Socio-ecological systems Research
The Western Slope Institute is engaged in research that draws from the fields of sustainability education, regenerative development and design, bioregional regeneration, socio-ecological systems, nature-based human development, rites of passage, land-education, and social network analysis. The Western Slope Institute works to expand the fields of socio-ecological systems and bioregional regeneration research which aims to understand the intricate connections between human societies and the environment.​​​​ The Western Slope Institute work is based on the regenerative development and design principles and methodology put forth by Mang and Haggard (2016), Mang and Reed (2012), and research conducted by Dr. Biederman throughout the Animas River Watershed. This research includes identifying, refining, and measuring regenerative social and ecological indicators within a watershed as well as longitudinal studies on the impacts of ongoing regenerative projects with our various local partners on the health and vitality of the bioregion.
​
Research Agenda Includes:
-
Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Strategies
​
-
Social Network Analysis and Network Weaving
​
-
Regenerative Development and Design Project Outcomes
​
-
Regenerative Human Development Frameworks
​
-
Expand and Refine Dr. Biederman’s Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Framework for the Design of Place Informed Regenerative Education Programs
​
-
Establish Baseline Watershed Data Related to the Regenerative Development Evaluation Tool and Indicators for the Animas Watershed
​
-
Refine Place Specific Regenerative Indicators for Watershed Management Conduct a Longitudinal Study on the Impacts of the Gap-Semester Regenerative Projects on the Health of the Animas Watershed
​
-
Develop Research to Integrate Regenerative Development and Design Principles into Socioecological Systems Management Within the Animas Watershed
​
-
Establish a Baseline Network Weaving Map of the Social and Ecological Sustainability Organizations Within the Animas Watershed and Facilitate Network Weaving Processes and Measure the Outcomes of These Efforts
You can review Dr. Biederman's complete research developing a Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Framework for applying regenerative development and design principles to place-informed education in the Animas River Watershed in the Durango, CO area here:
Future research will include a longitudinal study of the state of the socio-ecological system in the Animas River Watershed pre and post the implementation of a Regenerative Educational program based on Dr. Biederman's Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Framework. Postdocs and current researchers are welcome to inquire about collaboration.