Kia ora koutou,
This blog post isn’t going to look at any more IEM literature or analyse contemporary media. It’s the end of the road! Reflecting on my first blog, I surmised that IEM is “an approach that involves different actors and stakeholders all attempting to address complex environmental issues”. Which to be honest, wasn’t a bad first thought. Now I realise it is not quite so definable within one sentence.
This blog has reflected on some theoretical elements of IEM. I have looked at problem definition, IEM frameworks, barriers to IEM, and gifting and gaining. I then reflected on these elements in practice, where it has and has not been seen.
Writing blogs was a new concept for me. Historically, my assessments have encompassed academic reports and essays so blog writing was a new technique to learn. I have enjoyed the freedom (within reason) to choose what I can write about. Clearly I have had a mostly water-based theme, so hopefully, I am setting myself up well for future endeavours!
IEM popped up in one of my other papers this semester. I was fortunate to have to lead the class discussion on Integrated Water Resource Management, and with the resources provided by this paper, was able to confidently challenge my classmates. Perhaps IEM is everywhere if we just look hard enough.
I was hoping to analyse the audience I attracted to my blog, but unfortunately selected a domain that doesn’t give me that information. I’m sure if it did, I would be overloaded with engagement. Although weirdly enough no one left any comments…
Over the past 12 weeks, I have developed my understanding of IEM further, respecting the complexities of the process. IEM in theory sounds relatively straightforward, but in practice is not that simple. This paper has broadened my horizons, encouraging me to step back and first of all, define the problem before rushing to do anything else.
Thanks for taking the time to read. There is always more to learn.
Ngā mihi,
Charlotte