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Dudley MZ, Squires GK, Petroske TM, Dawson S, Brewer J. The Use of Narrative in Science and Health Communication: A Scoping Review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 112:107752. [PMID: 37068426 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people deny science and reject health recommendations despite widely distributed facts and statistics. Didactic science and health communication is often dry, and relies on the false assumption that people make purely evidence-based decisions. Stories can be a powerful teaching tool by capturing attention and evoking emotion. OBJECTIVE We explore the impact and appeal of, and describe best practices for, using narrative (storytelling) versus didactic methods in science and health communication. PATIENT INVOLVEMENT No patients were involved in the review process. METHODS We searched PubMed and Web of Science for articles either: assessing effectiveness of narrative science/health communication; assessing acceptability of (or preference for) narrative science/health communication; giving advice on how best to use narrative; and/or providing science-based explanations for how/why narrative succeeds. RESULTS Narrative science/health communication is effective and appealing for audiences across a variety of topics and mediums, with supporting evidence across fields such as epidemiology, neuroscience, and psychology. Whether narrative or didactic messaging is most effective depends on the topic, audience, and objective, as well as message quality. However, combining narrative with didactic methods is likely to be more effective than using either strategy alone. DISCUSSION Narrative science/health communication merits wider implementation and further research. Narrative communication creates openness to information by delaying the formulation of counterarguments. PRACTICAL VALUE Science and health communicators should collaborate with cultural and storytelling experts, work directly with their target audiences throughout the message development and testing processes, and rely on popular story elements (e.g., first-person point of view, relatable protagonists) to improve the comprehension, engagement, and thoughtful consideration of their intended audience. FUNDING This work was funded by Thirty Meter Telescope, with which two authors (GKS and SD) were affiliated. Otherwise, the funding organization had no role in the study and/or submission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Z Dudley
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Gordon K Squires
- California Institute of Technology / IPAC, 1200 E California Blvd, 315 Keith Spalding, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | - Sandra Dawson
- Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Janesse Brewer
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Cooke SJ, Hultine KR, Rummer JL, Fangue NA, Seebacher F, Eliason EJ, MacMillan HA, Fuller A, Franklin CE. Elevating the impact of conservation physiology by building a community devoted to excellence, transparency, ethics, integrity and mutual respect. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac015. [PMID: 35492405 PMCID: PMC9040284 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Cooke
- Corresponding author: Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Jodie L Rummer
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Nann A Fangue
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2016, Australia
| | - Erika J Eliason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Heath A MacMillan
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Andrea Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland , 4072, Australia
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Kadykalo AN, Buxton RT, Morrison P, Anderson CM, Bickerton H, Francis CM, Smith AC, Fahrig L. Bridging research and practice in conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33738830 DOI: 10.1111/cobi13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Calls for biodiversity conservation practice to be more evidence based are growing, and we agree evidence use in conservation practice needs improvement. However, evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. In medicine, unlike in conservation, a well-established and well-funded layer of intermediary individuals and organizations engage with medical practitioners, synthesize primary research relevant to decision making, and make evidence easily accessible. These intermediaries prepare targeted evidence summaries and distribute them to practitioners faced with time-sensitive and value-laden decisions. To be effective, these intermediaries, who we refer to as evidence bridges, should identify research topics based on the priorities of practitioners; synthesize evidence; prepare and distribute easy-to-find and easy-to-use evidence summaries; and develop and maintain networks of connections with researchers and practitioners. Based on a review of the literature regarding evidence intermediaries in conservation and environmental management, as well as an anonymous questionnaire searching for such organizations, we found few intermediaries that met all these criteria. Few evidence bridges that do exist are unable to reach most conservation practitioners, which include resource managers in government and industry, conservation organizations, and farmers and other private landowners. We argue that the lack of evidence bridges from research to practitioners contributes to evidence complacency and limits the use of evidence in conservation action. Nevertheless, several existing organizations help reduce the gap between evidence and practice and could serve as a foundation for building additional components of evidence bridges in conservation. Although evidence bridges need expertise in research and evidence synthesis, they also require expertise in identifying and communicating with the community of practitioners most in need of clear and concise syntheses of evidence. Article Impact Statement: Evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. We call for intermediary evidence bridges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel T Buxton
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Morrison
- EcoEcoAnalysis, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Charles M Francis
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam C Smith
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lenore Fahrig
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Kadykalo AN, Buxton RT, Morrison P, Anderson CM, Bickerton H, Francis CM, Smith AC, Fahrig L. Bridging research and practice in conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1725-1737. [PMID: 33738830 PMCID: PMC9291548 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Calls for biodiversity conservation practice to be more evidence based are growing, and we agree evidence use in conservation practice needs improvement. However, evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. In medicine, unlike in conservation, a well-established and well-funded layer of intermediary individuals and organizations engage with medical practitioners, synthesize primary research relevant to decision making, and make evidence easily accessible. These intermediaries prepare targeted evidence summaries and distribute them to practitioners faced with time-sensitive and value-laden decisions. To be effective, these intermediaries, who we refer to as evidence bridges, should identify research topics based on the priorities of practitioners; synthesize evidence; prepare and distribute easy-to-find and