Natural resource managers, environmental interest groups, and public agencies need identifiable, measurable indicators of sustainability based on meaningful fine-scale specifics that are appropriate for both fine and increasingly broader sociaVecological scales. The "Identify the Specifics" framework, field tested in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, uses collective local expert knowledge to integrate and prioritize social/ecological concerns that become the foundation for both local and increasingly broader-scale indicators of sustainable management. Results to date suggest that: (1) local experts have valuable knowledge to contribute; (2) identified local indicators, once reviewed, can contribute to both local-and broader-scale indicators; (3) fewer than 10 indicators may provide an adequate foundation for assessing the sustainability of local range and forest management practices; and (4) local and broader-scale experts commonly identify different indicators because they have different knowledge bases, priorities, and responsibilities. Differences in the indicators identified among experts representing different scales may be minimized if indicators at broader scales are developed with knowledge of specifics from finer scales. The Specifics approach is presently being used across British Columbia to help identify knowledge gaps and related research and extension priorities. Les diffkrences entre les indicateurs retenus par les experts reprksentant diffkrents niveaux peuvent &tre minimisCes si les indicateurs des kchelles gBnBrales sont ClaborCs en fonction des connaissances acquises des indicateurs spCcifiques locaux. L'approche spkcifique est presentement utiliske en Colombie-Britannique pour aider % identifier ce qui manque au niveau des connaissances, de la recherche qui y est relike et des prioritCs % suivre .
Effective and efficient application of new knowledge and technology in Canada's forest sector continues to challenge both government and industry. This impedes the development of government policy and advancement in private sector diversification and productivity growth. This paper outlines a knowledge exchange system by which researchers and customers in government and industry can achieve desired business outcomes through the optimal development and application of innovative approaches. The system integrates three major functions-knowledge generation, knowledge exchange, and knowledge application. The importance of extension professionals is highlighted as a critical link in helping to ensure that new knowledge and innovative technologies are put into practice. Nine knowledge system elements are introduced and the role of each in bridging the research-to-operations gap is described.
This paper describes the First Nations Community Needs Analysis Process that FORREX–Forest Research Extension Partnership (formerly SIFERP, the Southern Interior Forest Extension and Research Partnership) undertook in 1999/2000 to identify and analyze the land and natural resource management information needs of the First Nations' communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. It also responds to the outcomes of the information needs assessment by presenting a “Framework for Action,” part of which includes establishing the Partnership's Aboriginal Forestry Extension Program.Based on the results of the information needs assessment, First Nations' communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia clearly have a need and a desire to participate in forestry extension services. The information needs assessment also revealed and expanded on several issues that must be considered in the provision of extension services to First Nations' communities.With incentive from its Aboriginal partners, FORREX has taken a leadership role in providing extension services and has undertaken the responsibility of working with its Aboriginal partners to identify the information and research needs in their communities. The needs analysis process has also provided direction for including traditional ecological knowledge in natural resources management and policy development.
The evolution from tree- and stand-level prescriptions over a rotation to estate- and watershed-level plans over many generations requires individuals and teams to understand and apply scientific, indigenous, and experiential knowledge to address complex issues. The solution must achieve the business and landscape objectives and stand up to public scrutiny while being both practical and cost effective. Communication, education, and capacity building at a community level are critical to defining forestry solutions. Once a discipline only for professional foresters, forestry is now a community of practice represented by forestry professionals. This community includes�but is not limited to�foresters, engineers, biologists, ecologists, technologists, indigenous knowledge keepers, hydrologists, geologists, and geomorphologists as well as economists and social scientists. Forestry professionals must be able to practically apply knowledge acquired through institutional training and education, as well as knowledge and skills acquired through practice and experience. They must be able to reach out to the knowledge sector when faced with unknowns. The knowledge sector must be able to ethically respond as a community of practice to the demands for new science and continuous community-based learning. This paper investigates the role of the knowledge sector in contributing to communications, education, and capacity building for forestry professionals as well as forest-based communities. The concept of ethical commercialization of knowledge and social capital is also introduced.
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