About MUST
MUST is a research project funded by the Finnish Strategic Research Council. The consortium is coordinated by the University of Helsinki. Other partners, in addition to Syke, include the University of Turku, Demos Helsinki, University of Oulu, University of Tampere, Aberystwyth University (UK), and Monash University (Indonesia). Our approach investigates possible changes in how humans relate to other species. The MUST team based in Syke approaches this question through producing ecological connectivity analyses to which we integrate human needs and values for nature.
Aims of MUST
Biodiverse and functional ecosystems are rapidly deteriorating worldwide because economic and planning decisions see nature as a resource, framing it as a source of capital. We aim to understand the types of relationships between humans and other species that could produce and sustain ecologically and socially just outcomes. Also, we aim to build social-ecological resilience in urban and regional areas by rethinking nature-based solutions processes, structures, and practices from the perspectives of both humans and other species.
We create methods and processes for ensuring that the benefits and costs of nature-based solutions are distributed more fairly among both humans and other species, to supporting their joint wellbeing. We explore new ways to represent and integrate the values and needs of humans and other species into nature-based solutions planning, such as spatial connectivity, and decision-making processes around these. We show how often overlooked voices can actively participate in the planning and management of nature-based solutions.
Connectivity modelling in three regions
MUST focusses its studies at the urban-regional scale in three regions in Finland, selected given their interests in connecting city and regional biodiversity action and climate adaptation planning (Turku/Southwest Finland; Tampere/Central South Finland; Lappeenranta/Southeast Finland). We also draw on case insights from Wales, UK and Tangerang, Indonesia, for two-way learning about multispecies transitions globally. The work is divided into seven interlinked work packages (WPs) that contribute to collaborating (WPs 1, 7), valuing (WPs 2-4), understanding (WPs 5, 6), and practicing (WP 6).
WP4, Connectivity for wellbeing, is led by Syke. The ability of species to move between and across natural environments – a key factor for their survival and adaptation to climate change – is hampered by ongoing urban development that disconnects natural environments from each other. Multiple studies have examined how ecological factors (e.g., habitat size and quality, dispersal abilities) affect the connectivity of species, but few have examined how diverse human values for nature promote or limit connectivity. We will integrate the needs of species and populations with those of human residents to form social-ecologically resilient regions that can more fairly distribute benefits across humans and other species.
Further information:
The MUST homepage
Senior Researcher Maria Hällfors firstname.surname@syke.fi