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Ashtari N, Abbasi J, Barnert E. Perspectives of California Legislators on Institutional Barriers and Facilitators to Non-Partisan Research Evidence Use in State Health Policymaking. J Gen Intern Med 2023:10.1007/s11606-023-08547-z. [PMID: 38102408 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08547-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bridging the translational gap between research evidence and health policy in state legislatures requires understanding the institutional barriers and facilitators to non-partisan research evidence use. Previous studies have identified individual-level barriers and facilitators to research evidence use, but limited perspectives exist on institutional factors within legislatures that influence non-partisan research evidence use in health policymaking. OBJECTIVE We describe the perspectives of California state legislators and legislative staff on institutional barriers and facilitators of non-partisan research evidence use in health policymaking and explore potential solutions for enhancing use. DESIGN Case study design involving qualitative interviews. PARTICIPANTS We interviewed 24 California state legislators, legislative office staff, and legislative research staff. APPROACH Semi-structured recorded interviews were conducted in person or by phone to identify opportunities for enhancing non-partisan research evidence use within state legislatures. We conducted thematic analyses of interview transcripts to identify (1) when research evidence is used during the policymaking process, (2) barriers and facilitators operating at the institutional level, and (3) potential solutions for enhancing evidence use. RESULTS Institutional barriers to non-partisan research evidence use in health policymaking were grouped into three themes: institutional policies, practices, and priorities. Interviews also revealed institutional-level facilitators of research evidence use, including (1) access and capacity to engage with research evidence, and (2) perceived credibility of research evidence. The most widely supported institutional-level solution for enhancing evidence-based health policymaking in state legislatures involved establishing independent, impartial research entities to provide legislators with trusted evidence to inform decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Potential institutional-level changes within state legislatures may enhance evidence use in health policymaking, leading to improved health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Ashtari
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| | - Justin Abbasi
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Elizabeth Barnert
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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Lenzi A, Birtele D, Gisondi S, Romano M, Petriccione B, Cerretti P, Campanaro A. Robber flies and hover flies (Insecta, Diptera, Asilidae and Syrphidae) in beech forests of the central Apennines: a contribution to the inventory of insect biodiversity in Italian State Nature Reserves. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e101327. [PMID: 37215463 PMCID: PMC10199333 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The present paper describes a sampling-event dataset on species belonging to two families of Diptera (Syrphidae and Asilidae) collected between 2012 and 2019 in two Italian beech forests located in the central Apennines. The reference dataset consists of an annotated checklist and has been published on Zenodo. Syrphidae and Asilidae are two widespread and key ecological groups, including predator, pollinator and saproxylic species. Despite their pivotal role in both natural and man-made ecosystems, these families are still poorly known in terms of local distribution and open-access sampling-event data are rare in Italy. New information This open-access dataset includes 2,295 specimens for a total of 21 Asilidae and 65 Syrphidae species. Information about the collection (e.g. place, date, methods applied, collector) and the identification (e.g. species name, author, taxon ID) of the species is provided. Given the current biodiversity crisis, the publication of checklists, sampling-event data and datasets on insect communities in open-access repositories is highly recommended, as it represents the opportunity to share biodiversity information amongst different stakeholders. Moreover, such data are also a valuable source of information for nature reserve managers responsible for monitoring the conservation status of protected and endangered species and habitats and for evaluating the effects of conservation actions over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lenzi
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria – Centro di ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, ItalyConsiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria – Centro di ricerca Difesa e CertificazioneFirenzeItaly
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, ItalyDipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza Università di RomaRomaItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, ItalyNBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
| | - Daniele Birtele
- Carabinieri Biodiversità, Reparto di Verona – Centro Nazionale Carabinieri Biodiversità “Bosco Fontana", Marmirolo (Mantova), ItalyCarabinieri Biodiversità, Reparto di Verona – Centro Nazionale Carabinieri Biodiversità “Bosco Fontana"Marmirolo (Mantova)Italy
| | - Silvia Gisondi
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria – Centro di ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, ItalyConsiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria – Centro di ricerca Difesa e CertificazioneFirenzeItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, ItalyNBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
| | - Mario Romano
- Raggruppamento Carabinieri Biodiversità, Reparto di Castel di Sangro, Castel di Sangro (L'Aquila), ItalyRaggruppamento Carabinieri Biodiversità, Reparto di Castel di SangroCastel di Sangro (L'Aquila)Italy
| | - Bruno Petriccione
- Colonnello dei Carabinieri per la Biodiversità, nella riserva, Castel di Sangro, ItalyColonnello dei Carabinieri per la Biodiversità, nella riservaCastel di SangroItaly
| | - Pierfilippo Cerretti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, ItalyDipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza Università di RomaRomaItaly
| | - Alessandro Campanaro
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria – Centro di ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, ItalyConsiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria – Centro di ricerca Difesa e CertificazioneFirenzeItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, ItalyNBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
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Brar J, Chowdhury N, Raihan MMH, Khalid A, O’Brien MG, Walsh CA, Turin TC. The Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies toward Establishing a Community-Engaged Knowledge Hub: An Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1160. [PMID: 36673915 PMCID: PMC9858916 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Current knowledge creation and mobilization efforts are concentrated in academic institutions. A community-engaged knowledge hub (CEKH) has the potential for transdisciplinary and cross-sectorial collaboration between knowledge producers, mobilizers, and users to develop more relevant and effective research practices as well as to increase community capacity in terms of knowledge production. Objective: To summarize existing original research articles on knowledge hubs or platforms and to identify the benefits, challenges, and ways to address challenges when developing a CEKH. Methods: This study followed a systematic integrative review design. Following a comprehensive search of academic and grey literature databases, we screened 9030 unique articles using predetermined inclusion criteria and identified 20 studies for the final synthesis. We employed thematic analysis to summarize the results. Results: The focus of the majority of these knowledge mobilization hubs was related to health and wellness. Knowledge hubs have a multitude of benefits for the key stakeholders including academics, communities, service providers, and policymakers, including improving dissemination processes, providing more effective community interventions, ensuring informed care, and creating policy assessment tools. Challenges in creating knowledge hubs are generally consistent for all stakeholders, rather than for individual stakeholders, and typically pertain to funding, resources, and conflicting perspectives. As such, strategies to address challenges are also emphasized and should be executed in unison. Conclusions: This study informs the development of a future CEKH through the identification of the benefits, challenges, and strategies to mitigate challenges when developing knowledge hubs. This study addresses a literature gap regarding the comparisons of knowledge hubs and stakeholder experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Brar
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Nashit Chowdhury
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Mohammad M. H. Raihan
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ayisha Khalid
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mary Grantham O’Brien
- Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Christine A. Walsh
- Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Tanvir C. Turin
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Oxley AS, Donati G, Hill CM. What Works and What Doesn’t Work? The Challenges of Doing Effective Applied Conservation Research in Human-Modified Habitats. INT J PRIMATOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-022-00336-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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5
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Flamm RO, Braunsberger K. Systems thinking to operationalize knowledge‐to‐action in fish and wildlife agencies. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Owen Flamm
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Tallahassee Florida USA
| | - Karin Braunsberger
- Center for Entrepreneurship, Muma College of Business University of South Florida Tampa Florida USA
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6
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Gregg EA, Kidd LR, Bekessy SA, Martin JK, Robinson JA, Garrard GE. Ethical considerations for conservation messaging research and practice. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Gregg
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban, and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Lindall R. Kidd
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban, and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Sarah A. Bekessy
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban, and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Jen K. Martin
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Georgia E. Garrard
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban, and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
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7
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Oakes LE, Peterson St‐Laurent G, Cross MS, Washington T, Tully E, Hagerman S. Strengthening monitoring and evaluation of multiple benefits in conservation initiatives that aim to foster climate change adaptation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Oakes
- Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
- Department of Earth System Science Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | | | | | - Tatjana Washington
- Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Shannon Hagerman
- Faculty of Forestry University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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8
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Blacketer MP, Brownlee MTJ, Bowen BB. Perceptions of Social Network Influence: Key Players' Insights Into Power, Conflict, and Collaboration at the Bonneville Salt Flats. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 69:288-304. [PMID: 35029728 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01590-8] [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: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Conflict among stakeholders is a familiar challenge to natural resource managers and researchers. Fostering trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups is, therefore, a primary goal for natural resource conservation. One tool often used to understand stakeholder relationships and to foster collaborative conservation is social network analysis (SNA), a method that identifies patterns in social relationships among members of a population using networks and graph theory (Scott 2017). Through an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, this study applied SNA to better understand social dynamics among six stakeholder groups associated with Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats (Bonneville; USA). We sought to (1) build social network models (i.e., sociograms) depicting Bonneville-related social interactions among stakeholders, (2) identify potentially influential individuals (i.e., key players) in Bonneville's stakeholder network; and engage these key players in (3) 'member-checking' social interaction trends gathered during the data collection year, and (4) discussing perceptions of their network's influential social dynamics. Sharing SNA data and sociograms through semi-structured qualitative interviews with key players verified four seasons' worth of social interaction trends within and among Bonneville stakeholder groups. These conversations also evoked key players' reflection on social power dynamics, social network evolution, the influence of research into the Bonneville social network, and introspection about social connections therein. These emergent themes support applying SNA and qualitative interviews with key players in natural resource social networks to yield valuable information for managers who seek to foster collaboration while avoiding or abating resource-related conflict among stakeholder groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Blacketer
- Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Matthew T J Brownlee
- Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Brenda B Bowen
- Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT, USA.
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9
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LeFlore M, Bunn D, Sebastian P, Gaydos JK. Improving the probability that small‐scale science will benefit conservation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Monica LeFlore
- Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management University of California Davis California USA
| | - David Bunn
- Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management University of California Davis California USA
| | - Peter Sebastian
- EpiCenter for Disease Dynamics One Health Institute, University of California Davis California USA
| | - Joseph K. Gaydos
- SeaDoc Society UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center – Orcas Island Office Eastsound Washington USA
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10
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Madliger CL, Love OP, Nguyen VM, Haddaway NR, Cooke SJ. Researcher perspectives on challenges and opportunities in conservation physiology revealed from an online survey. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab030. [PMID: 33959293 PMCID: PMC8084030 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Conservation physiology represents a recently emerging arm of conservation science that applies physiological tools and techniques to understand and solve conservation issues. While a multi-disciplinary toolbox can only help to address the global biodiversity crisis, any field can face challenges while becoming established, particularly highly applied disciplines that require multi-stakeholder involvement. Gaining first-hand knowledge of the challenges that conservation physiologists are facing can help characterize the current state of the field and build a better foundation for determining how it can grow. Through an online survey of 468 scientists working at the intersection of physiology and conservation, we aimed to identify characteristics of those engaging in conservation physiology research (e.g. demographics, primary taxa of study), gauge conservation physiology's role in contributing to on-the-ground conservation action, identify the perceived barriers to achieving success and determine how difficult any identified barriers are to overcome. Despite all participants having experience combining physiology and conservation, only one-third considered themselves to be 'conservation physiologists'. Moreover, there was a general perception that conservation physiology does not yet regularly lead to tangible conservation success. Respondents identified the recent conceptualization of the field and the broader issue of adequately translating science into management action as the primary reasons for these deficits. Other significant barriers that respondents have faced when integrating physiology and conservation science included a lack of funding, logistical constraints (e.g. sample sizes, obtaining permits) and a lack of physiological baseline data (i.e. reference ranges of a physiological metric's 'normal' or pre-environmental change levels). We identified 12 actions based on suggestions of survey participants that we anticipate will help deconstruct the barriers and continue to develop a narrative of physiology that is relevant to conservation science, policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Madliger
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Vivian M Nguyen
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Neal R Haddaway
- Stockholm Environment Institute, Linnégatan 87D, 10451 Stockholm, Sweden
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Torgauer Strasse 19, 10829, Berlin, Germany
- Africa Centre for Evidence, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
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Lavery TH, Morgain R, Fitzsimons JA, Fluin J, Macgregor NA, Robinson NM, Scheele BC, Selwood KE, Spindler R, Vuong H, West S, Wintle BA, Lindenmayer DB. Impact Indicators for Biodiversity Conservation Research: Measuring Influence within and beyond Academia. Bioscience 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Measuring, reporting, and forecasting research impact beyond academia has become increasingly important to demonstrate and understand real-world benefits. This is arguably most important in crisis disciplines such as medicine, environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, where application of new knowledge is urgently needed to improve health and environmental outcomes. Increasing focus on impact has prompted the development of theoretical guidance and practical tools tailored to a range of disciplines, but commensurate development of tools for conservation is still needed. In the present article, we review available tools for evaluating research impact applicable to conservation research. From these, and via a survey of conservation professionals, we compiled and ranked a list of 96 impact indicators useful for conservation science. Our indicators apply to a logic chain of inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. We suggest the list can act as a clear guide to realize and measure potential impacts from conservation research within and beyond academia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone H Lavery
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - Rachel Morgain
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - James A Fitzsimons
- The Nature Conservancy and the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennie Fluin
- Government of South Australia, Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Macgregor
- Parks Australia, located, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia and the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha M Robinson
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - Ben C Scheele
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | | | | | - Holly Vuong
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - Simon West
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brendan A Wintle
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David B Lindenmayer
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
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13
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Penman TD, Cirulis B, Marcot BG. Bayesian decision network modeling for environmental risk management: A wildfire case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 270:110735. [PMID: 32721285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental decision-making requires an understanding of complex interacting systems across scales of space and time. A range of statistical methods, evaluation frameworks and modeling approaches have been applied for conducting structured environmental decision-making under uncertainty. Bayesian Decision Networks (BDNs) are a useful construct for addressing uncertainties in environmental decision-making. In this paper, we apply a BDN to decisions regarding fire management to evaluate the general efficacy and utility of the approach in resource and environmental decision-making. The study was undertaken in south-eastern Australia to examine decisions about prescribed burning rates and locations based on treatment and impact costs. Least-cost solutions were identified but are unlikely to be socially acceptable or practical within existing resources; however, the statistical approach allowed for the identification of alternative, more practical solutions. BDNs provided a transparent and effective method for a multi-criteria decision analysis of environmental management problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trent D Penman
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Brett Cirulis
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce G Marcot
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Portland, OR, USA
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McGonigle DF, Rota Nodari G, Phillips RL, Aynekulu E, Estrada-Carmona N, Jones SK, Koziell I, Luedeling E, Remans R, Shepherd K, Wiberg D, Whitney C, Zhang W. A Knowledge Brokering Framework for Integrated Landscape Management. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2020.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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15
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Kuehne LM, Strecker AL, Olden JD. Knowledge Exchange and Social Capital for Freshwater Ecosystem Assessments. Bioscience 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA) provided crucial environmental protections, spurring research and corresponding development of a network of expertise that represents critical human capital in freshwater conservation. We used social network analysis to evaluate collaboration across organizational types and ecosystem focus by examining connections between authors of freshwater assessments published since the CWA. We found that the freshwater assessment network is highly fragmented, with no trend toward centralization. Persistent cohesion around organizational subgroups and minimal bridging ties suggest the network is better positioned for diversification and innovation than for learning and building a strong history of linked expertise. Despite an abundance of research activity from university-affiliated authors, federal agency authors provide a majority of the bonding and bridging capital, and diverse agencies constitute the core network. Together, our results suggest that government agencies currently play a central role in sustaining the network of expertise in freshwater assessment, protection, and conservation.
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Bariotakis M, Georgescu L, Laina D, Oikonomou I, Ntagounakis G, Koufaki MI, Souma M, Choreftakis M, Zormpa OG, Smykal P, Sourvinos G, Lionis C, Castanas E, Karousou R, Pirintsos SA. From wild harvest towards precision agriculture: Use of Ecological Niche Modelling to direct potential cultivation of wild medicinal plants in Crete. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133681. [PMID: 31756796 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the distribution of wild medicinal plants and areas that are suitable for cultivation of these plants is important for both conservation and agriculture. Here, we study ten taxa with known ethnopharmacological uses, which have been used extensively in traditional medicine and as culinary supplements. We aim to (1) predict and map the potential habitat suitability for these taxa across the study area, (2) investigate spatial patterns that could have management implications, such as niche similarities among the taxa and suitability "hotspots" with the use of novel indices, and (3) develop a platform where parts of this information can be accessed and utilized by all interested groups, from the policy-maker level to the individual practitioner level. Ecological Niche Models developed for each study taxon, based on topographic, bioclimatic, soil, and land use variables had high predictive power and were used as the basis for suitability visualization. A series of informative indices were also calculated and mapped, revealing spatial patterns not readily observable from the single-taxon predictions, and providing valuable information to managers. Finally, a web-based, easy-to-use application was also created, where the predicted suitability scores for the study area can be made accessible to anyone interested. The application can provide information both in a visual form (i.e. maps of predicted suitability) and in a numerical form (i.e. estimated suitability scores for all taxa in a given geographical location). This study provides the scientific tools to make a step towards cultivating a group of economically important wild medicinal plants in Crete, as well as the tools to disseminate this information to decision makers and practitioners, and eventually integrate the research findings in local agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Luciana Georgescu
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Danae Laina
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Oikonomou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Ntagounakis
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
| | | | - Maria Souma
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Ourania Grigoriadou Zormpa
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Petr Smykal
- Department of Botany, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Regina Karousou
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios A Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece.
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Dubois NS, Gomez A, Carlson S, Russell D. Bridging the research‐implementation gap requires engagement from practitioners. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Carlson
- United States Agency for International Development Washington District of Columbia
| | - Diane Russell
- SocioEcological Strategies, Inc. Washington District of Columbia
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18
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Merkle JA, Anderson NJ, Baxley DL, Chopp M, Gigliotti LC, Gude JA, Harms TM, Johnson HE, Merrill EH, Mitchell MS, Mong TW, Nelson J, Norton AS, Sheriff MJ, Tomasik E, VanBeek KR. A collaborative approach to bridging the gap between wildlife managers and researchers. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jerod A. Merkle
- Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of Wyoming Department 3166, 1000 E University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Neil J. Anderson
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 490 N Meridian Rd Kalispell MT 59901 USA
| | - Danna L. Baxley
- The Nature Conservancy 114 Woodland Ave Lexington KY 40502 USA
| | - Matthew Chopp
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 3377 E U.S. Highway 90 Lake City FL 32055 USA
| | - Laura C. Gigliotti
- Department of Forestry and Environmental ConservationClemson University 261 Lehotsky Hall Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Justin A. Gude
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 1420 E 6th Ave Helena MT 59620 USA
| | - Tyler M. Harms
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources 1436 255th St Boone IA 50036 USA
| | - Heather E. Johnson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center 4210 University Dr Anchorage AK 99508 USA
| | - Evelyn H. Merrill
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Michael S. Mitchell
- U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitWildlife Biology Program, University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Tony W. Mong
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2820 State Highway 120 Cody WY 82414 USA
| | - Jerry Nelson
- Washington Department of Fish and WildlifeP.O. Box 43141 Olympia WA 98504 USA
| | - Andrew S. Norton
- South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks 4130 Adventure Trail Rapid City SD 57702 USA
| | - Michael J. Sheriff
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 285 Old Westport Rd North Dartmouth MA 02747 USA
| | - Eric Tomasik
- U.S. Forest Service 26 Fort Missoula Rd Missoula MT 59804 USA
| | - Kelly R. VanBeek
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 505 Science Dr, Suite A Madison WI 53711 USA
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19
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Nguyen VM, Young N, Brownscombe JW, Cooke SJ. Collaboration and engagement produce more actionable science: quantitatively analyzing uptake of fish tracking studies. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01943. [PMID: 31161708 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic telemetry technology generates new knowledge about the underwater world that can inform decision-making processes and thus can improve conservation and natural resource management. Still, there is lack of evidence on how telemetry-derived knowledge can or has informed management, and what factors facilitate or deter its use. We present one of the first quantitative studies related to the science-action gap and evaluate factors that influence the uptake of fish telemetry findings into policies and practices, as well as social acceptance of these findings. We globally surveyed 212 fish telemetry researchers regarding the knowledge uptake of an applied fish telemetry research project of their choice. Respondents' personal and professional attributes, as well as the attributes of their chosen projects, were analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify important factors that influenced the uptake (i.e., use, trust, and/or acceptance) of their findings. Researchers with extensive collaborations and who spent more time engaging in public outreach experienced greater uptake of their findings. Respondents with greater telemetry experience and commitment (e.g., more telemetry publications, higher proportion of research on fish telemetry) tended to achieve more social acceptance of their findings. Projects led by researchers who were highly involved and familiar with the fisheries management processes, and those where greater effort was devoted to research dissemination, also tended to experience greater uptake. Last, the levels of complexity and controversy of the issue addressed by the research project had a positive influence on the uptake of findings. The empirical results of this study support recent messages in the science practitioner literature for greater collaboration, knowledge co-production with partners, and public engagement to enable the transfer of knowledge and the use of evidence in decision-making and policies. Scientific organizations should consider shifting reward incentives to promote engagement and collaboration with non-scientific actors, and perhaps even rethinking hiring practices to consider personal and professional characteristics or attitudes such as altruism and networking skills given the influence of these factors in our model. Last, networks composed of both research and practice potentially have a key role in brokering and facilitating knowledge exchange and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian M Nguyen
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Nathan Young
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Jacob W Brownscombe
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B4H 4R2, Canada
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
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20
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Sobratee N, Slotow R. A Critical Review of Lion Research in South Africa: The Impact of Researcher Perspective, Research Mode, and Power Structures on Outcome Bias and Implementation Gaps. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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21
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Goggin CL, Barrett T, Leys J, Summerell G, Gorrod E, Waters S, Littleboy M, Auld TD, Drielsma MJ, Jenkins BR. Incorporating social dimensions in planning, managing and evaluating environmental projects. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 63:215-232. [PMID: 30635681 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-01131-w] [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: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Most conservation research aims to inform management of environmental challenges, but scientific evidence is used inconsistently in environmental programmes and practice. We used semi-structured retrospective interviews to ask 12 environmental scientists and 14 practitioners (land managers, park rangers, project managers and planners from natural resource management agencies) about factors that facilitated and hindered the use of scientific input during 15 environmental projects. We used the common factors from interviews to develop a process model describing how scientific input informs programmes and practice. The model emphasised the social dimensions of environmental projects which are often overlooked when these projects are planned, managed and evaluated. It highlighted the pivotal role of relationships in achieving outcomes which include creating practical, useful products and tools, and robust, credible and trusted evidence. By clarifying the process of how scientific knowledge informs environmental programmes and practice, the model enabled us to provide guidance about how to undertake transdisciplinary work and suggest indicators to track progress. Although derived from environmental projects, the guidance is likely to apply to other fields, particularly where different disciplines work together.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Louise Goggin
- Office of Environment and Heritage New South Wales (OEH), W001, University of New England, Trevenna Road, Armidale, New South Wales (NSW), 2351, Australia.
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Thomas Barrett
- Office of Environment and Heritage New South Wales (OEH), W001, University of New England, Trevenna Road, Armidale, New South Wales (NSW), 2351, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - John Leys
- OEH, 9127 Kamilaroi Highway, Gunnedah, NSW, 2380, Australia
| | | | - Emma Gorrod
- OEH, P.O. Box 1002, Dangar, Newcastle, NSW, 2309, Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart Waters
- Twyfords Consulting, P.O. Box 6004, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Mark Littleboy
- Office of Environment and Heritage New South Wales (OEH), W001, University of New England, Trevenna Road, Armidale, New South Wales (NSW), 2351, Australia
| | - Tony D Auld
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
- OEH, P.O. Box 1967, Hurstville, NSW, 1481, Australia
- School of Biological Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Michael J Drielsma
- Office of Environment and Heritage New South Wales (OEH), W001, University of New England, Trevenna Road, Armidale, New South Wales (NSW), 2351, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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22
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Kharel G, Joshi O, Miller R, Zou C. Perceptions of Government and Research Expert Groups and Their Implications for Watershed Management in Oklahoma, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 62:1048-1059. [PMID: 30242528 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1108-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The collaborative approach for sustainable management of watersheds is built on engagement of diverse stakeholders. Climate variability and anthropogenic activities increasingly impose challenges to successful management, as do contrasts in stakeholder perceptions about those processes. To assess differences in perceptions about watershed issues, we conducted a focus group meeting of expert stakeholder groups from research institutions, and state and federal agencies in the management of Cimarron River Watershed, Oklahoma. We employed the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOTs) approach to identify important issues, and the analytic hierarchy process to rank the perceptions of these groups. We found incongruity between these two groups over internal factors (SW) and external factors (OT) risking sustainable watershed management. External threats such as climate change dominated the research group perceptions, whereas internally prevalent weaknesses such as inability to track water use and lack of a common platform to share scientific data, dominated the government group perceptions. Despite these differences, both groups identified the negative aspect (W + T) as dominant over the positive aspect (S + O), which suggests a pessimistic watershed management future, with risks prevailing over the opportunities. We see this particular congruity of these two stakeholders as an opportunity to initiate a collaborative approach to watershed management in Oklahoma. We also note that the most important factor from each group corresponds to a relatively modest importance from the other group, and therefore suggests the possibility of cooperation rather than conflict in management goals should collaborative watershed management become established in the watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehendra Kharel
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - Omkar Joshi
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Ron Miller
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Chris Zou
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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23
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Lemieux CJ, Groulx MW, Bocking S, Beechey TJ. Evidence-based decision-making in Canada’s protected areas organizations: Implications for management effectiveness. Facets (Ott) 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2017-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aichi Biodiversity Target 19 calls on Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to improve, share, transfer, and apply knowledge. In this study, we provide an initial assessment of the state of evidence-based decision-making in Canada’s protected areas organizations by examining (1) the value and use of various forms of evidence by managers and (2) the extent to which institutional conditions enable or inhibit the use of evidence in decision-making. Results revealed that although managers value and use many forms of evidence in their decision-making, information produced by staff and their organizations are given priority. Other forms of evidence, such as Indigenous knowledge and peer-reviewed information, are valued and used less. The most significant barriers to evidence-based decision-making were limited financial resources, lack of staff, inadequate timeframes for decision-making, a lack of monitoring programs, and a disconnect between researchers and decision-makers. Overall, our results suggest that the potential benefits of evidence-based approaches are not being maximized in Canada’s protected areas organizations. We propose several recommendations to introduce or improve the use of diverse forms of evidence to enhance management effectiveness of Canada’s protected areas and by extension conservation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Lemieux
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
- Canadian Council on Ecological Areas, 91 Cooper Street, Cambridge, ON N3C 2N5, Canada
| | - Mark W. Groulx
- School of Environmental Planning, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Stephen Bocking
- Trent School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9J 0G2, Canada
| | - Tom J. Beechey
- Canadian Council on Ecological Areas, 91 Cooper Street, Cambridge, ON N3C 2N5, Canada
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24
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Lindenmayer D, Michael D, Crane M, Florance D. Ten lessons in 20 years: Insights from monitoring fauna and temperate woodland revegetation. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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25
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Wszola LS, Simonsen VL, Stuber EF, Gillespie CR, Messinger LN, Decker KL, Lusk JJ, Jorgensen CF, Bishop AA, Fontaine JJ. Translating statistical species-habitat models to interactive decision support tools. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188244. [PMID: 29236707 PMCID: PMC5728484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding species-habitat relationships is vital to successful conservation, but the tools used to communicate species-habitat relationships are often poorly suited to the information needs of conservation practitioners. Here we present a novel method for translating a statistical species-habitat model, a regression analysis relating ring-necked pheasant abundance to landcover, into an interactive online tool. The Pheasant Habitat Simulator combines the analytical power of the R programming environment with the user-friendly Shiny web interface to create an online platform in which wildlife professionals can explore the effects of variation in local landcover on relative pheasant habitat suitability within spatial scales relevant to individual wildlife managers. Our tool allows users to virtually manipulate the landcover composition of a simulated space to explore how changes in landcover may affect pheasant relative habitat suitability, and guides users through the economic tradeoffs of landscape changes. We offer suggestions for development of similar interactive applications and demonstrate their potential as innovative science delivery tools for diverse professional and public audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsie S. Wszola
- Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Victoria L. Simonsen
- Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Erica F. Stuber
- Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Caitlyn R. Gillespie
- Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Lindsey N. Messinger
- Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Karie L. Decker
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey J. Lusk
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | | | - Andrew A. Bishop
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Grand Island, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Joseph J. Fontaine
- U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
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26
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Arciszewski TJ, Munkittrick KR, Scrimgeour GJ, Dubé MG, Wrona FJ, Hazewinkel RR. Using adaptive processes and adverse outcome pathways to develop meaningful, robust, and actionable environmental monitoring programs. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2017; 13:877-891. [PMID: 28383771 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The primary goals of environmental monitoring are to indicate whether unexpected changes related to development are occurring in the physical, chemical, and biological attributes of ecosystems and to inform meaningful management intervention. Although achieving these objectives is conceptually simple, varying scientific and social challenges often result in their breakdown. Conceptualizing, designing, and operating programs that better delineate monitoring, management, and risk assessment processes supported by hypothesis-driven approaches, strong inference, and adverse outcome pathways can overcome many of the challenges. Generally, a robust monitoring program is characterized by hypothesis-driven questions associated with potential adverse outcomes and feedback loops informed by data. Specifically, key and basic features are predictions of future observations (triggers) and mechanisms to respond to success or failure of those predictions (tiers). The adaptive processes accelerate or decelerate the effort to highlight and overcome ignorance while preventing the potentially unnecessary escalation of unguided monitoring and management. The deployment of the mutually reinforcing components can allow for more meaningful and actionable monitoring programs that better associate activities with consequences. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:877-891. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim J Arciszewski
- Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Present Address: Alberta Energy Regulator, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Fred J Wrona
- Alberta Environment and Parks, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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27
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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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28
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Participation of natural resource managers on editorial boards of conservation and applied natural resource journals. ORYX 2017. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605315001465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractA gap between research and management exists in numerous natural resource fields. This can lead to management actions that are based on experience rather than evidence and may be less effective as a result. The gap may be partly attributable to research not being relevant, timely or accessible for managers. Editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals are responsible for determining the relevance of submitted manuscripts for a journal's readership. Limited representation of natural resource managers on editorial boards may make it more difficult for journals to identify the topics and findings of most relevance for management, thus contributing to the research–management gap. We quantified the representation of natural resource managers on the editorial boards of 79 conservation and applied natural resource journals. We found that 65% of editors were affiliated with universities, 13% with research institutions, 12% with government agencies and 3% with NGOs. On average, 9% of editors were affiliated with an agency or organization responsible for managing or regulating natural resources. The proportion of managers on editorial boards did not differ significantly between natural resource fields or with journal impact factor. Potential benefits of greater integration of managers into the research and publishing process include selection of research topics with greater relevance for management, clearer statements of the management implications of research studies, and more frequent publication of research evaluating the effectiveness of management interventions. Further study is needed to evaluate whether greater participation of managers in the editorial review process may contribute to achieving these benefits.
