Transformative Science with Society: Innovations in Community-based Conservation

In this session, we explore how community-scientist teams around the world are changing the process of science by working closely together on conservation and livelihoods issues. We call this approach ‘transformative... [ view full abstract ]

In this session, we explore how community-scientist teams around the world are changing the process of science by working closely together on conservation and livelihoods issues. We call this approach ‘transformative science with society’. This new science brings together participatory action research, citizen science, transdisciplinary science, adaptive ecosystem management and community development to catalyze transformations in social-ecological systems. 

We will first describe this approach and its framework, and why it grew from the practice of working with communities on conservation and livelihoods. We will then take the long view, looking at the conceptual and practical underpinnings of this evolution of science-with-practice.  We will then discuss the core of this approach, co-production of knowledge, where local and indigenous knowledge holders bring their knowledge together with that of scientists, to address critical issues in community conservation.  One example will examine community conservation through sacred sites. Another example will look at herder and scientist observations of rangeland health in community-based conservation initiatives across Mongolia.  A final presentation will focus on scientist-manager partnerships to support conservation and ranching livelihoods in the western US. 

The session will take the format of a ‘fish bowl’, starting with short talks, and ending with an extended discussion session ‘in the round’. We will conclude the session with thoughts on the next steps forward for this democratized science approach in support of community-based conservation.