Transformations for Sustainable Development

Institute forSocial-Ecological

Research

2

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, nutrition andmobility. At ISOE we investigate how these issues are related, how they are affected by global devel-opments such as urbanization, climate change, biodiversity loss and demographic change, and whatthis all means, for example, for the sustainable conversion of utility infrastructures. In the course ofour research we assume 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

25 Years of Research for 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’, ‘nutrition’, and ‘mobility’. We examinethe extent to which these topics are connected,

how they are influenced by global developmentssuch as urbanization, climate change, loss of bio -diversity and demographic changes and go on toask, for example, what all this means for a sus-tainable modification 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 and implementing it intransdisciplinary projects. Furthermore, we drawup strategies for the transfer of knowledge.

Transdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Development

society

research object

new knowledge

science

transdisciplinary Integration

resultsresults

societaldiscourse

scientific discourse

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 UseWater impacts the entire Earth system: land andsoil, the climate, human beings, biodiversity, andenergy. Hence it is important to view water re-sources management from an integrative perspec-tive, one that takes account of influences from local, regional and global dynamics. And withwater being scarce, it is a resource that must beused and managed sustainably, particularly inarid countries. To this end, ISOE carries out impact assessments, applies modelling techniquesand develops scenarios. We also manage and co-ordinate international projects on integratedwater resources management (IWRM).

Contact personStefan Liehrliehr@isoe.de

Research unitSelected literature

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

Liehr, Stefan/Julia Röhrig (2012): Model-ling and Instruments for Decision Sup-port (DSS). E-Learning Modul on Inte-grated Water Resources Management.IWAS & IHP/HWRP

Kluge, Thomas (2014): Water Reuse,Rainwater Harvesting and Decentraliza-tion as Elements to Mitigate the WaterCrisis in Israel and the Middle East Re-gion. In: Hubertus Fischer/Sarah Ozacky-Lazar/Joachim Wolschke-Bulmahn(Eds.): Environmental Policy and Land-scape Architecture. CGL-Studies 18. Munich, 257–274

Woltersdorf, Laura/Alexander Jokisch/Thomas Kluge (2014): Benefits of rain -water harvesting for gardening and implications for future policy in Namibia.Water Policy, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 124–143http://www.iwaponline.com/wp/aop/

Deffner, Jutta/Thomas Kluge (2013): Par-ticipatory implementation of sanitationinfrastructure in urban areas of north-central Namibia. WHOCC Newsletter,No. 21, July 2013, 1–6

Sample project

CuveWaters – Sustainable Water Management in Namibia

The aim of CuveWaters is to promote IntegratedWater Resource Management (IWRM) in thenorthern Namibian Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. ISOE iscoordinating and managing this internationaljoint project.

Research approachCuveWaters uses a transdisciplinary approachwhereby science and technology are linked to theeveryday practical knowledge of the local people.

TechnologiesThe implemented measures are directly related to a national process towards Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). It gives the pop-ulation long-term reliable access to clean water.CuveWaters has implemented pilot plants forrain- and floodwater harvesting, groundwater de-salination, as well as facilities for sanitation andwater reuse. High quality water from the desali-nation plants is used as drinking water. Waterfrom rain- and floodwater harvesting is mainlyused for gardening purposes. Sanitation and de-salination further improve the health conditionsof people.

Social strategiesScientific components of the project are closelyinterlocked with integrative societal components.This integration is supported by a demand-responsive approach, a method specifically devel-oped for the project. It ensures social embedding

of technologies and active involvement of institu-tional players and the local population. Engineer-ing innovations are always combined with capac-ity development: local stakeholders are especiallytrained in construction, maintenance and garden-ing. Community health clubs (CHC) address ques-tions ranging from hygienic food storage to theuse of sanitary facilities and aim at reducinghealth risks. The central goal of CuveWaters dur-ing its final project phase is to ensure the takeoverof all facilities by Namibian partners and to plantthe seed for scaling-up initiatives until the projectends in 2015.

