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Greggor AL, Berger-Tal O, Swaisgood RR, Cooke SJ, DeVault TL, Fernández-Juricic E, Gienapp A, Hall S, Hostetter C, Owen MA, Rankin S, Ruppert KA, Swaddle JP, Blumstein DT. Using Change Models to Envision Better Applications of Animal Behavior Research in Conservation Management and Beyond. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.653056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While most animal behavior researchers have mastered the process of knowledge creation, generating knowledge that can readily be applied requires a different set of skills. The process and timeframe of fundamental scientific knowledge production is often not relevant to those who might apply it, such as conservation or wildlife managers. Additionally, the complex challenges that policy makers, managers and practitioners face are often not adequately communicated to and among scientists. This mutual disconnect in discourse, relationships, common terms, and practices is especially apparent when animal behavior researchers seek to have applied impact. We argue that bridging the complex implementation gap in animal behavior requires a formalized vision for change. We turn to change model theory, a tool commonly used in other fields for identifying the links between actions and outcomes necessary for enacting large-scale change. We focus on the subfield of conservation behavior with a change model that outlines specific ways to improve collaboration and coordination between animal behavior science and conservation practice. We present this targeted change model, review each strategy the model outlines, and highlight pressing actions that people from various career stages and backgrounds can take. We encourage researchers to further the alignment of science with management needs by developing the proper communication mechanisms for improved cultural exchange and plan future change model efforts directly targeting managers. Beyond the conservation behavior change model we present, we also discuss the broad applicability of change models to enhance the application of academic research to other fields. Fundamental science researchers are increasingly required to show impact of their work on society; the change model process we describe here can enable further impact.
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Knowlton N. Ocean Optimism: Moving Beyond the Obituaries in Marine Conservation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2021; 13:479-499. [PMID: 32503374 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-040220-101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
While the ocean has suffered many losses, there is increasing evidence that important progress is being made in marine conservation. Examples include striking recoveries of once-threatened species, increasing rates of protection of marine habitats, more sustainably managed fisheries and aquaculture, reductions in some forms of pollution, accelerating restoration of degraded habitats, and use of the ocean and its habitats to sequester carbon and provide clean energy. Many of these achievements have multiple benefits, including improved human well-being. Moreover, better understanding of how to implement conservation strategies effectively, new technologies and databases, increased integration of the natural and social sciences, and use of indigenous knowledge promise continued progress. Enormous challenges remain, and there is no single solution; successful efforts typically are neither quick nor cheap and require trust and collaboration. Nevertheless, a greater focus on solutions and successes will help them to become the norm rather than the exception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Knowlton
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA;
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Habitat Models of Focal Species Can Link Ecology and Decision-Making in Sustainable Forest Management. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11070721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental problem of sustainability is how to reduce the double complexity of ecological and social systems into simple operational terms. We highlight that the conservation concept of focal species (selected species sensitive to a set of anthropogenic threats to their habitat) links multiple issues of ecological sustainability, and their habitat models can provide a practical tool for solving these issues. A review of the literature shows that most spatial modeling of focal species focuses on vertebrates, lacks the aspect of aquatic and soil habitats, and has been slow in the uptake by actual management planning. We elaborate on a deductive modeling approach that first generalizes the main influential dimensions of habitat change (threats), which are then parameterized as habitat quality estimates for focal species. If built on theoretical understanding and properly scaled, the maps produced with such models can cost-effectively describe the dynamics of ecological qualities across forest landscapes, help set conservation priorities, and reflect on management plans and practices. The models also serve as ecological hypotheses on biodiversity and landscape function. We illustrate this approach based on recent additions to the forest reserve network in Estonia, which addressed the insufficient protection of productive forest types. For this purpose, mostly former production forests that may require restoration were set aside. We distinguished seven major habitat dimensions and their representative taxa in these forests and depicted each dimension as a practical stand-scale decision tree of habitat quality. The model outcomes implied that popular stand-structural targets of active forest restoration would recover passively in reasonable time in these areas, while a critically degraded condition (loss of old trees of characteristic species) required management beyond reserve borders. Another hidden issue revealed was that only a few stands of consistently low habitat quality concentrated in the landscape to allow cost-efficient restoration planning. We conclude that useful habitat models for sustainable forest management have to balance single-species realism with stakeholder expectations of meaningful targets and scales. Addressing such social aspects through the focal species concept could accelerate the adoption of biodiversity distribution modeling in forestry.
