Getting a handle on social-ecological systems in catchments: the nature and importance of environmental perception

Abstract

Several bodies of literature inform understanding of environmental perception but incorporation of the key aspects of perception has been limited in environmental management to date. Using a social-ecological systems approach, a case study of communities in the Collie catchment in Western Australia reveals strong place relatedness in both perception of environment condition and the interrelationship of social systems and the environment. Furthermore, it identifies the variation in perceptions by subgroups within communities. Finally, the implications of this research for environmental management are considered and learning and organisation development are identified as key management tools.