Browsing by Author "Gelcich, S."

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    Emerging energy sources' social acceptability: Evidence from marine-based energy projects
    (2024) Oliva, R. D. Ponce; Estay, M.; Barrientos, M.; Estevez, R. A.; Gelcich, S.; Vasquez-Lavin, F.
    Any decrease in global warming and its effects can only occur with a substantial reduction in anthropogenic CO2 emissions. In this context, renewable energy sources, particularly emerging sources, may play a central role in accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. Emerging energy sources are renewable and have the potential to reduce global warming emissions; however, they are in the early development stages. These technologies include enhanced geothermal processes, artificial photosynthesis, and marine energy. In this study, we assess the main attributes that determine the social acceptance of renewable marine energy projects, highlighting individual preferences and heterogeneity for these projects. The results show that energy generation, ecological impact, job creation, co-ownership, and distributional justice are statistically significant attributes that support projects. However, individual preferences are highly heterogeneous. The existence of distinct classes (two in this case) with different preferences for marine energy attributes indicates that the one-size-fits-all approach may be inappropriate. Instead, policymakers and energy producers should tailor their proposals to meet the needs of both groups, considering their preferences and concerns.
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    Integrating stakeholder perceptions and preferences on ecosystem services in the management of coastal areas
    (2017) de Juan, S.; Gelcich, S.; Fernandez, M.
    The consideration of stakeholders' perceptions and preferences on different ecosystem services, identifying potential conflict areas, is essential for operationalizing integrated management plans. In the central coast of Chile, several traditional fishing resources are overexploited and conflicts between users might arise with the increasing demand of both traditional and new uses. The principal groups of users in coastal areas were characterized in order to generate information that advances towards integrative approaches in the region. Face-to-face surveys to fishermen, tourists and permanent residents were conducted in six coastal sites to identify what these groups value the most, assessing at the same time if differences in perceptions and use might suggest future conflicts between users associated to coastal planning. Participants had to prioritize a list of coastal attributes associated with ecosystem services. Results show variability in prioritization of coastal attributes amongst groups of users, however, variability across sites was low. Fishermen showed a tight economic and cultural dependency on provisioning services; however, their general perception was of decreasing catches and a shift to less valued resources and habitat structuring species as traditional ecosystem services deteriorate. Tourists and residents had the most homogenous perceptions, and agreed on the prioritization of intangible services, such as the quietness and scenery of the coast. Nevertheless, deterioration of the environment was perceived as relevant by the inhabitants of the study area, reflecting a potential conflict between the current increase in tourist influx and resource demand. Therefore, increasing recreational use needs to be managed, ensuring the resilience of the traditional fisheries and adopting effective actions that should encompass wider ecosystem objectives. However, the real challenge for integrated management is the incorporation of intangible values in conservation objectives. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.