African Saheland Savannah as regions of concern. However,findings from recent empirical research suggestno evidence for increasing population movementstowards Europe as direct result of environmentaland climate change. They illustrate that the con-nection between environmental changes and mi-gration greatly depends on the local context, thekind of environmental changes and the socio-cul-tural structures. However, there is still a lack ofknowledge about the connection between biodi-versity, ecosystem services and the mobility ofthe population, and their effects on the humanwell-being. This knowledge is crucial for develop-ing options for sustainable regional development. ➜ www.isoe.de/en/savannahs

Contact person Diana Hummel, [email protected]

Cooperation partner Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Natur-forschung (SGN), Frankfurt /Main; Goethe University Frankfurt

Funding Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN);own project of ISOE

Methods used:

Empirical research

Target groups/lifestyles

Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment



Transdisciplinary Methods and ConceptsTransdisciplinary research poses challenges forresearchers and other knowledge holders alike.Theoretical framing, basic methodologies, and es-tablished approaches are put into a new context,which makes interdisciplinary integration a keytask. ISOE develops scientific and practice-relatedfoundations for transdisciplinary research andexamines how research and cognitive processeschange when applied to problems in the contextof sustainable development. Furthermore, we de-velop theoretical, conceptual and methodologicalprinciples that facilitate at the same time high-quality science and social impact within transdis-ciplinary research processes.

Contact personAlexandra [email protected]


Jahn, Thomas (2015): Theory of Sustain-ability? Considerations on a Basic Un-derstanding of “Sustainability Science”.In: Judith C. Enders/Moritz Remig (Eds.):Theories of Sustainable Development.Routledge Studies in Sustainable Devel-opment. London/New York, 30–42

Jahn, Thomas/Florian Keil (2015): An actor-specific guideline for quality assurance in transdisciplinary research.Futures, 65, 195–208

Jahn, Thomas (2014): Science for Sus-tainable Development Requires a CriticalOrientation. http://de.scribd.com/doc/226742770/Science-for-Sustainable-Development-Requires-a-Critical-Orien-tation (this article was originally pub-lished in German language in GAIA 22/1(2013), 29–33)

Hummel, Diana/Cedric Janowicz/Alexandra Lux (2013): Demographicchanges, sustainability and the regula-tion of supply systems. In: Bernd Sieben-hüner et al. (Eds.): Long-Term Governancefor Social-Ecological Change. RoutledgeResearch in Environmental Politics. Lon-don/New York, 112–126

Bergmann, Matthias/Thomas Jahn/Tobias Knobloch/Wolfgang Krohn/Christian Pohl /Engelbert Schramm(2012): Methods for Transdisciplinary Research. A Primer for Practice. Frankfurt /New York

Sample project

Biodiversity and Climate: Transdisci-plinarity in Biodiversity Research

Together with the Senckenberg Biodiversity andClimate Research Centre (BiK-F) ISOE is investi-gating the impact of reduced biodiversity on theprovision of society with ecosystem services. Theresearch unit Transdisciplinary Methods and Con-cepts is coordinating the cooperation with BiK-F.

Research approachWith its work based on the natural sciences,(BiK-F) follows the geo-biodiversity approachwhich combines the classification and recordingof biodiversity with the significance of biodiver-sity within the system earth. ISOE’s transdiscipli-nary contributions are supporting this researchapproach by social-ecological analyses of inter-actions between biosphere and geosphere and byintegrating the societal requirements for knowl-edge into research, application and communica-tion. Inter- and transdisciplinary concepts andmethods are being developed that enable a dia-logue on biodiversity and ecosystem services aswell as on the effects of human interventions onecosystems and the role of climate change.

Ecosystem services as integrative conceptThe concept of ecosystem services captures values(economic, ecologic, cultural and social) thatecosystems provide for society. By also integrat-ing the societal perspective of these values intothe observation and management of social-eco-logical systems, not only can the knowledgegained from natural sciences be linked to socio-scientific findings but scientific and non-scien-tific expertise can be joined as well. The aim is to

integrate ecosystem services into an approach ofsocial-ecological systems in a way that the provi-sion of society with ecosystem services can bepresented and analysed. Therefore, these servicesare being further developed as an integrativeconcept. Currently, the focus of research is on thequestion of how human well-being that is ex-pected by the use of ecosystem services can betheoretically and conceptually captured. The aimis to develop the concept in such a manner thatthe complexity of the provision of benefits aswell as the values and assessments can be de-scribed in an adequate way.

Communication and transfer of biodiversity knowledgeThe integrative methods of a social-ecologicalbiodiversity research require a transdisciplinarydialogue on biodiversity and the effects of socie-tal activities on ecosystems. The according re-search is situated an area of various overlappingscientific disciplines as well as at the interfacesbetween science and society (inter- and transdis-ciplinarity). From this, the necessity of a knowl-edge transfer arises between the scientific disci-plines and between science and society. The aimis to develop the scientific bases for this knowl-edge transfer and to examine and generalize themethods used therefor. In this context, knowledgetransfer is not just understood as the communica-tion of results but mainly as joint learning that ispart of the problem orientated research process. ➜ www.bik-f.de

Contact person Thomas Jahn, [email protected]

Project partners Senckenberg Research Institute and NaturalHistory Museum, Frankfurt /Main; Goethe University Frankfurt

Funding Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN);own project of ISOE

Methods used:

Empirical research


Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment



An important property of our work is a close collaboration and an intense exchangewith the different partners from science and society. Hence we carry out our researchin regional, national and international networks and cooperatives. We combine the in-sights gained from our transdisciplinary research, then use the result to support deci-sion-making by policy makers, administrators, corporations or NGOs. In our work wesecure the integration of interests and expertise of the players involved, thus ensuringthat solutions are suitable and in fact accepted in practice.

