Bienvenido al sistema de Congreso, Eventos y talleres de la Universidad IKIAM
22-25 noviembre 2022
Centro de Convenciones Charles Darwin. San Cristóbal.Galápagos, Ecuador
America/Guayaquil timezone

Climbing down the Ivory tower – Using knowledge co-production to make science available, accessible, and inclusive.

25 nov. 2022 9:15
15m
Centro de Convenciones Charles Darwin. San Cristóbal.Galápagos, Ecuador

Centro de Convenciones Charles Darwin. San Cristóbal.Galápagos, Ecuador

Oral Equity, diversity and inclusion Oral session

Ponente

Mr Edgar Guerrón-Orejuela (University of South Florida)

Descripción

Traditionally, research in the fields of resources management and sustainability has only been performed by scientists. We collect and analyze data, reach conclusions, and draft recommendations without knowing and understanding the social dynamics of our study area and whether what is being recommended is practicable or even feasible. This research approach, often, leads to a disconnection between science and implementation, which, in turn creates sentiments of dissatisfaction and distrust in the scientist and the scientific process. If our goal is to produce science that is impactful, credible, and usable, decision-makers and stakeholders must be part of the scientific process. Knowledge co-production is interdisciplinary, iterative, and is normally used to generate practical knowledge or change social and political structures. We believe that shared understanding and tools facilitate communication and enhance resource management, and lead to well-informed, science-based, collaborative decision-making. Furthermore, by setting aside time and providing a safe environment for stakeholders and decision-makers to ask questions and be heard, we are able to establish working relationships and, together, learn about the complexity of natural resources management and sustainability analysis. We are applying these concepts in a project in the Kenai Peninsula Lowlands, Alaska, USA, where one of the biggest challenges we face today is having enough groundwater for people and the environment. Groundwater is an essential, yet limited resource and it’s used for many consumptive uses, especially in rural settings where centralized water resources are limited. However, it is also used by groundwater-dependent ecosystems, including wetlands, streams, and estuaries. Groundwater discharge to riparian wetlands and streams play fundamental roles in supporting streamflow, e.g., through modulating stream temperatures and delivering nitrogen and carbon subsidies to streams. These processes are critical for the maintenance of stream habitats utilized by overwintering juvenile salmonids. As regional population grows, consumptive use of groundwater is expected to increase, stressing this limited resource. Results of this project include groundwater specific stakeholder workshops and trainings, community outreach events, groundwater field trips, and groundwater educational material. These products are driving a community-wide conversation about the limited but shared groundwater resources; and are further being used to inform local decision-making and to showcase the use of groundwater vulnerability modeling and collaborative decision-making to other communities facing competition for groundwater so they, too, may consider this approach.

Theme Equity, diversity and Inclusion

Autor primario

Mr Edgar Guerrón-Orejuela (University of South Florida)

Materiales de la presentación

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