easy-to-use evidence summaries; and develop and maintain networks of connections with researchers and practitioners. Based on a review of the literature regarding evidence intermediaries in conservation and environmental management, as well as an anonymous questionnaire searching for such organizations, we found few intermediaries that met all these criteria. Few evidence bridges that do exist are unable to reach most conservation practitioners, which include resource managers in government and industry, conservation organizations, and farmers and other private landowners. We argue that the lack of evidence bridges from research to practitioners contributes to evidence complacency and limits the use of evidence in conservation action. Nevertheless, several existing organizations help reduce the gap between evidence and practice and could serve as a foundation for building additional components of evidence bridges in conservation. Although evidence bridges need expertise in research and evidence synthesis, they also require expertise in identifying and communicating with the community of practitioners most in need of clear and concise syntheses of evidence. Article Impact Statement: Evidence-based conservation will not be realized without improved access to evidence. We call for intermediary evidence bridges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Morrison
- EcoEcoAnalysisOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Natural Resource SciencesMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐BellevueQuebecCanada
| | | | | | - Charles M. Francis
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
- Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Adam C. Smith
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
- Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Lenore Fahrig
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
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Cooke SJ, Bergman JN, Madliger CL, Cramp RL, Beardall J, Burness G, Clark TD, Dantzer B, de la Barrera E, Fangue NA, Franklin CE, Fuller A, Hawkes LA, Hultine KR, Hunt KE, Love OP, MacMillan HA, Mandelman JW, Mark FC, Martin LB, Newman AEM, Nicotra AB, Raby GD, Robinson SA, Ropert-Coudert Y, Rummer JL, Seebacher F, Todgham AE, Tomlinson S, Chown SL. One hundred research questions in conservation physiology for generating actionable evidence to inform conservation policy and practice. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab009. [PMID: 33859825 PMCID: PMC8035967 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental change and biodiversity loss are but two of the complex challenges facing conservation practitioners and policy makers. Relevant and robust scientific knowledge is critical for providing decision-makers with the actionable evidence needed to inform conservation decisions. In the Anthropocene, science that leads to meaningful improvements in biodiversity conservation, restoration and management is desperately needed. Conservation Physiology has emerged as a discipline that is well-positioned to identify the mechanisms underpinning population declines, predict responses to environmental change and test different in situ and ex situ conservation interventions for diverse taxa and ecosystems. Here we present a consensus list of 10 priority research themes. Within each theme we identify specific research questions (100 in total), answers to which will address conservation problems and should improve the management of biological resources. The themes frame a set of research questions related to the following: (i) adaptation and phenotypic plasticity; (ii) human-induced environmental change; (iii) human-wildlife interactions; (iv) invasive species; (v) methods, biomarkers and monitoring; (vi) policy, engagement and communication; (vii) pollution; (viii) restoration actions; (ix) threatened species; and (x) urban systems. The themes and questions will hopefully guide and inspire researchers while also helping to demonstrate to practitioners and policy makers the many ways in which physiology can help to support their decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
- Corresponding author: Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Jordanna N Bergman
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Christine L Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - John Beardall
- Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Gary Burness
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Timothy D Clark
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Erick de la Barrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro 8701, Morelia, Michoacán, 58190, Mexico
| | - Nann A Fangue
- Department of Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Andrea Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Rd, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Lucy A Hawkes
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Kathleen E Hunt
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Heath A MacMillan
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - John W Mandelman
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | - Felix C Mark
- Department of Integrative Ecophysiology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Lynn B Martin
- Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Amy E M Newman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Adrienne B Nicotra
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Graham D Raby
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS) and Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yan Ropert-Coudert
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UMR 7372—La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Jodie L Rummer
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Anne E Todgham
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Steven L Chown
- Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Park, Fish, Salt and Marshes: Participatory Mapping and Design in a Watery Uncommons. LAND 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/land9110454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Franks Tract State Recreation Area (Franks Tract) is an example of a complex contemporary park mired in ecological and socio-political contestation of what it is and should be. Located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, it is a central hub in California’s immense and contentious water infrastructure; an accidental shallow lake on subsided land due to unrepaired levee breaks; a novel ecosystem full of ‘invasive’ species; a world-class bass fishing area; and a water transportation corridor. Franks Tract is an example of an uncommons: a place where multiple realities (or ontologies) exist, negotiate and co-create one another. As a case study, this article focuses on a planning effort to simultaneously improve water quality, recreation and ecology in Franks Tract through a state-led project. The article examines the iterative application of participatory mapping and web-based public surveys within a broader, mixed method co-design process involving state agencies, local residents, regional stakeholders, consultant experts and publics. We focus on what was learned in this process by all involved, and what might be transferable in the methods. We conclude that reciprocal iterative change among stakeholders and designers was demonstrated across the surveys, based on shifts in stakeholder preferences as achieved through iterative revision of design concepts that better addressed a broad range of stakeholder values and concerns. Within this reconciliation, the uncommons was retained, rather than suppressed.
