Our theoretical orientation for this research draws from the principles of Historical Ecology to create an interdisciplinary framework that focuses on the dialectical interaction between humans and their environment (Balée 1998, 2006, Balée and Erikson 2006, Crumley 1994).
In an attempt to build a historical perspective ‘from the ground up,’ our theoretical approach follows the Annales-inspiredconcept of inter-relating scales of time – the longue durée [long-term trends/cycles], conjoncture[particular conditions], and évènement[keystone events] (Braudel 1980, Burguière 2006, Burke 1990, Knapp 1992).
Our analysis of Southern Burgundy allows us to address both enduring and persistent socio-economic elements of the landscape, as well those that have disappeared or been abandoned.
In order to accomplish this, we utilize historical documents, oral history, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and geological analysis to analyze the complex temporal relationships that shape this landscape. Espousing a vision of the longue duréealso helps to trace the spatial evolution of a particular socio-ecological landscape (Redman & Kinzig 2003) and, more specifically in the research presented here, for ascertaining the extent to which ponds may be long-term flexible resources in this study area.
As one of California’s premier aquatic and ecosystem science institutes, the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI)’s mission is to provide scientific support and tools for decision-making and communication through collaborative efforts. SFEI has utilized an integrated historical ecology framework within a single region to complete a number of studies that reconstructed past landscapes in coastal California in order to plan restoration and conservation programs.
Hercules Project (Sustainable Futures for Europe’s Heritage in Cultural Landscapes) The Hercules Project is a multi-sited, interdisciplinary initiative that compares our knowledge of cultural landscapes from 8 areas in Europe so as to produce a framework to help better promote and protect these places.
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Sanctuaries in the United States has integrated historical ecology data from multiple sources to understand how the history of the ocean environment helps us ensure marine ecological diversity and health today. Their archival data offer useful information about marine ecosystems in the past and helps the organization and partners, such as university partners, manage these fragile resources in the future.
