Well-being is an important lens through which we can understand the meaning of changes being observed and experienced in the Mackenzie-Mekong-Amazon. Human well-being is fundamentally dependent on ecosystem services including those inherent in river systems (MEA 2005; Cooke et al. 2007; Parkes 2010). The concept of well-being is thought to have many attributes in fishing communities considerate of place, spirituality and cultural beliefs – for some it is simply a “way of life” (Parlee et al. 2007; Kral et al. 2011; Parlee et al. 2012). In this research we use this conceptual framework to understand the normative aspects of changes being observed and experienced in river systems. Specifically:
Meaning and Wellbeing
- What are the meanings attributed to the changes being observed and experienced?
- How do meanings differ across temporal and spatial geographies?
- How are individuals and communities negotiating between global and local framings of rivers as the foundation of a way of life and those, which warn of threats and harms?
- What is the role of LTK holders in stewardship (caring for) the Mackenzie-Mekong-Amazon?