Differing perceptions of socio-ecological systems: insights for future transdisciplinary research

The growing understanding that transdisciplinary research is required for sustainable land management (i.e., co-production of knowledge by researchers and land managers) stems from the complexity and unpredictability of social-ecological systems. However, many scientists feel that the large gap between the agendas and worldviews of scientists and land managers makes it difficult to co-produce knowledge. This challenge was the focus of our study in Cairngorms National Park (CNP), Long-Term Social-Ecological Research Platform (LTSER), Scotland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 land managers and 15 scientists, who are active in CNP, focussed on their individual perception of the park's social-ecological system. The findings point to differences in interests between the two groups. Land managers are mainly troubled by local economic and legacy problems, while scientists are more concerned by environmental and global questions. However, the findings also indicated a shared sense of uncertainty about the future of the region along with willingness for both groups to work together. These findings suggest a need for transdisciplinary research that co-produces science best future vision; i.e., a synthesis of scientific knowledge and land managers' practical knowledge, motivations and aspirations to create a resilient socio-ecological system.