M.A. Design Management students from Macromedia University Munich had the task to support Dr. Martin Jansen from Senckenberg Naturmuseum Frankfurt with ideas and tools towards solving an urgent and dramatic crisis.
In 2015 Bolivia was ranked among the 10 countries with the greatest loss of primary forest, and especially in the eastern lowland Chiquitano region, forests are shrinking at an alarming rate. This region is diverse in habitats, fauna and flora alike with a large portion of species probably still unknown. In 2009, the Senckenberg Research Institute founded the Centro de investigaciones Ecológicas Chiquitos (CIEC) on the farm and private reserve “San Sebastián” and since then, this station has been frequently used for biodiversity research and capacity building. For example, camera traps have been installed in the adjacent area, and Martin Jansen initiated a citizen science project for analyzing the camera feed. Everyone is welcome to look for Jaguars and other exciting species at WildLIVE!
In 2019 and 2020 the deforestation rate of the Chiquitano dry forests increased again substantially, leading to an enormous loss of habitat for the unique flora and fauna in the entire region. The challenge is now to prevent further loss of forest, and to develop a new vision for the region. Building on the ideas of a Symbiocene, the goal will be to create a new narrative for regional conservation, fostering a renewed link of people with nature, and increasing value and awareness of local nature and wilderness for the local communities.
Project Outcome
The student project was intended to explore the problem of human induced biodiversity loss in the eastern lowlands of the Chiquitano region in Bolivia. In that region, the forest is strongly threatened by a continuous expansion of livestock industry, leading to large-scale deforestation and consequent loss of habitat of jaguar and many other species. The students applied a combined approach of life-centred design and design thinking to communicate knowledge in a way that can be understood not only cognitively, but also experienced individually and socially. Their aim was to identify possibilities for creating a lasting resonance with local people, and for inspiring them to act.
Project title as created by the participating students:
Involved students from the Master’s programme M.A. Design Management at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences: Dana Johnston, Avanti Dhobale, Oliver Fleck, Kristina Schmid, Vincenz Vorderwülbecke.
Methodology:
The life-centred design methodology is based on a human-centred design approach to problem solving, mainly used in the fields of design and management to develop solutions that emphasise the human perspective in all steps of the process. Typically, the human-centred design approach considers desirability from a human perspective as well as business viability and feasibility from a technical perspective, while a life-centred approach expands its dimension to include environmental, social and sustainable economic solutions.
A life-centred design methodology addresses the impact of design on both society and the planet.
The overarching framework of the life-centred design methodology uses the double-diamond method with its distinctive creative process consisting of four key phases: discover, define, develop and deliver. The method is based on J.P. Gilford’s seminal work on creativity and its two information processing modes, divergent and convergent thinking (Guilford, 1950). Divergent thinking refers to the human ability to solve a problem by exploring multiple, diverse directions and new procedures. In contrast, convergent thinking is usually described as the ability to find only one correct answer, focusing on speed, logic and accuracy on the one hand, and the integration and synthesis of differing information and ideas on the other. Both ways of thinking are necessary for creativity and are part of the double-diamond method to tackle complex problems. ( Guilford, J.P. (1950). Creativity. American Psychologist, 1950, vol. 5, pp. 444—454)
The double-diamond design method with its four phases, combining both divergent and convergent information processing modes.
Stakeholders and their key drivers
The government has its past in the region. Previous missteps show that, at least in part, power and profit determine its actions. Of course, the economic situation of the country must not be disregarded. So the government has good reasons to be interested in growth. The private sector also has an interest in financial growth. To achieve this goal as efficiently as possible To achieve this goal as efficiently as possible, the sector increasingly relies on low-cost labour, such as the local population. The local population is in contact with all other actors, and the main driver of the population is survival. Academic researchers strive to gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem through their research in the region. These findings can in turn be used for the protection of these ecosystems. The various NGOs and civil society organisations in the region also pursue similar goals. They, too, are committed to preserving the environment. But they are also increasingly providing social support. Since NGOs are usually heavily dependent on the values of their donors, it is naturally worthwhile for them to act in accordance with these values.
Characteristics of the main direct drivers of deforestation (source: Müller R, Müller D, Schierhorn F, Gerold G and Pacheco P. (2012). Proximate causes of deforestation in the Bolivian lowlands – an analysis of spatial dynamics. Regional Environmental Change 12(3):445–459.)
Stakeholders and key drivers
The government has its past in the region. Previous missteps show that, at least in part, power and profit determine its actions. Of course, the economic situation of the country must not be disregarded. So the government has good reasons to be interested in growth. The private sector also has an interest in financial growth. To achieve this goal as efficiently as possible To achieve this goal as efficiently as possible, the sector increasingly relies on low-cost labour, such as the local population. The local population is in contact with all other actors, and the main driver of the population is survival. Academic researchers strive to gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem through their research in the region. These findings can in turn be used for the protection of these ecosystems. The various NGOs and civil society organisations in the region also pursue similar goals. They, too, are committed to preserving the environment. But they are also increasingly providing social support. Since NGOs are usually heavily dependent on the values of their donors, it is naturally worthwhile for them to act in accordance with these values.
Solution Proposals
Applying the life-centred design methodology, the students developed three proposals to address the problem of ongoing deforestation in the Chiquitano region of Bolivia. Their aim was to develop strategies to ensure that local voices are included in the process and that awareness and commitment of stakeholders are promoted in the long term.
Their proposals include citizen science activities, a film competition and a student leadership programme. If implemented, these measures could foster inclusive, long-term and future oriented local community participation in Senckenberg’s biodiversity research and sustainability efforts in the region.
The complete project documentation is avalaible for download (PDF, 4 MB)