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Riggs RA, Langston JD, Beauchamp E, Travers H, Ken S, Margules C. Examining Trajectories of Change for Prosperous Forest Landscapes in Cambodia. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 66:72-90. [PMID: 32333037 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tropical forest landscapes are undergoing rapid transition. Rural development aspirations are rising, and land use change is contributing to deforestation, degradation, and biodiversity loss, which threaten the future of tropical forests. Conservation initiatives must deal with complex social, political, and ecological decisions involving trade-offs between the extent of protected areas and quality of conservation. In Cambodia, smallholders and industrial economic land concessions drive deforestation and forest degradation. Rural economic benefits have not kept pace with development aspirations and smallholders are gradually expanding agriculture into protected forests. We examine the drivers and effects of rural forest landscape transitions in Cambodia to identify trade-offs between conservation and development. Using historical trends analysis and information gathered through key informant interviews, we describe how local communities perceive social and ecological changes, and examine the implications of local development aspirations for conservation. We explore three scenarios for the future of conservation in Cambodia, each with different conservation and community development outcomes. We contend that conservation efforts should focus on strengthening governance to meet social and environmental requirements for sustainable forest landscapes. We suggest potential entry points for governance improvements, including working with local decision-makers and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. There is a need for realistic priority setting in contested tropical forest landscapes. Prosperous rural economies are a necessary but not sufficient condition for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Anne Riggs
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia.
- Tanah Air Beta, Batu Karu, Tabanan, Bali, 82152, Indonesia.
| | - James Douglas Langston
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
- Tanah Air Beta, Batu Karu, Tabanan, Bali, 82152, Indonesia
- Faculty of Forestry, Forest Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Emilie Beauchamp
- International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), London, WC1X *NH, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Travers
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Sereyrotha Ken
- Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia Program, #21, Street 21, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, PO Box 1620, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Chris Margules
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
- Institute for Sustainable Earth and Resources, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, Kota Depok, Java Barat, 16424, Indonesia
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Bertuol-Garcia D, Morsello C, N El-Hani C, Pardini R. Shared ways of thinking in Brazil about the science-practice interface in ecology and conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:449-461. [PMID: 30350891 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The debate in the literature on the science-practice interface suggests a diversity of opinions on how to link science and practice to improve conservation. Understanding this diversity is key to addressing unequal power relations, avoiding the consideration of only dominant views, and identifying strategies to link science and practice. In turn, linking science and practice should promote conservation decisions that are socially robust and scientifically informed. To identify and describe the viewpoints of scientists and decision makers on how the science-practice interface should work in order to improve conservation decisions, we interviewed Brazilian scientists (ecologists and conservation scientists, n = 11) and decision makers (n = 11). We used Q methodology and asked participants to rank their agreement with 48 statements on how the science-practice interface should work in order to improve conservation decisions. We used principal component analysis to identify shared viewpoints. The predominant viewpoint, shared by scientists and decision makers, was characterized by valuing the integration of scientific and strategic knowledge to address environmental problems. The second viewpoint, held mostly by decision makers, was distinguished by assigning great importance to science in the decision-making process and calling for problem-relevant research. The third viewpoint, shared only by scientists, was characterized by an unwillingness to collaborate and a perception of scientists as producers of knowledge that may help decision makers. Most participants agreed organizations should promote collaboration and that actors and knowledge from both science and practice are relevant. Disagreements concerned specific roles assigned to actors, willingness to collaborate, and organizational and institutional arrangements considered effective to link science and practice. Our results suggest there is ample room for collaborations and that impediments lie mainly in existing organizations and formal institutional arrangements rather than in negative attitudes between scientists and decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bertuol-Garcia
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, travessa 14, 101, CEP 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (IN-TREE), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina/UFBA, CEP 40170-290, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Carla Morsello
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (IN-TREE), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina/UFBA, CEP 40170-290, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Bettio, 1000, CEP 03828-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Charbel N El-Hani
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (IN-TREE), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina/UFBA, CEP 40170-290, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina/UFBA, CEP 40170-290, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Renata Pardini