Ecornet – Ecological Research NetworkEight pioneering institutes in sustainability research have joined together to form the“Ecological Research Network” (Ecornet), a network of non-university, non-profit Ger-man research institutes focusing on environmental and sustainability research. Theircommon mission: to create a scientific foundation for the societal transformation to sus-tainability. The Ecornet institutes conduct applied research across the borders of scien-tific disciplines regarding ways to achieve a post-fossil and post-nuclear society.

Ecornet aims to open up the scientific disciplines to the social-ecological questions thatwill characterize the 21st century. The network, founded in July 2011, includes eight re-search institutes that focus on transdisciplinary sustainability research:

n Ecologic Instituten Ifeu – Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Researchn Institute for Ecological Economy Researchn ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Researchn IZT – Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessmentn Öko-Institute – Institute for Applied Ecologyn Independent Institute for Environmental Issuesn Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy

Working in Networks – National and Worldwide

AGRION Global Network for Energyand Sustainability

A Long-Term Biodiversity, Ecosystemand Awareness Research Network(ALTER-Net)

Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission (DUK),Fachausschuss Wissenschaft

Deutsches Komitee für Nachhaltig-keitsforschung in Future Earth

European Platform for Biodiversity and Research Strategy (EPBRS)

European Roundtable on SustainableConsumption and Production (ERSCP)

European Society for Ecological Economics (ESEE)

German Water Partnership (GWP)

Intergovernmental Platform on Biodi-versity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

International Association of Travel Behaviour Research (IATBR)

International Network for Interdiscipli-narity and Transdisciplinarity (INIT)

International Society for EcologicalEconomics (ISEE)

International Union for the ScientificStudy of Population (IUSSP)

International Water Association (IWA),Water Reuse Specialist Group

Network for Transdisciplinary Research (Td-net )

Population-Environment ResearchNetwork (PERN)

Scientists for Cycling Network of theECF (European Cyclists Federation)

SCORE! Sustainable Consumption Research Exchange

Swiss National Research Fund, Steering Committee of the NationalResearch Program 71

West African Savannahsas Social-Ecological Supply Systemswww.isoe.de/en/savannahs

IWRM in Isfahan –Sustainable Water Management in Iranwww.isoe.de/en/isfahan

Evaluation of the Interna-tional Water StewardshipProgram (IWaSP)www.isoe.de/en/iwasp

micle – Climate Change,Changes to the Environ-ment, and Migrationwww.micle-project.net

Semizentral – Infrastruc -ture Systems for Cities Ex-periencing Rapid Growthwww.isoe.de/en/semizentral

SASSCAL – Water-relatedVulnerabilities and Risk inSouthern Africawww.sasscal.org

OPTIMASS – Sustain ableManagement of Savannah-ecosystemswww.optimass.org

CuveWaters – IntegratedWater Resources Management in Namibiawww.cuvewaters.net

More than 100 researchprojects in Germany/EUwww.isoe.de/en/projects

Organization

Executive BoardThomas Jahn (Spokesperson) Diana HummelEngelbert Schramm

Knowledge Communicationand Public RelationsNicola Schuldt-Baumgart

Science CoordinationVanessa Aufenanger

Internal ServicesFinance and Personnel;Office Management and Publications;IT, Organization and LibraryFrank Schindelmann

ConsultancyKonrad Götz

Academic Cooperation and Qualification of Young ScientistsDiana Hummel

Research UnitsWater Resources and Land Use Stefan Liehr

Water Infrastructure and Risk AnalysesMartina Winker

Energy and Climate Protection in Everyday Life Immanuel Stieß

Mobility and Urban Spaces Jutta Deffner

Biodiversity and PeopleMarion Mehring

Transdisciplinary Methods and Concepts Alexandra Lux

Facts & Figures

Milestones

1989The Institute starts its work: first projectsfor the City of Frank-furt and Greenpeace

1994/95First transdisciplinaryprojects on water andmobility; first interna-tional project and amilestone in the sus-tainability debate:Sustainability as aConcept in the SocialSciences, conductedon behalf of UNESCO

2000ISOE receives theSwiss Transdisci -plinarity Award forexcellent transdis -ciplinary researchprojects

2006Publication of the seminal book: Social Ecology: Outline of a Scienceof Societal Relationsto Nature

2011ISOE further developsthe social-ecologicalapproach to climateresearch: Start of theprojects “Klima Alltag“and “micle – Migra-tion, Climate & Envi-ronment in the Sahel”

2012ISOE is co-initiator ofthe memorandum onthe development ofSocial-Ecological Research in Germany “Understanding –Evaluating – Shaping.TransdisciplinaryKnowledge for a Sustainable Society”

2014ISOE celebrates its25th anniversary;ISOE-Conference“Lost in the Anthro-pocene”

1989 2015

Staff: 50

More than125 researchprojects completed

Budget:EUR 3.5 million

in 2014

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Editors

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ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research

Nicola Schuldt-Baumgart (ISOE)

Harry Kleespies (ISOE)

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Institut für sozial-ökologische Forschung (ISOE) gGmbH

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October 2015


Institute forSocial-Ecological

Research

ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyTel. 069 707 69 19-0, Fax 069 707 69 [email protected], www.isoe.de/enhttps://twitter.com/isoewikom

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