Towards Sustainable Transport Practices in a Coastal Community in Norway: Insights from Human Needs and Social Practice Approaches

• Main Authors: Guillén-Royo, Mònica, Temesgen, Amsale K., Vangelsten, Bjørn Vidar
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Springer International Publishing 2023
• Subjects: Lofoten; Norway; Vågan; Northern Norway
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-11069-6_10; https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-031-11069-6_10

Abstract This chapter presents the results of needs-based workshops carried out in Vågan municipality in the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway in 2018. Drawing on Max-Neef’s Human Scale Development participatory methodology, 14 representatives of the local society, including students, blue- and white-collar workers and pensioners, participated in a one-day workshop discussing satisfiers (values, social practices, institutions, personal and collective actions and attributes, environments, etc.) that either hampered or contributed to need fulfilment in the municipality. Participants also identified the interventions, at the personal, community and governance levels, that would improve need fulfilment and environmental sustainability. Analysis of workshop data revealed that sustainable transport practices, including ride- and car-sharing using collective transport and cycling, were considered synergetic as they helped fulfil several human needs whilst hampering none. Further, the study highlighted the interdependence of satisfiers associated with sustainable transport and other need-promoting satisfiers. For example, encouraging ride-sharing appeared both linked to the development of a dedicated mobile phone application and to the creation of non-commercial meeting places. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the implications of a human need perspective for the transition towards sustainable consumption practices.