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (IN-TREE), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina/UFBA, CEP 40170-290, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, travessa 14, 101, CEP 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Moore JW, Nowlan L, Olszynski M, Jacob AL, Favaro B, Collins L, Williams-Davidson GTL, Weitz J. Towards linking environmental law and science. Facets (Ott) 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2017-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gaps between environmental science and environmental law may undermine sound environmental decision-making. We link perspectives and insights from science and law to highlight opportunities and challenges at the environmental science–law interface. The objectives of this paper are to assist scientists who wish to conduct and communicate science that informs environmental statutes, regulations, and associated operational policies (OPs), and to ensure the environmental lawyers (and others) working to ensure that these statutes, regulations, and OPs are appropriately informed by scientific evidence. We provide a conceptual model of how different kinds of science-based activities can feed into legislative and policy cycles, ranging from actionable science that can inform decision-making windows to retrospective analyses that can inform future regulations. We identify a series of major gaps and barriers that challenge the successful linking of environmental science and law. These include (1) the different time frames for science and law, (2) the different standards of proof for scientific and legal (un)certainty, (3) the need for effective scientific communication, (4) the multijurisdictional (federal, provincial, and Indigenous) nature of environmental law, and (5) the different ethical obligations of law and science. Addressing these challenges calls for bidirectional learning among scientists and lawyers and more intentional collaborations at the law–science interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W. Moore
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Linda Nowlan
- West Coast Environmental Law, Vancouver, BC V9A 3N6, Canada
| | - Martin Olszynski
- Faculty of Law, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Aerin L. Jacob
- Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and Liber Ero Fellowship Program, Canmore, AB T1W 1P6, Canada
| | - Brett Favaro
- Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1C 5R3, Canada
| | - Lynda Collins
- Faculty of Law, Centre for Environmental Law and Global Sustainability, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | - Jill Weitz
- Salmon Beyond Borders, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
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Loh TL, Larson ER, David SR, de Souza LS, Gericke R, Gryzbek M, Kough AS, Willink PW, Knapp CR. Quantifying the contribution of zoos and aquariums to peer-reviewed scientific research. Facets (Ott) 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2017-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern zoos and aquariums aspire to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and research. For example, conservation research is a key accreditation criterion of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). However, no studies to date have quantified this contribution. We assessed the research productivity of 228 AZA members using scientific publications indexed in the ISI Web of Science (WoS) database between 1993 and 2013 (inclusive). AZA members published 5175 peer-reviewed manuscripts over this period, with publication output increasing over time. Most publications were in the zoology and veterinary science subject areas, and articles classified as “biodiversity conservation” by WoS averaged 7% of total publications annually. From regression analyses, AZA organizations with larger financial assets generally published more, but research-affiliated mission statements were also associated with increased publication output. A strong publication record indicates expertise and expands scientific knowledge, enhancing organizational credibility. Institutions aspiring for higher research productivity likely require a dedicated research focus and adequate institutional support through research funding and staffing. We recommend future work build on our results by exploring links between zoo and aquarium research productivity and conservation outcomes or uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tse-Lynn Loh
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Eric R. Larson
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Solomon R. David
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA 70301, USA
| | - Lesley S. de Souza
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Rebecca Gericke
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Mary Gryzbek
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Andrew S. Kough
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Philip W. Willink
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Charles R. Knapp
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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11
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Salomaa A, Paloniemi R, Ekroos A. The case of conflicting Finnish peatland management - Skewed representation of nature, participation and policy instruments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 223:694-702. [PMID: 29975897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Peatlands that are close to a natural state are rich in biodiversity and are significant carbon storages. Simultaneously, peat resources are of interest to industry, which leads to competing interests and tensions regarding the use and management of peatlands. In this case study, we studied knowledge-management interactions through the development of participation and the resulting representation of nature (how nature was described), as well as the proposed and implemented conservation policy instruments. We focused on the years 2009-2015, when peatland management was intensively debated in Finland. We did an interpretative policy analysis using policy documents (Peatland Strategy; Government Resolution; Proposal for Conservation Programme) and environmental legislation as central data. Our results show how the representation of nature reflected the purpose of the documents and consensus of participants' values. The representation of nature changed from skewed use of ecosystem services to detailed ecological knowledge. However, simultaneously, political power changed and the planned supplementation programme for peatland conservation was not implemented. The Environment Protection Act was reformulated so that it prohibited the use of the most valuable peatlands. Landowners did not have the chance to fully participate in the policy process. Overall, the conservation policy instruments changed to emphasize voluntariness but without an adequate budget to ensure sufficient conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Salomaa
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki. P.O. Box 65, 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Riikka Paloniemi
- Environmental Policy Centre, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), P.O. Box 140, 00260, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ari Ekroos
- Department of Built Environment, Aalto University, P.O. Box 14100, 00076, Aalto, Finland.