BackgroundAlmost half the Namibian population lives in theCuvelai-Etosha basin. The area is characterized byclimatic extremes: droughts and floods alternateseasonally and highly vary in intensity. Salinegroundwater deteriorates the situation of drink-ing water in many remote areas. The situation isfurther exacerbated by a high rate of populationgrowth, considerable pressure on ecosystems byland use, and on-going urbanization. ➜ www.cuvewaters.net

Contact person Alexia Krug von Nidda, krug-von-nidda@isoe.de

Project partners Germany Technische Universität Darmstadt,Institute IWAR; proaqua, Mainz; Terrawater, Kiel; Solar-InstitutJülich; IBEU, Jülich; Bilfinger Water Technologies, Hanau

Project partners NamibiaMinistry for Agriculture, Water andForestry (MAWF); Outapi Town Council; Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN); University of Namibia (UNAM); Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN); Deutsche Gesellschaft fürInterna tionale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); German Federal Institutefor Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)

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 AnalysesWorldwide water management is facing majorchallenges: dated and inadequate infrastructuresare jeopardizing efficiency and sustainability.Added to this are the increasing levels of criticalsubstances measured in ground and drinking wa-ter. ISOE comes up with innovative concepts ofhow to sustainably reconstruct infrastructuresand adapt them to changing circumstances. Wealso develop methods of weighing complex risks,as well as the strategies to minimize them. Target-group-specific communication plays an impor-tant role here.

Contact personMartina Winkerwinker@isoe.de

Research unitSelected literature

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

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

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

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

Götz, Konrad/Jutta Deffner (2010): Op-tions for a more environmentally friendlyhandling of pharmaceuticals. In: KlausKümmerer/Maximilian Hempel (Eds.):Green and Sustainable Pharmacy. Hei-delberg, 149–164

Sample project

KREIS – Innovative Municipal Waste-water System in “Jenfelder Au”

HAMBURG WATER Cycle, an innovative drainageand energy-generating concept, is being imple-mented in a new urban district of the city ofHamburg. ISOE is analysing the scheme in termsof user behavior and sustainability.

Research approachThe quarter “Jenfelder Au” comprises around 630new residential units and is being developed onthe site of former military barracks. The novelwastewater concept plans the separate draining ofthe toilet effluents (blackwater) and the other do-mestic wastewater (greywater). Coupled with thisis an innovative energy-generating concept. Thegoal of KREIS is to provide preparatory surveys tosupport the planning and construction process aswell as the actual start-up of the technical sys-tems by HAMBURG WASSER. Upon completion,the partners will continue to provide scientificoperational back-up.

Perception by residentsISOE is responsible for socio-technical analysesof user behavior and a sustainability analysis. Theresearchers capture the needs of future residentsregarding water. Information on requests, expec-tations and requirements is gathered at an earlystage, so that it can be considered in the plan-ning. The researchers focus in particular on in-vestigating the acceptance of vacuum toilets.

Operation regimesMoreover, the researchers analyse which operatormodels are particularly suitable for the operation

of the new water infrastructure. Therefore, it isnecessary to examine whether it is possible toregulate the connection of the vacuum toilets tothe public vacuum drain in the existing institu-tional framework as well as issues of service andrepair. Different business and operator models areconceivable, so that their impacts and (un)in-tended effects have to be assessed.

Implemented approachThe idea is that greywater should be treated in asemi-centralized process and then released intoneighboring urban creeks in order to improve theecological situation. The blackwater will be cap-tured in concentrated form by means of vacuumtechnology and treated in an anaerobic reactortogether with organic waste (co-substrates). Thesewage gas produced during this process is to betransformed into electricity and heat in a gas tur-bine. High-grade soil-improvement and fertilizerproducts can be made from the waste from theanaerobic reactor (digestates). ➜ www.kreis-jenfeld.de/home.html

Contact person Engelbert Schramm, schramm@isoe.de

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

Target groups/ lifestyles

Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment

Institutional analysis

Stakeholder processes

Energy and Climate Pro-tection in Everyday LifeIt is people’s everyday routines and consumptionpatterns that push up levels of carbon emissionsin our societies. In order to establish low carbonlifestyles it is important to reduce greenhousegases without compromising the quality of life.ISOE examines target group oriented ways ofpromoting low carbon technologies and practicesin areas such as energy consumption or food, in-cluding approaches feasible for low earners. Tothis end we prepare socio-empirical studies, eval-uations and impact analyses.

Contact personImmanuel Stießstiess@isoe.de

Research unitSelected literature

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

Schultz, Irmgard/ Immanuel Stieß (2008):Linking sustainable consumption toeveryday life. A social-ecological ap-proach to consumption research. In:Arnold Tukker/Martin Charter /CarloVezzoli (Eds.): Perspectives on radicalChanges to Sustainable Consumptionand Production. System Innovation forSustainability 1. Sheffield, 288–300

Sample project

KlimaAlltag – Low Carbon Lifestyles in the Zero Emissions City

The KlimaAlltag project is investigating low car-bon lifestyles in different social strata. The focusis on mobility, nutrition, home living and house-hold 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 relevant advice over a periodof six months, along with scientific back-up as an aid to implementing suitable measures. ISOE’s research team interviewed the “climate house-holds” on drivers and obstacles that were experi-enced as they were seeking to change their every-day routines.

Empirical survey Furthermore, the ISOE team conducted a stan-dardized survey in the cities of Frankfurt amMain and Munich with 2002 participants. Thesurvey showed that most interviewees are awareof the importance of climate-friendly behavior.However, a segmentation according to the extent

of actual climate-friendly behavior showed only20 per cent succeeded in coherently implement-ing climate-friendly practices in the areas of energy use, mobility and nutrition.

Potentials and social impact of climate policy tools Based on the examples of Frankfurt am 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) analyzed the effi-cacy and efficiency of the climate policy tools already in place. How measures to protect the climate affect households on low incomes was investigated by the University of Graz. ➜ www.isoe.de/en/klimaalltag

Contact person Immanuel Stieß, stiess@isoe.de

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

Target groups/ lifestyles

Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment

Institutional analysis

Stakeholder processes

Mobility and UrbanSpacesThe desire for mobility continues to grow, andwith it the consequences for people and environ-ment. It is for this reason that ISOE examines sus-tainable and post carbon ways of transformingmobility systems. Our research into mobilitystyles allows us to develop concepts for specifictarget groups. Given the fact that more and morepeople live in cities, we also work on scenariosfor future-oriented development of urban spaces.Besides analyses into the needs and acceptance ofinhabitants, we also create communication meas-ures to accompany changes in urban and mobil-ity culture.

Contact personJutta Deffnerdeffner@isoe.de

Research unitSelected literature

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

Jutta Deffner/Thomas Hefter et al.(2013): Handbook on cycling inclusiveplanning and promotion – More biking in small and medium sized towns of Central and Eastern Europe by 2020. www.mobile2020.eu

Götz, Konrad/Timo Ohnmacht (2012): Research on Mobility and Lifestyle –What are the Results? In: MargaretGrieco/John Urry (Eds.): Mobilities: newperspectives on transport and society.Farnham, 91–108

Deffner, Jutta/ Immanuel Stieß (2011):Preventive development of urban neigh-bourhoods: demand-oriented life-cyclemanagement. Full paper in REAL CORPconference proceedings. Change forStability: Lifecycles of Cities and Re-gions. Schwechat/Essen

Deffner, Jutta/Konrad Götz (2010): TheFuture of Mobility in the EU. Note. ISOE –Institute for Social-Ecological Research.European Parliament: Brussels

Sample project

mobile2020 – Promoting Cycling inCentral and Eastern Europe

The goal of mobile2020 was to put everyday cycling as a mode of transport in the focus ofplanners and decision makers in Central andEastern European countries. Therefore, the projectconducted training of professionals in the area ofcycling in the eleven participating countries.

Research approachThe approach set out to promote everyday cy-cling especially in small and medium-sized townswith a population of up to 350,000 inhabitants.The aim was to reach up to 350 local authoritiesduring the course of the project using a two-stagecapacity development procedure. The project,funded as part of the “Intelligent Energy Europe”programme, was headed by Baltic EnvironmentalForum Germany.

Training the trainersIn a first stage ISOE and the Hamburg Universityof Technology compiled a training handbook oncycling inclusive planning and promotion. In or-der to train multipliers from the eleven countries,educational seminars providing lectures, work-shops, films and excursions were conducted. Thetransferability of the promotional strategies andknowledge base had to be checked and adapted tolocal needs in the eleven partner countries. Thisstep took place under the supervision of ISOE, to-gether with the Hamburg University of Technol-ogy and two Dutch expert partners.

Setting up national working groupsIn a second stage, the trained multipliers becameactive in their respective countries. They estab-lished national working groups on cycling plan-ning and organized educational seminars for mu-nicipal staff as well as pro-cycling activities forthe wider public. Another essential task of themultipliers was the translation of the mobile2020training handbook and materials into the elevenlocal languages. In some countries it was the firsthandbook on cycling planning and promotion inthe local language.

BackgroundThe proportion of cyclists in Central and EasternEurope is decreasing further and in many citiesthere is barely any cycling infrastructure in place.Cycling is often not appreciated as a full mode ofeco-friendly transport, especially in the mindsetof planners and policy makers. In future it is im-portant to boost the proportion of cyclists, notleast in order to meet the EU energy-saving tar-gets by the year 2020.➜ www.mobile2020.eu

Contact person Jutta Deffner, deffner@isoe.de

Project partners Baltic Environmental Forum Germany (coordi-nation), Estonia and Latvia; Regional Environmental Center inPoland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgariaand Croatia and the REC Head Office in Hungary; Atgaja Com-munity, Lithuania; Hamburg University of Technology – Depart-ment of Transport, Planning and Logistics; IBC Transportvision,Utrecht (NL); Municipality of Zwolle (NL)

Funding Intelligent Energy Europe Programme, EACI (IEE)

Methods used:

Empirical research

Target groups/ lifestyles

Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment

Institutional analysis

Stakeholder processes

Population Dynamicsand SupplyThe world population is still growing and needsto secure a sustainable supply of natural re-sources in the future. The success of this endeav-our depends not only on the number of humanbeings and their different lifestyles. An equallyimportant aspect is the efficiency of supply sys-tems for food, water or energy. ISOE thereforelooks at the interactions between demographicchanges and the transformation of supply sys-tems. To this end we carry out empirical studiesand conceptual analyses. We concentrate on thedeveloping countries where climate change ren-ders supply particularly vulnerable and may lead,for example, to an increase of food insecurity.

Contact personMarion Mehringmehring@isoe.de

Research unitSelected literature

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

Mehring, Marion/Estelle Balian/Angeli -que Berhault /Engelbert Schramm (2012):Transdisciplinary Research on Biodiver-sity – Steps towards Integrated Biodiver-sity Research. ISOE/EPBRS. Frankfurtam Main/Brussels

Hummel, Diana/Susana B. Adamo/Alexde Sherbinin/Laura Murphy/RimjhimAggarwal /Leo Zulu/Jianguo Liu/KyleKnight (2013): Inter- and transdisciplinaryapproaches to population-environmentresearch for sustainability aims: A reviewand appraisal. In: Population and Envi-ronment, Vol. 34, Issue 4, 481–509

Diana Hummel/Cedric Janowic/Alexan-dra Lux (2013): Demographic changes,sustainability and the regulation of supply systems. In: Bernd Siebenhüner/Marlen Arnold/Klaus Eisenack/KlausJacob (Eds.): Long-Term Governance forSocial-Ecological Change. London/NewYork, 112–126

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

Sample project

micle – Migration, Climate and Environmental Changes in the Sahel

Coordinated by ISOE the micle project examinedsocial-ecological conditions of migratory processesin selected regions in the Sahelian countries Maliand Senegal. It investigated whether climate-re-lated changes of the environment are drivers formigratory processes.

Research approachmicle sought to generate a better understandingof the complex interactions between ecological,social, demographic, economic, and political fac-tors relevant to migration in the Sahelian regions.To meet this target, scientists generated naturalscientific data about climate change and landdegradation, and they collected social scientificdata about migration patterns and relevant politi-cal institutions. The practical goal of the projectwas to identify starting points for policy meas-ures and options for action.