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29
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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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30
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Identifying Challenges to Building an Evidence Base for Restoration Practice. SUSTAINABILITY 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/su71215788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Campbell CA, Lefroy EC, Caddy-Retalic S, Bax N, Doherty PJ, Douglas MM, Johnson D, Possingham HP, Specht A, Tarte D, West J. Designing environmental research for impact. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 534:4-13. [PMID: 25557212 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.11.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Transdisciplinary research, involving close collaboration between researchers and the users of research, has been a feature of environmental problem solving for several decades, often spurred by the need to find negotiated outcomes to intractable problems. In 2005, the Australian government allocated funding to its environment portfolio for public good research, which resulted in consecutive four-year programmes (Commonwealth Environmental Research Facilities, National Environmental Research Program). In April 2014, representatives of the funders, researchers and research users associated with these programmes met to reflect on eight years of experience with these collaborative research models. This structured reflection concluded that successful multi-institutional transdisciplinary research is necessarily a joint enterprise between funding agencies, researchers and the end users of research. The design and governance of research programmes need to explicitly recognise shared accountabilities among the participants, while respecting the different perspectives of each group. Experience shows that traditional incentive systems for academic researchers, current trends in public sector management, and loose organisation of many end users, work against sustained transdisciplinary research on intractable problems, which require continuity and adaptive learning by all three parties. The likelihood of research influencing and improving environmental policy and management is maximised when researchers, funders and research users have shared goals; there is sufficient continuity of personnel to build trust and sustain dialogue throughout the research process from issue scoping to application of findings; and there is sufficient flexibility in the funding, structure and operation of transdisciplinary research initiatives to enable the enterprise to assimilate and respond to new knowledge and situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Campbell
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin 0909, Australia
| | - E C Lefroy
- Centre for Environment, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 141, Hobart 7001, Australia
| | - S Caddy-Retalic
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA 5005, Australia
| | - N Bax
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Castray Esplanade, Hobart 7001, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia
| | - P J Doherty
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville 4810, Australia
| | - M M Douglas
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin 0909, Australia
| | - D Johnson
- Department of the Environment, Australian Government, GPO Box 787, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - H P Possingham
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4067, Australia
| | - A Specht
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4067, Australia
| | - D Tarte
- Marine Ecosystem Policy Advisers, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J West
- Department of the Environment, Australian Government, GPO Box 787, Canberra 2601, Australia
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Chapman J, Algera D, Dick M, Hawkins E, Lawrence M, Lennox R, Rous A, Souliere C, Stemberger H, Struthers D, Vu M, Ward T, Zolderdo A, Cooke S. Being relevant: Practical guidance for early career researchers interested in solving conservation problems. Glob Ecol Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Communicating program outcomes to encourage policymaker support for evidence-based state tobacco control. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:12562-74. [PMID: 25485977 PMCID: PMC4276631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111212562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., can be reduced through state-level tobacco prevention and cessation programs. In the absence of research about how to communicate the need for these programs to policymakers, this qualitative study aimed to understand the motivations and priorities of policymakers in North Carolina, a state that enacted a strong tobacco control program from 2003–2011, but drastically reduced funding in recent years. Six former legislators (three Democrats, three Republicans) and three lobbyists for health organizations were interviewed about their attitudes towards tobacco use, support of state-funded programs, and reactions to two policy briefs. Five themes emerged: (1) high awareness of tobacco-related health concerns but limited awareness of program impacts and funding, (2) the primacy of economic concerns in making policy decisions, (3) ideological differences in views of the state’s role in tobacco control, (4) the impact of lobbyist and constituent in-person appeals, and (5) the utility of concise, contextualized data. These findings suggest that building relationships with policymakers to communicate ongoing program outcomes, emphasizing economic data, and developing a constituent advocacy group would be valuable to encourage continued support of state tobacco control programs.