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12
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Rose DC, Sutherland WJ, Amano T, González‐Varo JP, Robertson RJ, Simmons BI, Wauchope HS, Kovacs E, Durán AP, Vadrot ABM, Wu W, Dias MP, Di Fonzo MMI, Ivory S, Norris L, Nunes MH, Nyumba TO, Steiner N, Vickery J, Mukherjee N. The major barriers to evidence-informed conservation policy and possible solutions. Conserv Lett 2018; 11:e12564. [PMID: 31031821 PMCID: PMC6473637 DOI: 10.1111/conl.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation policy decisions can suffer from a lack of evidence, hindering effective decision-making. In nature conservation, studies investigating why policy is often not evidence-informed have tended to focus on Western democracies, with relatively small samples. To understand global variation and challenges better, we established a global survey aimed at identifying top barriers and solutions to the use of conservation science in policy. This obtained the views of 758 people in policy, practice, and research positions from 68 countries across six languages. Here we show that, contrary to popular belief, there is agreement between groups about how to incorporate conservation science into policy, and there is thus room for optimism. Barriers related to the low priority of conservation were considered to be important, while mainstreaming conservation was proposed as a key solution. Therefore, priorities should focus on convincing the public of the importance of conservation as an issue, which will then influence policy-makers to adopt pro-environmental long-term policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Rose
- Department of GeographyUniversity of CambridgeDowning PlaceCambridgeCB2 3ENUnited Kingdom
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwich Research ParkNorwichNR4 7TJUnited Kingdom
| | - William J. Sutherland
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
| | - Tatsuya Amano
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
- Centre for the Study of Existential RiskUniversity of Cambridge16 Mill LaneCambridgeCB2 1SB
| | - Juan P. González‐Varo
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. Robertson
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
| | - Benno I. Simmons
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
| | - Hannah S. Wauchope
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
| | - Eszter Kovacs
- Department of GeographyUniversity of CambridgeDowning PlaceCambridgeCB2 3ENUnited Kingdom
- Corvinus University of BudapestFővám tér 8Budapest 1093Hungary
| | - América Paz Durán
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
- UN World Conservation Monitoring Centre219 Huntingdon RoadCambridgeCB3 0DL
- Luc Hoffmann Institutec/o WWF InternationalAvenue du Mont Blanc1196 GlandSwitzerland
| | - Alice B. M. Vadrot
- Centre for Science and Policy10 Trumpington St.CambridgeCB2 1QAUnited Kingdom
| | - Weiling Wu
- Department of GeographyUniversity of CambridgeDowning PlaceCambridgeCB2 3ENUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria P. Dias
- Birdlife InternationalThe David Attenborough BuildingPembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
| | - Martina M. I. Di Fonzo
- Department of GeographyUniversity of CambridgeDowning PlaceCambridgeCB2 3ENUnited Kingdom
- University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership1 Trumpington StreetCambridgeCB2 1QAUnited Kingdom
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental DecisionsUniversity of QueenslandSt Lucia4072Australia
| | - Sarah Ivory
- UN World Conservation Monitoring Centre219 Huntingdon RoadCambridgeCB3 0DL
| | - Lucia Norris
- Department of GeographyUniversity of CambridgeDowning PlaceCambridgeCB2 3ENUnited Kingdom
| | - Matheus Henrique Nunes
- Forest Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EAUnited Kingdom
| | - Tobias Ochieng Nyumba
- Department of GeographyUniversity of CambridgeDowning PlaceCambridgeCB2 3ENUnited Kingdom
| | - Noa Steiner
- Department of GeographyUniversity of CambridgeDowning PlaceCambridgeCB2 3ENUnited Kingdom
- UN World Conservation Monitoring Centre219 Huntingdon RoadCambridgeCB3 0DL
| | - Juliet Vickery
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
- RSPB Centre of Conservation ScienceRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds, The LodgeSandyBedfordshireSG19 2DLUnited Kingdom
| | - Nibedita Mukherjee
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeThe David Attenborough Building, Pembroke StreetCambridgeCB2 3QZUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterPenrynCornwall TR10 9FEUnited Kingdom
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Karam-Gemael M, Loyola R, Penha J, Izzo T. Poor alignment of priorities between scientists and policymakers highlights the need for evidence-informed conservation in Brazil. Perspect Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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14
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Sandberg M, Jakobsson S. Trees are all around us: Farmers' management of wood pastures in the light of a controversial policy. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 212:228-235. [PMID: 29438928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Wood pastures are some of the most species-rich environments found in Europe and therefore essential habitats for biodiversity conservation. Society also puts faith in multiple values of trees, ranging from climate change mitigation to socio-cultural traditions. Therefore, the seemingly arbitrary tree density limit for pasture environments imposed by the EU through its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) threatened both biological and societal values. In this study on farmers' perspectives, we target the effects of the CAP tree density limit on management of wood pastures in a low-intensively managed agricultural landscape of southern Sweden. The case of simplifying nature by using simple number limitations was used as an entry point in semi-structured, open-ended, interviews with farmers and officials about their view on trees and pasture management in relation to policy directives. The interviews showed that the policy incentive shifted the management focus from grazing quality to the number of trees and that farmers are willing to cut in order to get subsidies and timber revenues, however not unreflectingly. Farmers had high knowledge about the wide ranging social, cultural and natural values of trees, and are often themselves as good regulators of tree management as policies intend to be. Our study reveals many difficulties in managing the complex relations within landscapes with simplified legal measures, opening up for further discussion about improving policy instruments to preserve both social and biological values of wood pastures. However, although the tree density limit has been criticised on many points related to biodiversity conservation, this study shows that other values linked to pasture trees, e.g. the aesthetic values and their importance as shelter for grazing animals, could be an argument to actually keep the focus on trees as indicators of pasture management quality. We suggest that trees in general and wood-pastures in particular therefore are good starting points, or boundary-objects, for collaboration between production and conservation interests of farming and environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Sandberg
- Unit for Human Geography, Department of Economy and Society, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 625, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Simon Jakobsson
- Biogeography and Geomatics, Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Watkins C, Zavaleta J, Wilson S, Francisco S. Developing an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral community of practice in the domain of forests and livelihoods. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2018; 32:60-71. [PMID: 28685853 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Although significant resources are being spent researching and fostering the relationship between forests and livelihoods to promote mutually beneficial outcomes, critical gaps in understanding persist. A core reason for such gaps is that researchers, practitioners, and policy makers lack the structured space to interact and collaborate, which is essential for effective, interdisciplinary research, practice, and evaluation. Thus, scientific findings, policy recommendations, and measured outcomes have not always been synthesized into deep, systemic understanding; learning from practice and implementation does not easily find its way into scientific analyses, and science often fails to influence policy. Communities of practice (CofPs) are dynamic sociocultural systems that bring people together to share and create knowledge around a common topic of interest. They offer participants a space and structure within which to develop new, systemic approaches to multidimensional problems on a common theme. Uniquely informed by a systems-thinking perspective and drawing from the scientific and gray literatures and in-depth interviews with representatives of established CofPs in the natural resource management and development domain, we argue that a well-designed and adequately funded CofP can facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral relationships and knowledge exchange. Well-designed CofPs integrate a set of core features and processes to enhance individual, collective, and domain outcomes; they set out an initial but evolving purpose, encourage diverse leadership, and promote collective-identity development. Funding facilitates effective communication strategies (e.g., in person meetings). We urge our colleagues across sectors and disciplines to take advantage of CofPs to advance the domain of forests and livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy Watkins
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, U.S.A
| | - Jennifer Zavaleta
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, U.S.A
| | - Sarah Wilson
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, U.S.A
| | - Scott Francisco
- Pilot Projects, 22 Eldridge St #2a, New York, NY 10002, U.S.A
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16
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Ranius T, Rudolphi J, Sténs A, Mårald E. Conflicting demands and shifts between policy and intra-scientific orientation during conservation research programmes. AMBIO 2017; 46:621-629. [PMID: 28299748 PMCID: PMC5595743 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-0913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Conservation scientists must meet the sometimes conflicting demands of policy and science, but not necessarily at the same time. We analysed the policy and intra-scientific orientations of research projects on effects of stump extraction on biodiversity, and found shifts over time associated with these demands. Our results indicate that uncertainties related to both factual issues and human decisions are often ignored in policy-oriented reports and syntheses, which could give misleading indications of the reliability or feasibility of any conclusions. The policy versus intra-scientific orientation of the scientific papers generated from the surveyed projects varied substantially, although we argue that in applied research, societal relevance is generally more important than intra-scientific relevance. To make conservation science more socially relevant, there is a need for giving societal relevance higher priority, paying attention to uncertainties and increasing the awareness of the value of cross-disciplinary research considering human decisions and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ranius
- Department of Ecology, SLU, Box 7044, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Rudolphi
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Sténs
- Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erland Mårald
- Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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17