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Green SJ, Grorud-Colvert K, Mannix H. Uniting science and stories: Perspectives on the value of storytelling for communicating science. Facets (Ott) 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2016-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Science helps us identify problems, understand their extent, and begin to find solutions; it helps us understand future directions for our society. Scientists bear witness to scenes of change and discovery that most people will never experience. Yet the vividness of these experiences is often left out when scientists talk and write about their work. A growing community of practice is showing that scientists can share their message in an engaging way using a strategy that most are already familiar with: storytelling. Here we draw on our experiences leading scientist communication training and hosting science storytelling events at the International Marine Conservation Congress to share basic techniques, tips, and resources for incorporating storytelling into any scientist’s communication toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Green
- Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, 99 Pacific Street, Suite 555E, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
| | - Kirsten Grorud-Colvert
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Heather Mannix
- COMPASS, 8720 Georgia Ave, Ste. 803. Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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5
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Gross
- Public Library of Science, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Annaliese Hettinger
- University of California, Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory, Bodega Bay, California, United States of America
| | - Jonathan W. Moore
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liz Neeley
- The Story Collider, Washington DC, United States of America
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Bungard M. The Lore and Mythology of Reptiles and Amphibians: It's Not Shakespeare's Fault! Trends Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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7
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Rose DC, Brotherton PNM, Owens S, Pryke T. Honest advocacy for nature: presenting a persuasive narrative for conservation. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2016; 27:1703-1723. [PMID: 31007418 PMCID: PMC6448358 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-016-1163-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Conservation scientists are increasingly recognising the value of communicating policy-relevant knowledge to policy-makers. Whilst considerable progress has been made in offering practical advice for scientists seeking to engage more closely with decision-makers, researchers have provided few tangible examples to learn from. This paper uses an English case study, but draws out important high-level messages relevant to conservation scientists worldwide. The case study looks at how the Lawton Review presented knowledge persuasively about the suitability of England's ecological network to deal with future pressures. Through skilful framing of rigorous scientific knowledge it was able to make a significant impact on government policy. Impact was achieved through: (1) selecting politically salient frames through which to communicate; (2) using clear, accessible language, and; (3) conducting rigorous science using an authoritative team of experts. Although its publication coincided with a favourable policy window, the Lawton Review seized on this opportunity to communicate a rigorously argued, persuasive and practical conservation message; in other words, it performed 'honest advocacy'. Thus, whilst it remains important to conduct scientific research with technical rigour, conservation scientists could also benefit from identifying salient frames for conservation and communicating clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Rose
- Present Address: Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN UK
| | | | - Susan Owens
- Present Address: Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN UK
| | - Thomas Pryke
- Present Address: Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN UK
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9
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Montambault JR, Wongbusarakum S, Leberer T, Joseph E, Andrew W, Castro F, Nevitt B, Golbuu Y, Oldiais NW, Groves CR, Kostka W, Houk P. Use of monitoring data to support conservation management and policy decisions in Micronesia. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:1279-1289. [PMID: 26036983 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive management implies a continuous knowledge-based decision-making process in conservation. Yet, the coupling of scientific monitoring and management frameworks remains rare in practice because formal and informal communication pathways are lacking. We examined 4 cases in Micronesia where conservation practitioners are using new knowledge in the form of monitoring data to advance marine conservation. These cases were drawn from projects in Micronesia Challenge jurisdictions that received funding for coupled monitoring-to-management frameworks and encompassed all segments of adaptive management. Monitoring in Helen Reef, Republic of Palau, was catalyzed by coral bleaching and revealed evidence of overfishing that led to increased enforcement and outreach. In Nimpal Channel, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), monitoring the recovery of marine food resources after customary restrictions were put in place led to new, more effective enforcement approaches. Monitoring in Laolao Bay, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was catalyzed by observable sediment loads from poor land-use practices and resulted in actions that reduced land-based threats, particularly littering and illegal burning, and revealed additional threats from overfishing. Pohnpei (FSM) began monitoring after observed declines in grouper spawning aggregations. This data led to adjusting marine conservation area boundaries and implementing market-based size class restrictions. Two themes emerged from these cases. First, in each case monitoring was conducted in a manner relevant to the social and ecological systems and integrated into the decision-making process. Second, conservation practitioners and scientists in these cases integrated culturally appropriate stakeholder engagement throughout all phases of the adaptive management cycle. More broadly, our study suggests, when describing adaptive management, providing more details on how monitoring and management activities are linked at similar spatial scales and across similar time frames can enhance the application of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Supin Wongbusarakum
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawaii, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, U.S.A
- Coral Reef Ecosystem Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI, 96818, U.S.A
| | - Trina Leberer
- The Nature Conservancy, P.O. Box 5411, Hagatna, GU, 96932, U.S.A
| | - Eugene Joseph
- Conservation Society of Pohnpei, P.O. Box 2461, Kolonia, FM, 96941, U.S.A
| | | | - Fran Castro
- Division of Environmental Quality, Office of the Governor, Caller Box 10007, Saipan, MP, 96950, U.S.A
| | - Brooke Nevitt
- Pacific Marine Resources Institute, PMB 1156 P.O. Box 10003, Saipan, MP, 96950, U.S.A
