The case for embedding researchers in conservation agencies |
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Authors: | Dirk J Roux Richard T Kingsford Carly N Cook Jane Carruthers Katrina Dickson Marc Hockings |
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Institution: | 1. Scientific Services, South African National Parks, PO Box 4283, George, 6539 South Africa;2. Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052 Australia;3. School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800 Australia;4. Department of History, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa
Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa;5. Australian Centre for Agriculture and Law, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351 Australia;6. School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia |
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Abstract: | Although protected areas represent a pivotal response to escalating anthropogenic threats, they face many pressures, inside and outside their boundaries. Amid these challenges, effective conservation is guided by evidence-based decision making supported by dynamic processes of learning and knowledge exchange. Although different models promote knowledge exchange, embedding research scientists within conservation agencies is best suited to supporting evidence-based conservation. Based on available literature and our experiences on several continents, we considered the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with embedding research scientists within conservation agencies and the research required to better understand the effectiveness of the embedding model for evidence-based conservation. Embedded researchers provide long-term commitment to building social capital among academic and nonacademic stakeholders; act as skilled gatekeepers who increase 2-way flow of knowledge between scientists and managers; attract, coordinate, and support management-relevant external research projects; drive the design and maintenance of long-term monitoring; and align their research with information needs. Notwithstanding the many benefits, research capacity of conservation agencies is declining worldwide. A significant challenge is that the values, structures, functions, and effectiveness of the embedding model of knowledge exchange remain poorly evaluated and documented. Also, embedded researchers have to balance their desire for creativity and flexibility with the standardization and quality control required by their public sector agencies; may be perceived as not credible because they are not truly independent of their agency; and have to couple scientific productivity with skills for transdisciplinary research, social facilitation, and stakeholder engagement. Systematic research on embedding and other models of knowledge exchange, across different world contexts, is required to better understand the benefits, costs, and institutional arrangements associated with different models. |
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Keywords: | enabling conditions evidence-based conservation knowledge exchange protected areas research needs áreas protegidas condiciones habilitantes conservación basada en la evidencia intercambio de conocimiento necesidades de investigación 基于证据的保护 支持 条件 知 识交换 保护地 研究需求 |
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