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Kaiser-Bunbury CN, Fleischer-Dogley F, Dogley D, Bunbury N. Scientists’ responsibilities towards evidence-based conservation in a Small Island Developing State. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N. Kaiser-Bunbury
- Ecological Networks; Department of Biology; TU Darmstadt; Schnittspahnstr. 3 64287 Darmstadt Germany
- Seychelles Islands Foundation; La Ciotat Building Mont Fleuri, PO Box 853, Victoria Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Frauke Fleischer-Dogley
- Seychelles Islands Foundation; La Ciotat Building Mont Fleuri, PO Box 853, Victoria Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Didier Dogley
- Environment Department; Ministry of Environment and Energy; Mont Fleuri, Victoria Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands Foundation; La Ciotat Building Mont Fleuri, PO Box 853, Victoria Mahé, Seychelles
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Hames F, Townsend A, Ringwood G, Clunie P, McPhail J. Effective engagement of the Native Fish Strategy is delivered by coordinated and contextual effort. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Cook CN, Possingham HP, Fuller RA. Contribution of systematic reviews to management decisions. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2013; 27:902-15. [PMID: 24001025 PMCID: PMC4232040 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Systematic reviews comprehensively summarize evidence about the effectiveness of conservation interventions. We investigated the contribution to management decisions made by this growing body of literature. We identified 43 systematic reviews of conservation evidence, 23 of which drew some concrete conclusions relevant to management. Most reviews addressed conservation interventions relevant to policy decisions; only 35% considered practical on-the-ground management interventions. The majority of reviews covered only a small fraction of the geographic and taxonomic breadth they aimed to address (median = 13% of relevant countries and 16% of relevant taxa). The likelihood that reviews contained at least some implications for management tended to increase as geographic coverage increased and to decline as taxonomic breadth increased. These results suggest the breadth of a systematic review requires careful consideration. Reviews identified a mean of 312 relevant primary studies but excluded 88% of these because of deficiencies in design or a failure to meet other inclusion criteria. Reviews summarized on average 284 data sets and 112 years of research activity, yet the likelihood that their results had at least some implications for management did not increase as the amount of primary research summarized increased. In some cases, conclusions were elusive despite the inclusion of hundreds of data sets and years of cumulative research activity. Systematic reviews are an important part of the conservation decision making tool kit, although we believe the benefits of systematic reviews could be significantly enhanced by increasing the number of reviews focused on questions of direct relevance to on-the-ground managers; defining a more focused geographic and taxonomic breadth that better reflects available data; including a broader range of evidence types; and appraising the cost-effectiveness of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly N Cook
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group, The School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
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Cook CN, Mascia MB, Schwartz MW, Possingham HP, Fuller RA. Achieving conservation science that bridges the knowledge-action boundary. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2013; 27:669-78. [PMID: 23574343 PMCID: PMC3761186 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
There are many barriers to using science to inform conservation policy and practice. Conservation scientists wishing to produce management-relevant science must balance this goal with the imperative of demonstrating novelty and rigor in their science. Decision makers seeking to make evidence-based decisions must balance a desire for knowledge with the need to act despite uncertainty. Generating science that will effectively inform management decisions requires that the production of information (the components of knowledge) be salient (relevant and timely), credible (authoritative, believable, and trusted), and legitimate (developed via a process that considers the values and perspectives of all relevant actors) in the eyes of both researchers and decision makers. We perceive 3 key challenges for those hoping to generate conservation science that achieves all 3 of these information characteristics. First, scientific and management audiences can have contrasting perceptions about the salience of research. Second, the pursuit of scientific credibility can come at the cost of salience and legitimacy in the eyes of decision makers, and, third, different actors can have conflicting views about what constitutes legitimate information. We highlight 4 institutional frameworks that can facilitate science that will inform management: boundary organizations (environmental organizations that span the boundary between science and management), research scientists embedded in resource management agencies, formal links between decision makers and scientists at research-focused institutions, and training programs for conservation professionals. Although these are not the only approaches to generating boundary-spanning science, nor are they mutually exclusive, they provide mechanisms for promoting communication, translation, and mediation across the knowledge-action boundary. We believe that despite the challenges, conservation science should strive to be a boundary science, which both advances scientific understanding and contributes to decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly N Cook
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Jacobson C, Lisle A, Carter RW, Hockings MT. Improving technical information use: what can be learnt from a manager's perspective? ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2013; 52:221-233. [PMID: 23728487 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-013-0084-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Conservation practice reportedly suffers from low use of technical information. Understanding of factors that affect the influence of technical information on management decision-making is limited. We sought to identify leverage points for improved technical information dissemination in the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service, Australia, given the significant recent investments in monitoring and evaluation that had been made. We did so by exploring the inter-relationships between factors affecting the influence of different information types on management decisions. Results indicate that managers have a high inclination toward adaptive behavior, given they operate in an information poor environment. The most influential types of information were those that enabled interaction between information provider and recipient (e.g., staff experience and expertise). An analysis of the concordance in individuals' responses for different information types showed that neither accessibility nor organizational expectation of use was aligned with influence on decision-making. Alignment of responses also varied by work area. Raising expectations of information use or increasing access to particular types of information is therefore unlikely to result in an increase in influence on management decision-making. Rather than focussing on matching accessibility and expected use of particular information types, our results indicate that technical information uptake is best supported through existing peer networks tailored to specific work areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jacobson
- Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Locked Bag 4, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia.
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Matzek V, Covino J, Funk JL, Saunders M. Closing the Knowing–Doing Gap in Invasive Plant Management: Accessibility and Interdisciplinarity of Scientific Research. Conserv Lett 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Matzek
- Department of Environmental Studies & Sciences Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara CA 95053 USA
| | - Justin Covino
- Department of Environmental Studies & Sciences Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara CA 95053 USA
| | - Jennifer L. Funk
- Department of Biological Sciences Chapman University Orange CA 92866 USA
| | - Martin Saunders
- Department of Environmental Studies & Sciences Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara CA 95053 USA
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Addison PFE, Rumpff L, Bau SS, Carey JM, Chee YE, Jarrad FC, McBride MF, Burgman MA. Practical solutions for making models indispensable in conservation decision-making. DIVERS DISTRIB 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Prue F. E. Addison
- Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis; School of Botany; The University of Melbourne; Parkville; Vic; 3010; Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; School of Botany; The University of Melbourne; Parkville; Vic; 3010; Australia
| | | | - Janet M. Carey
- Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis; School of Botany; The University of Melbourne; Parkville; Vic; 3010; Australia
| | - Yung En Chee
- Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis; School of Botany; The University of Melbourne; Parkville; Vic; 3010; Australia
| | | | - Marissa F. McBride
- Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis; School of Botany; The University of Melbourne; Parkville; Vic; 3010; Australia
| | - Mark A. Burgman
- Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis; School of Botany; The University of Melbourne; Parkville; Vic; 3010; Australia
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Joseph MB, Mihaljevic JR, Arellano AL, Kueneman JG, Preston DL, Cross PC, Johnson PTJ. Taming wildlife disease: bridging the gap between science and management. J Appl Ecol 2013; 50:702-712. [PMID: 32336775 PMCID: PMC7166616 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Parasites and pathogens of wildlife can threaten biodiversity, infect humans and domestic animals, and cause significant economic losses, providing incentives to manage wildlife diseases. Recent insights from disease ecology have helped transform our understanding of infectious disease dynamics and yielded new strategies to better manage wildlife diseases. Simultaneously, wildlife disease management (WDM) presents opportunities for large‐scale empirical tests of disease ecology theory in diverse natural systems. To assess whether the potential complementarity between WDM and disease ecology theory has been realized, we evaluate the extent to which specific concepts in disease ecology theory have been explicitly applied in peer‐reviewed WDM literature. While only half of WDM articles published in the past decade incorporated disease ecology theory, theory has been incorporated with increasing frequency over the past 40 years. Contrary to expectations, articles authored by academics were no more likely to apply disease ecology theory, but articles that explain unsuccessful management often do so in terms of theory. Some theoretical concepts such as density‐dependent transmission have been commonly applied, whereas emerging concepts such as pathogen evolutionary responses to management, biodiversity–disease relationships and within‐host parasite interactions have not yet been fully integrated as management considerations. Synthesis and applications. Theory‐based disease management can meet the needs of both academics and managers by testing disease ecology theory and improving disease interventions. Theoretical concepts that have received limited attention to date in wildlife disease management could provide a basis for improving management and advancing disease ecology in the future.