| | - Yimnang Golbuu
- Palau International Coral Reef Center, P.O. Box 7086, 1 M-Dock Road, Koror, PW, 96940, Republic of Palau
| | - Noelle W Oldiais
- Palau International Coral Reef Center, P.O. Box 7086, 1 M-Dock Road, Koror, PW, 96940, Republic of Palau
- University of the Ryukyus, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Craig R Groves
- The Nature Conservancy, 40 E. Main Street Suite 200, Bozeman, MT, 59715, U.S.A
| | - Willy Kostka
- Micronesia Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 2177, Pohnpei, FM, 96941, U.S.A
| | - Peter Houk
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, GU, 96923, U.S.A
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Rose DC. The case for policy-relevant conservation science. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:748-54. [PMID: 25545991 PMCID: PMC4510816 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Drawing on the "evidence-based" (Sutherland et al. 2013) versus "evidence-informed" debate (Adams & Sandbrook 2013), which has become prominent in conservation science, I argue that science can be influential if it holds a dual reference (Lentsch & Weingart 2011) that contributes to the needs of policy makers whilst maintaining technical rigor. In line with such a strategy, conservation scientists are increasingly recognizing the usefulness of constructing narratives through which to enhance the influence of their evidence (Leslie et al. 2013; Lawton & Rudd 2014). Yet telling stories alone is rarely enough to influence policy; instead, these narratives must be policy relevant. To ensure that evidence is persuasive alongside other factors in a complex policy-making process, conservation scientists could follow 2 steps: reframe within salient political contexts and engage more productively in boundary work, which is defined as the ways in which scientists "construct, negotiate, and defend the boundary between science and policy" (Owens et al. 2006:640). These will both improve the chances of evidence-informed conservation policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Rose
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place CB2 3EN, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Lawton RN, Rudd MA. A narrative policy approach to environmental conservation. AMBIO 2014; 43:849-57. [PMID: 24627158 PMCID: PMC4190146 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-014-0497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to the urgency and seriousness of the loss of biological diversity, scientists from across a range of disciplines are urged to increase the salience and use of their research by policy-makers. Increased policy nuance is needed to address the science-policy gap and overcome divergent views of separate research and policy worlds, a view still relatively common among conservation scientists. Research impact considerations should recognize that policy uptake is dependent on contextual variables operating in the policy sphere. We provide a novel adaptation of existing policy approaches to evidence impact that accounts for non-evidentiary "societal" influences on decision-making. We highlight recent analytical tools from political science that account for the use of evidence by policy-makers. Using the United Kingdom's recent embrace of the ecosystem approach to environmental management, we advocate analyzing evidence research impact through a narrative lens that accounts for the credibility, legitimacy, and relevance of science for policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky N. Lawton
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
| | - Murray A. Rudd
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
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12
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Petersen B, Montambault J, Koopman M. The potential for double-loop learning to enable landscape conservation efforts. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2014; 54:782-794. [PMID: 25053160 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-014-0337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
As conservation increases its emphasis on implementing change at landscape-level scales, multi-agency, cross-boundary, and multi-stakeholder networks become more important. These elements complicate traditional notions of learning. To investigate this further, we examined structures of learning in the Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs), which include the entire US and its territories, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean and Pacific island states. We used semi-structured interviews, transcribed and analyzed using NVivo, as well as a charrette-style workshop to understand the difference between the original stated goals of individual LCCs and the values and purposes expressed as the collaboration matured. We suggest double-loop learning as a theoretical framework appropriate to landscape-scale conservation, recognizing that concerns about accountability are among the valid points of view that must be considered in multi-stakeholder collaborations. Methods from the social sciences and public health sectors provide insights on how such learning might be actualized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Petersen
- Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5419, USA,
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McInerny GJ, Chen M, Freeman R, Gavaghan D, Meyer M, Rowland F, Spiegelhalter DJ, Stefaner M, Tessarolo G, Hortal J. Information visualisation for science and policy: engaging users and avoiding bias. Trends Ecol Evol 2014; 29:148-57. [PMID: 24565371 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Visualisations and graphics are fundamental to studying complex subject matter. However, beyond acknowledging this value, scientists and science-policy programmes rarely consider how visualisations can enable discovery, create engaging and robust reporting, or support online resources. Producing accessible and unbiased visualisations from complicated, uncertain data requires expertise and knowledge from science, policy, computing, and design. However, visualisation is rarely found in our scientific training, organisations, or collaborations. As new policy programmes develop [e.g., the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)], we need information visualisation to permeate increasingly both the work of scientists and science policy. The alternative is increased potential for missed discoveries, miscommunications, and, at worst, creating a bias towards the research that is easiest to display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg J McInerny
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QD, UK; Computational Science Laboratory, Microsoft Research Ltd, 21 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2FB, UK.
| | - Min Chen
- Oxford E-science Research Centre, 7 Keble Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QG, UK
| | - Robin Freeman
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - David Gavaghan
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Miriah Meyer
- Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Francis Rowland
- EMBL, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - David J Spiegelhalter
- Statistical Laboratory, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0WB, UK
| | | | - Geizi Tessarolo
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquin Hortal
- Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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