Stefania Pizzirani

Thesis Title
A culturally focused life cycle sustainability assessment: Analysis of forestry value chain options with Maori land owners

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Culture is an essential component of sustainability yet it is often under-recognised in sustainability assessments. Aligning with principles of kaupapa Māori research, Ms Pizzirani developed a culturally-focused life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) approach by co-creating a bespoke cultural indicator which distinctly represents culture in LCSA, and adapting the LCSA process itself to be more participatory. She utilised this approach with members of the Ngāti Porou iwi, and together they collaboratively explored and analysed three forestry value chain options: radiata pine, rimu, and mānuka. For the first time, indigenous culture was distinctly represented alongside economic, social, and environmental impacts in LCSA. This comprehensive presentation of results facilitated educated and informed decision making. Furthermore, the culturally-focused LCSA approach helped to ensure that Māori culture is not lost during the decision-making process, but rather is an actively acknowledged and influential component.

Supervisors
Professor Sarah McLaren
Associate Professor Margaret Forster
Dr Timothy Payn

Pizzirani, S., McLaren, S., Seadon, J. (in review) Is there a place for culture in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment?, International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment.