Improving the science-policy dialogue to meet the challenges of biodiversity conservation: having conversations rather than talking at one-another

Young, Juliette C.; Waylen, Kerry A.; Sarkki, Simo; Albon, Steve; Bainbridge, Ian; Balian, Estelle; Davidson, James; Edwards, David; Fairley, Roddy; Margerison, Ceri; McCracken, Davy; Owen, Roger; Quine, Christopher P.; Stewart-Roper, Charles; Thompson, Des; Tinch, Rob; Van den Hove, Sybille; Watt, Allan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9534-728X. 2014 Improving the science-policy dialogue to meet the challenges of biodiversity conservation: having conversations rather than talking at one-another. Biodiversity and Conservation, 23 (2). 387-404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-013-0607-0

Before downloading, please read NORA policies.

Preview

Text N510397JA.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (227kB) | Preview

Abstract/Summary

A better, more effective dialogue is needed between biodiversity science and policy to underpin the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. Many initiatives exist to improve communication, but these largely conform to a ‘linear’ or technocratic model of communication in which scientific “facts” are transmitted directly to policy advisers to “solve problems”. While this model can help start a dialogue, it is, on its own, insufficient, as decision taking is complex, iterative and often selective in the information used. Here, we draw on the literature, interviews and a workshop with individuals working at the interface between biodiversity science and government policy development to present practical recommendations aimed at individuals, teams, organisations and funders. Building on these recommendations, we stress the need to: (a) frame research and policy jointly; (b) promote inter- and trans-disciplinary research and “multi-domain” working groups that include both scientists and policy makers from various fields and sectors; (c) put in place structures and incentive schemes that support interactive dialogue in the long-term. These are changes that are needed in light of continuing loss of biodiversity and its consequences for societal dependence on and benefits from nature.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-013-0607-0
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Watt
ISSN:	0960-3115
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link
Additional Keywords:	biodiversity conservation, biodiversity policy, decision-making, knowledge, science-policy interfaces, sustainability
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment General > Science Policy
Date made live:	23 Mar 2015 15:15 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/510397

Actions (login required)

View Item

Document Downloads

More statistics for this item...