Social-empirical researchThe researchers investigated temporal and spatialmigration patterns and the local population’s per-ception of environmental changes. The analyseswere carried out with villagers in the rural studyareas Bandiagara in Mali and Linguère in Sene-gal, and with migrants originating from these re-gions in the capitals Bamako and Dakar. Togetherwith colleagues from Bayreuth University, Insti-tute for Geography, the ISOE team conducted astandardized survey with more than 900 individ-uals in both countries to investigate the causes

and motives for migration. Moreover, semi-struc-tured interviews, focus groups and observationswere performed.

Natural scientific analysisThe natural-scientific part of the project com-bined remote sensing techniques with high reso-lution images and detailed fieldwork at the localscale. For example, the physical geographers fromBayreuth University analysed changes in temper-ature, rainfall patterns and vegetation trends.

Demographic researchThese different data were supplemented with demographic data on population dynamics andmigration in Senegal and Mali, particularly re-garding age, gender and level of education.

BackgroundPublic debate on climate change already assumesas fact that Europe will be confronted with a grow-ing number of “climate refugees” from Africa.However, such alarming scenarios do not draw onscientific evidence. There is still a high degree ofuncertainty and lack of knowledge of the linkagesbetween climate change, environmental degrada-tion, and migratory processes. ➜ www.micle-project.net

Contact person Diana Hummel, hummel@isoe.de

Cooperation partner Universität Bayreuth, Department of Geography

Research partner International Institute for Applied SystemAnalysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Prof. Wolfgang Lutz

FundingMinistry of Education and Research (BMBF), Fundingprogramme Social-Ecological Research

Methods used:

Empirical research

Target groups/ lifestyles

Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment

Institutional analysis

Stakeholder processes

Transdisciplinary Methods and ConceptsTransdisciplinary research processes are charac-terized by the involvement of very heterogeneousresearch partners. Scientists from various disci-plines have to collaborate, while at the same timeinsights from social practice are incorporated. Itis therefore especially important to apply an inte-grated research design along with appropriatetransdisciplinary methods. Here, ISOE developsthe scientific foundation and implements this ba-sic science in transdisciplinary projects. Based onour research experience we have developed an in-novative concept for an ideal transdisciplinaryprocess which is widely recognized within thesustainability science community. In order for theknowledge thus produced to be shared among theparticipating actors and put into practice, we alsodraw up strategies for the transfer of knowledge.

Contact personThomas Jahnjahn@isoe.de

Research unitSelected literature

Jahn, Thomas/Matthias Bergmann/Flo-rian Keil (2012): Transdisciplinarity: Be-tween mainstreaming and marginaliza-tion. Ecological Economics, Vol. 79, 1–10dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2012.04.017

Becker, Egon (2012): Social-EcologicalSystems as Epistemic Objects. In: MarionGlaser/Gesche Krause/Beate Ratter /Martin Welp (Eds.): Human-Nature Inter-actions in the Anthropocene: Potentialsof Social-Ecological Systems Analysis.London

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)

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

Jahn, Thomas/Florian Keil (2012): Policy Relevant Sustainability Research: Requirements Profiles for ResearchFunding Agencies, Researchers and Policymakers Regarding Improving andEnsuring Quality of Research – A Guide.Umweltbundesamt, Dessau-Roßlau

Sample project

Biodiversity and Climate Change Research Centre (BiK-F)

At the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre(BiK-F), research is carried out on the mutual influence of climate change and changing biodi-versity.

Research approachBiK-F documents and analyses past and presentprocesses with the goal of providing reliable pre-dictions of future developments as a basis for in-formed decision-making. ISOE is a founding part-ner of BiK-F and responsible for co-ordinatingProject Area F, “Knowledge Transfer and the So-cial-Ecological Dimensions.” ISOE’s researchersreview and adapt approaches drawn from bio -diversity and sustainability research and applythem to BiK-F own work. Ecosystem Services, Social-Ecological Systems, Risk Analysis, and Cli-mate Resilience are the pillars of this conceptualand theoretical framework. Further, in order togive recommendations concerning sustainablepolicies and practices in biodiversity managementa sound scientific basis, we carry out case studiesthat consider the local conditions and specificsettings. The goal is to provide precise answers tourgent problems affecting nature conservationand resource management.

