Calls for the integration of human dimensions tools to solve marine environmental problems are pervasive in the recent literature. As a result, there have been more contributions from social scientists and humanities scholars, as well as practical and intellectual explorations of transdisciplinarity as a panacea for improvements in marine science and conservation. The benefits of “human-focused” approaches are notable, however we suggest... [ view more ]
Calls for the integration of human dimensions tools to solve marine environmental problems are pervasive in the recent literature. As a result, there have been more contributions from social scientists and humanities scholars, as well as practical and intellectual explorations of transdisciplinarity as a panacea for improvements in marine science and conservation. The benefits of “human-focused” approaches are notable, however we suggest there is a need to move beyond the calls for more and better-integrated human dimensions research, to adopt a strategic vision for these efforts. Indeed, science that foresees, responds to, or is framed within existing marine policy needs is more likely to become adopted. Although science and policy-making often occur asynchronously, improved understanding of “policy-windows” will support the uptake of scientific knowledge in for evidence-based policy making. Symposium speakers will include applied researchers from a range of disciplines (e.g. policy, geography, human dimension of fisheries and wildlife, etc.), who have demonstrated a keen awareness of the policy and political processes that provide emerging opportunities to develop policy-relevant research. Topics will include the science and politics of wellbeing in the Puget Sound, WA; the use of local knowledge to inform policy in Hawaii; social science in marine management decision-making in the U.S. Pacific; and the creation of opportunities for adoption of small-scale fisheries data collection tools in Panama. We expect symposium presentations will help us compile lessons learned that will get us closer to “making science matter”.
Expected Contributors:
Kelly Biedenweg, Ana Spalding, Eric Wade, Arielle Levine, Supin Wongbusarakum
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