Theory‐based disease management can meet the needs of both academics and managers by testing disease ecology theory and improving disease interventions. Theoretical concepts that have received limited attention to date in wildlife disease management could provide a basis for improving management and advancing disease ecology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell B Joseph
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado CB 334 Boulder CO 80309 USA
| | - Joseph R Mihaljevic
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado CB 334 Boulder CO 80309 USA
| | - Ana Lisette Arellano
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado CB 334 Boulder CO 80309 USA
| | - Jordan G Kueneman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado CB 334 Boulder CO 80309 USA
| | - Daniel L Preston
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado CB 334 Boulder CO 80309 USA
| | - Paul C Cross
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center U. S. Geological Survey 2327 University Way, Suite 2 Bozeman MT 59715 USA
| | - Pieter T J Johnson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado CB 334 Boulder CO 80309 USA
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Lindenmayer DB, MacGregor C, Dexter N, Fortescue M, Cochrane P. Booderee National Park Management: Connecting science and management. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Cook CN, Carter RWB, Fuller RA, Hockings M. Managers consider multiple lines of evidence important for biodiversity management decisions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2012; 113:341-346. [PMID: 23062270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Protected area managers often fail to use empirical evidence for their management decisions, yet it is unclear whether this arises from a lack of available data, difficulty in interpreting scientific information for management application, or because managers do not value science for their decisions. To better understand the use of evidence for management decisions, we asked protected area managers in Australia what information is important when making decisions, the types of evidence they find most valuable, and the types of evidence they have for their protected areas. Managers described a complex array of information needed for management decisions, with nine different factors representing decisions about individual management issues and how to prioritize management actions. While managers reported less access to empirical evidence than other sources, this is not because they do not value it, reporting it to be the most valuable source of evidence. Instead, they make up the shortfall in empirical evidence with experience and information synthesized from multiple lines of evidence, which can provide important context for their decisions. We conclude that managers value a diversity of evidence because they face complex conservation decisions. Therefore, while empirical evidence can play an important role, alone this cannot provide all the knowledge managers need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly N Cook
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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A novel and cost-effective monitoring approach for outcomes in an Australian biodiversity conservation incentive program. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50872. [PMID: 23236399 PMCID: PMC3516526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on the design and implementation of ecological monitoring for an Australian biodiversity conservation incentive scheme – the Environmental Stewardship Program. The Program uses competitive auctions to contract individual land managers for up to 15 years to conserve matters of National Environmental Significance (with an initial priority on nationally threatened ecological communities). The ecological monitoring was explicitly aligned with the Program’s policy objective and desired outcomes and was applied to the Program’s initial Project which targeted the critically endangered White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland ecological community in south eastern Australia. These woodlands have been reduced to <3% of their original extent and persist mostly as small remnants of variable condition on private farmland. We established monitoring sites on 153 farms located over 172,232 sq km. On each farm we established a monitoring site within the woodland patch funded for management and, wherever possible, a matched control site. The monitoring has entailed gathering data on vegetation condition, reptiles and birds. We also gathered data on the costs of experimental design, site establishment, field survey, and data analysis. The costs of monitoring are approximately 8.5% of the Program’s investment in the first four years and hence are in broad accord with the general rule of thumb that 5–10% of a program’s funding should be invested in monitoring. Once initial monitoring and site benchmarking are completed we propose to implement a novel rotating sampling approach that will maintain scientific integrity while achieving an annual cost-efficiency of up to 23%. We discuss useful lessons relevant to other monitoring programs where there is a need to provide managers with reliable early evidence of program effectiveness and to demonstrate opportunities for cost-efficiencies.
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Wyborn C, Jellinek S, Cooke B. Negotiating multiple motivations in the science and practice of ecological restoration. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-8903.2012.00667.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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YOUNGENTOB KN, LIKENS GE, WILLIAMS JE, LINDENMAYER DB. A survey of long-term terrestrial ecology studies in Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2012.02421.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Driscoll DA, Lindenmayer DB. Framework to improve the application of theory in ecology and conservation. ECOL MONOGR 2012. [DOI: 10.1890/11-0916.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lindenmayer DB, Likens GE, Haywood A, Miezis L. Adaptive monitoring in the real world: proof of concept. Trends Ecol Evol 2011; 26:641-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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LINDENMAYER DAVIDB, GIBBONS PHILIP, BOURKE MAX, BURGMAN MARK, DICKMAN CHRISR, FERRIER SIMON, FITZSIMONS JAMES, FREUDENBERGER DAVID, GARNETT STEPHENT, GROVES CRAIG, HOBBS RICHARDJ, KINGSFORD RICHARDT, KREBS CHARLES, LEGGE SARAH, LOWE ANDREWJ, MCLEAN ROB, MONTAMBAULT JENSEN, POSSINGHAM HUGH, RADFORD JIM, ROBINSON DOUG, SMALLBONE LISA, THOMAS DAVID, VARCOE TONY, VARDON MICHAEL, WARDLE GLENDA, WOINARSKI JOHN, ZERGER ANDRE. Improving biodiversity monitoring. AUSTRAL ECOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2011.02314.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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