Transformative change for biodiversity requires more inclusive and participatory framing of research agendas

van Dijk, Jiska; Young, Juliette; Vandewalle, Marie; Watt, Allan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9534-728X; Locher, Karla. 2023 Transformative change for biodiversity requires more inclusive and participatory framing of research agendas [in special issue: Transformative change] Biodiversity and Conservation, 32 (11). 3669-3679. 10.1007/s10531-023-02670-3

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Abstract/Summary

Science plays a crucial role in identifying transformative change trajectories that are positive for biodiversity and human well-being. The concept of transformative change for biodiversity is receiving increased attention both within the political as well as in the scientific arena, but what transformative change entails still remains scientifically unclear. In this paper we report on a research priority exercise undertaken at the 2022 Alternet conference in which conference participants within each session were asked to jointly propose research gaps relevant to transformative change. Thirteen research priorities are identified, emphasising the need to learn from doing through transdisciplinary participatory action research, involving multiple disciplines including social sciences and building on existing research on, for example, nature-based solutions, OneHealth and climate change. The identified research priorities were later analysed under the umbrella of transformative change principles as a proxy for science to act as a lever to realise transformative change for biodiversity. Mobilising scientific research, interdisciplinarity and co-construction with stakeholders and decision-makers is a necessary step forward to make transformative progress in developing the biodiversity research agenda. In this respect, transformative action by the scientific community to develop the research agenda in an all-inclusive participatory process can be seen as a lever of transformative change for biodiversity. Such an all-inclusive participatory process for the development of a long-term biodiversity research agenda is in accordance with building on an integrated and whole-of-society approach as included in the EU Biodiversity Strategy’s aims and priorities around enabling transformative change.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1007/s10531-023-02670-3
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	UKCEH Fellows
ISSN:	0960-3115
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	transformative change, biodiversity, research priorities, science-policy interface, transdisciplinary action research
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment General > Science Policy
Date made live:	09 Nov 2023 11:26 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/536011

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