Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada
Volume 14, Número 2, Junho 2014, Páginas 199-213

DOI: 10.5894/rgci468
Submission: 31 December 2013; Evaluation: 5 February 2014; Reception of revised manuscript: 15 May 2014; Accepted: 21 May 2014; Available on-line: 30 may 2014

Identity and decision-making for sustainability in the context of small islands *

Identidade e tomada de decisão para a sustentabilidade no contexto de pequenas ilhas

José Benedicto ^{@, 1}

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@ - Corresponding author: e-mail: <Jose.BenedictoRoyuela@brunel.ac.uk>
1 - Brunel University, Centre for Human Geography, London, U.K.

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ABSTRACT
This article focuses on the analysis of how identity and sense of place identified on small islands can be an opportunity to inform local population about transition to sustainability. Small islands are considered to be vulnerable territories but they are good candidates to undertake an innovative and successful transition to sustainability, and to become models for larger territories. A participative scenario building and multi-criteria methodology has been developed to explore preferences for sustainable development in the context of a small island. The article is the opportunity to analyse how Flores Island (Azores, Portugal) community perceives local sustainability issues, what is the role that identity can play in the transition to sustainability, and what is the point of view from regional decision-makers, civil servant and key informants interviewed in the project. Sustainability research findings and islanders’ preferences concern three points: (1) islanders’ low expectations of change, (2) preference for greener development, and (3) the potential role of identity and public participation in the transition to sustainability. Locals have shown awareness about sustainability issues and they have demonstrated willingness to play an active role in decision-making processes. The contributions from the research participants are also an opportunity to inform the relationship between tourism and the sustainability of the island.

Keywords: Sense of place, Flores Island, Azores, multi-criteria appraisal, foresight scenario.

RESUMO
Este artigo analisa a identidade e o sentimento de pertença observados em ilhas pequenas como uma oportunidade para melhor informar a população local sobre os processos de transição para a sustentabilidade. As pequenas ilhas são consideradas territórios vulneráveis mas também são bons casos de estudo para testar e realizar transições inovadoras e bem-sucedidas para a sustentabilidade, e tornar-se assim modelos para áreas maiores. A metodologia participativa de construção de cenários e análise multi-critério foi desenvolvida com o objetivo de explorar as preferências dos intervenientes para o desenvolvimento sustentável no contexto de uma pequena ilha. Este trabalho visa descrever e analisar a forma como a população da Ilha das Flores (Arquipélago dos Açores, Portugal) interpreta as questões ligadas à sustentabilidade local e qual é o ponto de vista dos decisores, funcionários públicos e informadores-chave regionais que participaram no projecto. Este estudo visa também estabelecer qual é o papel que a identidade pode desempenhar na transição para a sustentabilidade. Os resultados da pesquisa centram-se em três pontos: (1) as baixas expectativas de mudança dos islenhos; (2) a preferência para um desenvolvimento mais “verde”; e (3) o papel potencial da identidade e da participação pública no processo da transição para a sustentabilidade. Os florentinos mostraram uma forte consciencialização relativamente às questões de sustentabilidade e demonstraram vontade em desempenhar um papel ativo nos processos de tomada de decisão. As contribuições dos participantes evidenciaram também a forte relação entre o turismo e a sustentabilidade da ilha.

Palavras Chave: sentido de pertença, Ilha das Flores, Açores, análise multi-critério, cenários de futuro.

 

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