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Nguyen VM, Young N, Cooke SJ. A roadmap for knowledge exchange and mobilization research in conservation and natural resource management. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:789-798. [PMID: 27767241 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Scholars across all disciplines have long been interested in how knowledge moves within and beyond their community of peers. Rapid environmental changes and calls for sustainable management practices mean the best knowledge possible is needed to inform decisions, policies, and practices to protect biodiversity and sustainably manage vulnerable natural resources. Although the conservation literature on knowledge exchange (KE) and knowledge mobilization (KM) has grown in recent years, much of it is based on context-specific case studies. This presents a challenge for learning cumulative lessons from KE and KM research and thus effectively using knowledge in conservation and natural resources management. Although continued research on the gap between knowledge and action is valuable, overarching conceptual frameworks are now needed to enable summaries and comparisons across diverse KE-KM research. We propose a knowledge-action framework that provides a conceptual roadmap for future research and practice in KE/KM with the aim of synthesizing lessons learned from contextual case studies and guiding the development and testing of hypotheses in this domain. Our knowledge-action framework has 3 elements that occur at multiple levels and scales: knowledge production (e.g., academia and government), knowledge mediation (e.g., knowledge networks, actors, relational dimension, and contextual dimension), and knowledge-based action (e.g., instrumental, symbolic, and conceptual). The framework integrates concepts from the sociology of science in particular, and serves as a guide to further comprehensive understanding of knowledge exchange and mobilization in conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian M Nguyen
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Environmental Science Institute, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Nathan Young
- School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Environmental Science Institute, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
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18
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Cook ASCP, Robinson RA. Towards a framework for quantifying the population-level consequences of anthropogenic pressures on the environment: The case of seabirds and windfarms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 190:113-121. [PMID: 28040587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aonghais S C P Cook
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 2PU, UK.
| | - Robert A Robinson
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 2PU, UK
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19
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Marshall N, Adger N, Attwood S, Brown K, Crissman C, Cvitanovic C, De Young C, Gooch M, James C, Jessen S, Johnson D, Marshall P, Park S, Wachenfeld D, Wrigley D. Empirically derived guidance for social scientists to influence environmental policy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171950. [PMID: 28278238 PMCID: PMC5344331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure to stem trends of ecological disruption and associated loss of ecosystem services worldwide is partly due to the inadequate integration of the human dimension into environmental decision-making. Decision-makers need knowledge of the human dimension of resource systems and of the social consequences of decision-making if environmental management is to be effective and adaptive. Social scientists have a central role to play, but little guidance exists to help them influence decision-making processes. We distil 348 years of cumulative experience shared by 31 environmental experts across three continents into advice for social scientists seeking to increase their influence in the environmental policy arena. Results focus on the importance of process, engagement, empathy and acumen and reveal the importance of understanding and actively participating in policy processes through co-producing knowledge and building trust. The insights gained during this research might empower a science-driven cultural change in science-policy relations for the routine integration of the human dimension in environmental decision making; ultimately for an improved outlook for earth’s ecosystems and the billions of people that depend on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Marshall
- CSIRO Land and Water, ATSIP Building, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- College of Environmental and Marine Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Neil Adger
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Attwood
- Biodiversity International, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Katrina Brown
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christopher Cvitanovic
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Cassandra De Young
- Food and Agriculture Organisation, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla Rome, Italy
| | - Margaret Gooch
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Sabine Jessen
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dave Johnson
- Department of the Environment, Canberra, Australia
| | - Paul Marshall
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Sarah Park
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich Norfolk, United Kingdom
- School of international Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Wachenfeld
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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20
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Jakobsson S, Lindborg R. The importance of trees for woody pasture bird diversity and effects of the European Union's tree density policy. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jakobsson
- Biogeography and Geomatics; Department of Physical Geography; Stockholm University; 106 91 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Regina Lindborg
- Biogeography and Geomatics; Department of Physical Geography; Stockholm University; 106 91 Stockholm Sweden
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21
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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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22
