Today’s challenges—climate change, freshwater management, biodiversity loss, and social inequality—are deeply interconnected. Traditional approaches often focus on isolated fixes, but real solutions require a broader view. Systems thinking and systemic design provide ways to understand complexity, identify leverage points, and
The latest IPBES Nexus and Transformative Change reports reinforce what many already know: the world’s biggest challenges—biodiversity loss, climate change, food and water insecurity, and health crises—are interconnected. Yet, all too often, our policy responses remain fragmented, failing to address
Reflection and reflexivity are essential for navigating complexity and fostering meaningful change. Reflection allows us to learn from past experiences and apply those lessons to improve future practice, while reflexivity encourages us to assess how our thoughts and actions shape
Participatory action research (PAR) offers a practical and inclusive approach to tackling today’s complex challenges. By combining collaboration, critical reflection, and iterative cycles of inquiry and action, this approach helps create solutions that are both meaningful and sustainable. This post
It has been a year since the publication of “A guide to just transitions | He puka arataki whakawhitinga tika“. The guide aims to assist communities, regions and sectors in navigating periods of disruption and achieving fair outcomes. Reflecting on
Addressing complex sustainability and development challenges require collective action. This post points to the pivotal role of facilitation and co-design in fostering impactful, constructive change. “Human behaviours, at various decision-making levels, play a crucial role in navigating the complex sustainability
As agencies, organisations, and change-makers increasingly prioritise equitable and sustainable transformations, the practice of facilitating collective change becomes crucial. This post delves into the often-underestimated role of facilitation in promoting constructive, collaborative change. Facilitation can be described as a process
Another year has passed, and this provides a timely opportunity to reflect on what content resonated most with visitors to the Learning for Sustainability (LfS) site in 2022. So – based on site statistics – here are the most visited
This post provides an introduction to an extended DPSIR (Driving Forces-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses) framework, and looks to show how this can be used to more closely link the social and natural sciences to better help policy makers address complex problem situations. It
There are four broad areas in which it is important to support capacity building to enhance the collaboration and collective action that underpin responsible natural resource management. First, people with expertise in social processes are needed at all levels (just
The LfS site highlights on-line resources for those working with complex issues. It showcases the wide range of activities, skills and processes that collectively support constructive engagement, co-design, adaptation, and reflective practice.
The site framework has been developed through the course of my work and indicated resources are open access and freely available. If you would like further support to explore the implementation of these approaches then Will Allen & Associates can help link you with experienced practitioners.
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This site is compiled and maintained by Will Allen (PhD) For more information you can visit the site background page. (c) 2005-2025 Learning for Sustainability [Formerly NRM-changelinks (1998-2006)]
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Thanks in advance for your comments, ideas or feedback. Its good to make contact with others interested in this area, Feel free to suggest additional content to link to. Just use the site contact form.
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