Negotiating local versus global needs in the International Long Term Ecological Research Network's socio-ecological research agenda

Holzer, J.M.; Adamescu, M.C.; Bonet-García, F.J.; Díaz-Delgado, R.; Dick, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4180-9338; Grove, J.M.; Rozzi, R.; Orenstein, D.E.. 2018 Negotiating local versus global needs in the International Long Term Ecological Research Network's socio-ecological research agenda. Environmental Research Letters, 13 (10), 105003. 14, pp. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aadec8

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Abstract/Summary

Over the past decade, Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) has been established to better integrate social science research and societal concerns into the goals and objectives of the International Long Term Ecological Research (ILTER) network, an established global network of long-term ecological monitoring sites. The Horizon 2020 eLTER project, currently underway, includes as one of its key objectives to evaluate the performance of LTSER platforms. This article reflects part of this evaluation: Six LTSER platforms were assessed through site visits of the lead author, coupled with reflections and insights of the platform managers, who are also coauthors. We provide background for the mission and goals of LTSER, and then assess the six international LTSER platforms – Baltimore Ecosystem Study LTER, USA; Braila Islands LTSER, Romania; Cairngorms LTSER, UK; Doñana LTSER, Spain; Omora Ethnobotanical Park Cape Horn LTER, Chile; and Sierra Nevada LTSER, Spain. 
 While based on a strong theoretical foundation in socio-ecological research, there has been a steep learning curve for scientists to apply the concept in practice at LTSER platforms. Key aspects of LTSER platforms have proven challenging, including management, interdisciplinary integration, and stakeholder collaboration. We characterize the tensions between top-down desires for network harmonization, bottom-up demands such as local policy relevance, and platform-level constraints such as time and budget. We discuss challenges, such as local context dominating the character of LTSER platforms, and the fact that scientists are disincentivized from engaging in transdisciplinary work. However, we also show positive impacts that have been achieved, including contributions to policy, land-use planning, and natural resource management. Overall, we conclude that while the international network offers important advantages to its members, a better balance between local and global goals could be achieved, and members may need to temper their expectations of what the network can and cannot offer at the local level.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aadec8
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	1748-9326
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	long-term ecological research, long-term socio-ecological research, transdisciplinary, network, sustainability, ILTER, global research infrastructure
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	27 Sep 2018 13:25 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/521051

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