Petursson, O (2024) Skálanes. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

This study focuses on Skálanes, an independent field centre and conservation site in East Iceland, as a case study set within a framework of successful modern eco-pragmatic sustainability transitions. It addresses complex environmental problems and the realities of applied research in a transdisciplinary action research context through the lens of a retroactively framed living lab. Using pragmatism as the underlying philosophy, and autoethnography as the key methodological framework, the study examines the three classic sustainability pillars of environment, economy, and society and provides the following outputs of: (1) a locally calibrated environmentally focused food consumption system at Skálanes, (2) a modernistic conservation policy in the Anthropocene and a philosophical conservation manifesto applicable for Skálanes and Iceland (3). It also includes (4) a founding director's narrative with analysis and reflections on the process of evolution of small-scale rural independent conservation niche enterprise. The results of the study are ambiguous, complex, and unorthodox, which is not surprising given that environmental and sustainability concerns seldom have simple solutions. Its conclusions encourage moderation, cooperation, and dialogue and proposes transdisciplinary approaches with optimistic pragmatism as a guiding philosophy. The study's relevance lies in the fact that very few living labs worldwide have had funding or operation for such a long time-span as Skálanes, making its story and impact relevant to sustainability research in the 21st Century.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Skálanes; Sustainability; Environmental Issues; Pragmatism; Conservation; Auto Ethnography; Action Research; Living Lab; Transdisciplinary
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Biological & Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19)
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	08 Jan 2024 13:47
Last Modified:	08 Jan 2024 13:48
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00022219
Supervisors:	Lane, T
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/22219

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