12.6.2 Cognitions
Cognitions refers to the observations of reality, the frames of reference, and the
interpretations of the actors at hand. While motivations among actors tend to differ
widely, all actors across case studies tend to share similar cognitions based on
observed changes in the regional water balance. There are general observations
among nature conservation actors that precipitation regimes are changing in
unexpected ways and that these regime changes influence both flora and fauna
habitats. In recent years, a large number of creeks have gone dry, leaving behind
almost non-existent vegetation. Damages from droughts are increasingly affecting
agricultural yields in rural areas, while cities and their urban infrastructure are also
more and more at risk as a result of lower reservoirs.
The visibility of drought has increased in recent years, both in the farming and
urban contexts as well, which in turn has contributed to widespread cognitive shifts
among all nature conservation-related actors. More and more, stakeholders coherently and consistently agree that water scarcity and drought is, and will increasingly
become, a problem. In response, strategies to combat drought impacts have already
been developed into guidelines that keep water longer in the ground and in surface
waters, employ water use efficiency schemes, and develop medium- and long-term
possibilities for extra water transport. These strategies further contribute towards a
more unified cognitions in nature arenas. As a result, it is expected that coherence
among stakeholders will increase moving forward, with more experience with
drought and water scarcity likely to develop into the future.
Nature-related regulations, including the WFD and the Habitats and Birds
Directives, in addition to creating driving pressures, also contribute to shifting cognitions among relevant actors as drought protection measures become more ubiquitous.
More broadly, there is general cognition and awareness regarding the need for
collaboration across a wide range of actors, including both public and private, at all
levels. Because water scarcity and drought can impact both land, marine and
freshwater ecosystems, connectivity is key to addressing the crises. Such a cognitive
approach is particularly important in moving away from strictly legal incentives as
the main motivators. In an effort to place less reliance on legal incentives, improving
communication between actors and providing the tools and space for negotiating the
relationship is the key. This approach allows for competing motivations to find more
harmonious solutions before resorting to a priori legal recommendations.
12.6.3 Resources
Resources refer to the available capacity and power available internally and/or
externally. On the whole, the resources dedicated to dealing with drought issues are
limited. Amongst nature conservation actors, insufficient resources in terms of
access to funds and general support are the most commonly cited barriers to
12 Cross-cutting Perspective on Nature
243
Cognitions refers to the observations of reality, the frames of reference, and the
interpretations of the actors at hand. While motivations among actors tend to differ
widely, all actors across case studies tend to share similar cognitions based on
observed changes in the regional water balance. There are general observations
among nature conservation actors that precipitation regimes are changing in
unexpected ways and that these regime changes influence both flora and fauna
habitats. In recent years, a large number of creeks have gone dry, leaving behind
almost non-existent vegetation. Damages from droughts are increasingly affecting
agricultural yields in rural areas, while cities and their urban infrastructure are also
more and more at risk as a result of lower reservoirs.
The visibility of drought has increased in recent years, both in the farming and
urban contexts as well, which in turn has contributed to widespread cognitive shifts
among all nature conservation-related actors. More and more, stakeholders coherently and consistently agree that water scarcity and drought is, and will increasingly
become, a problem. In response, strategies to combat drought impacts have already
been developed into guidelines that keep water longer in the ground and in surface
waters, employ water use efficiency schemes, and develop medium- and long-term
possibilities for extra water transport. These strategies further contribute towards a
more unified cognitions in nature arenas. As a result, it is expected that coherence
among stakeholders will increase moving forward, with more experience with
drought and water scarcity likely to develop into the future.
Nature-related regulations, including the WFD and the Habitats and Birds
Directives, in addition to creating driving pressures, also contribute to shifting cognitions among relevant actors as drought protection measures become more ubiquitous.
More broadly, there is general cognition and awareness regarding the need for
collaboration across a wide range of actors, including both public and private, at all
levels. Because water scarcity and drought can impact both land, marine and
freshwater ecosystems, connectivity is key to addressing the crises. Such a cognitive
approach is particularly important in moving away from strictly legal incentives as
the main motivators. In an effort to place less reliance on legal incentives, improving
communication between actors and providing the tools and space for negotiating the
relationship is the key. This approach allows for competing motivations to find more
harmonious solutions before resorting to a priori legal recommendations.
12.6.3 Resources
Resources refer to the available capacity and power available internally and/or
externally. On the whole, the resources dedicated to dealing with drought issues are
limited. Amongst nature conservation actors, insufficient resources in terms of
access to funds and general support are the most commonly cited barriers to
12 Cross-cutting Perspective on Nature
243