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Admiraal J, Musters C, de Snoo G. The loss of biodiversity conservation in EU research programmes: Thematic shifts in biodiversity wording in the environment themes of EU research programmes FP7 and Horizon 2020. J Nat Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Nel JL, Roux DJ, Driver A, Hill L, Maherry AC, Snaddon K, Petersen CR, Smith-Adao LB, Van Deventer H, Reyers B. Knowledge co-production and boundary work to promote implementation of conservation plans. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2016; 30:176-188. [PMID: 26041340 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge co-production and boundary work offer planners a new frame for critically designing a social process that fosters collaborative implementation of resulting plans. Knowledge co-production involves stakeholders from diverse knowledge systems working iteratively toward common vision and action. Boundary work is a means of creating permeable knowledge boundaries that satisfy the needs of multiple social groups while guarding the functional integrity of contributing knowledge systems. Resulting products are boundary objects of mutual interest that maintain coherence across all knowledge boundaries. We examined how knowledge co-production and boundary work can bridge the gap between planning and implementation and promote cross-sectoral cooperation. We applied these concepts to well-established stages in regional conservation planning within a national scale conservation planning project aimed at identifying areas for conserving rivers and wetlands of South Africa and developing an institutional environment for promoting their conservation. Knowledge co-production occurred iteratively over 4 years in interactive stake-holder workshops that included co-development of national freshwater conservation goals and spatial data on freshwater biodiversity and local conservation feasibility; translation of goals into quantitative inputs that were used in Marxan to select draft priority conservation areas; review of draft priority areas; and packaging of resulting map products into an atlas and implementation manual to promote application of the priority area maps in 37 different decision-making contexts. Knowledge co-production stimulated dialogue and negotiation and built capacity for multi-scale implementation beyond the project. The resulting maps and information integrated diverse knowledge types of over 450 stakeholders and represented >1000 years of collective experience. The maps provided a consistent national source of information on priority conservation areas for rivers and wetlands and have been applied in 25 of the 37 use contexts since their launch just over 3 years ago. When framed as a knowledge co-production process supported by boundary work, regional conservation plans can be developed into valuable boundary objects that offer a tangible tool for multi-agency cooperation around conservation. Our work provides practical guidance for promoting uptake of conservation science and contributes to an evidence base on how conservation efforts can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne L Nel
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
- Sustainability Research Unit, NMMU, Private Bag X6531, George, 6530, South Africa
| | - Dirk J Roux
- Sustainability Research Unit, NMMU, Private Bag X6531, George, 6530, South Africa
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Private Bag X6531, George, 6530, South Africa
| | - Amanda Driver
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, 7735, South Africa
| | - Liesl Hill
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Ashton C Maherry
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
| | - Kate Snaddon
- Freshwater Consulting Group, P.O. Box 43935, Scarborough, 7975, South Africa
| | - Chantel R Petersen
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
| | - Lindie B Smith-Adao
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
| | - Heidi Van Deventer
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Belinda Reyers
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
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Dicks LV, Baude M, Roberts SPM, Phillips J, Green M, Carvell C. How much flower-rich habitat is enough for wild pollinators? Answering a key policy question with incomplete knowledge. ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 40:22-35. [PMID: 26877581 PMCID: PMC4737402 DOI: 10.1111/een.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2013, an opportunity arose in England to develop an agri-environment package for wild pollinators, as part of the new Countryside Stewardship scheme launched in 2015. It can be understood as a 'policy window', a rare and time-limited opportunity to change policy, supported by a narrative about pollinator decline and widely supported mitigating actions. An agri-environment package is a bundle of management options that together supply sufficient resources to support a target group of species. This paper documents information that was available at the time to develop such a package for wild pollinators. Four questions needed answering: (1) Which pollinator species should be targeted? (2) Which resources limit these species in farmland? (3) Which management options provide these resources? (4) What area of each option is needed to support populations of the target species? Focussing on wild bees, we provide tentative answers that were used to inform development of the package. There is strong evidence that floral resources can limit wild bee populations, and several sources of evidence identify a set of agri-environment options that provide flowers and other resources for pollinators. The final question could only be answered for floral resources, with a wide range of uncertainty. We show that the areas of some floral resource options in the basic Wild Pollinator and Farmland Wildlife Package (2% flower-rich habitat and 1 km flowering hedgerow), are sufficient to supply a set of six common pollinator species with enough pollen to feed their larvae at lowest estimates, using minimum values for estimated parameters where a range was available. We identify key sources of uncertainty, and stress the importance of keeping the Package flexible, so it can be revised as new evidence emerges about how to achieve the policy aim of supporting pollinators on farmland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn V Dicks
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge U.K
| | - Mathilde Baude
- Collegium Sciences et Techniques, LBLGC EA 1207, Université d'Orléans Orléans France; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol Bristol U.K
| | - Stuart P M Roberts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading Reading U.K
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