3.3 Social Influences

This research theme will examine the social influences on models of healthy ecosystems. We will determine key social, economic and governance implications and influences on pro-environmental behaviours and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand. We will also investigate perceptions and responses to biosecurity challenges and countermeasures identified by work in the other Pou.

The well-being of New Zealanders is inextricably linked to local and global environmental outcomes. New socioeconomic and governance models are needed to enable the changes required to achieve desired outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand, while contributing to positive climate change adaptations.

We will study the human dimension of meeting bioprotection challenges in the Anthropocene. We will achieve this through transdisciplinary research across all Pou, exploring the relationship between laboratory, field and social sciences, in a range of productive landscapes, including humans acting together and alone.