Transdisciplinary conceptsMuch of the work done at BiK-F takes place atthe interface between science and society. Knowl-edge from the centre must therefore feed into so-ciety, politics and current practice. As it is impor-

tant to also ensure an internal knowledge trans-fer, ISOE’s task is to create and maintain the cen-tre’s transdisciplinary working foundations.Therefore it supports the centre with methods andconcepts and provides platforms for the exchangeof views and mutual learning.

Ecosystem services as an innovative conceptThe various functions offered by an ecosystem –economic, ecological, cultural and social – can besubsumed under the concept of Ecosystem Serv-ices (ESS). In order to foster a social-ecologicalperspective on climate-driven biodiversity change,we put ESS into the framework of Social-Ecologi-cal Systems: This allows us to link knowledgegained from natural sciences to that gained fromsocial sciences, as well as to relate scientific tonon-scientific expertise. In this manner, the im-pact of climate change on biodiversity dynamicscan be linked to behavior, use patterns and pref-erence of societal actors. This includes studyinghow scientific findings on the interactions of biodiversity and climate can be made useful tosociety. In addition, scientists look into the risksassociated with climate-related changes in bio -diversity and the ensuing need for managementof ecosystems, and how all that can be impartedto stakeholders.➜ www.bik-f.de

Contact person Thomas Jahn, jahn@isoe.de

Project partners Senckenberg Research Institute and NaturalHistory Museum, Frankfurt am Main; Goethe University, Frank-furt am Main; German Meteorological Services, Offenbach

Funding Hessian initiative for scientific and economic excellence (LOEWE)

Methods used:

Empirical research

Target groups/ lifestyles

Scenarios

Evaluation

Modelling

Impact assessment

Institutional analysis

Stakeholder processes

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

associations

municipality

industrial partners

universities

scientific institutions

NGOs

Working in Networks – National and Worldwide

Jahn, Thomas/Uwe Schneidewind/Ange lika Zahrnt /Rainer Grießhammer/Thomas Korbun/Andreas Kraemer/Claus Leggewie/Ortwin Renn (2012): Understanding – Evaluating – Shaping.Transdisciplinary Knowledge for a Sustainable Society. Memorandum on the Development of Social-Ecological Research in Germanyhttp://www.fona.de/mediathek/pdf/soef-Memorandum_2012_en.pdf

CuveWaters – IntegratedWater Resources Ma-nagement in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin, Namibia

mobile2020 – PromotingCycling in Central andEastern Europe

REZIPE – Renewablesfor a Zero EmissionTransport in Europe

micle – Climate Change,Changes to the Environ-ment and Migration inMali and Senegal

SASSCAL – Water-rela-ted Vulnerabilities andRisk in Southern Africa

IWRM in Isfahan – Sustainable Water Management in Iran

Pharmas – Risk Assess-ment of Drugs in the En-vironment within the EU

Semizentral – Infra-structure Systems for Cities Experiencing RapidGrowth in Qingdao, China

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

Population Dynamics and SupplyMarion Mehring

Transdisciplinary Methods and Concepts Thomas Jahn

Facts & Figures

Milestones of ISOE

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

1994First transdisciplinaryprojects on waterand mobility

1995The first interna-tional project and a milestone in the sustainability debate: Sustainability as a Concept 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”

1989 2014

Staff: 50

110 completedprojects

Budget:EUR 3.5 million

in 2014

Transformations for Sustainable Development

Publisher

Editor

Layout

Picture credits

Copyright

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Date

ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research

Corinne Freundt (ISOE)

Harry Kleespies (ISOE)

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October 2014

ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyTel. 069 707 69 19-0, Fax 069 707 69 19-11info@isoe.de, www.isoe.de/enhttps://twitter.com/isoewikom