Cooperative Research: An Example from the Wet Tropics of Queensland

Abstract

In recent years there has been wider recognition of the important role that Indigenous knowledge can play in developing and implementing natural resource management (NRM) strategies. The biophysical surroundings of many Indigenous peoples are of symbolic significance to them, hence their perception and values of natural resources may be vastly different to those of scientists or managers. We discuss a research approach that explicitly embraces the co-production of knowledge to facilitate NRM in Australia. We demonstrate that if particular methodologies are used and specific criteria met, cooperative research can represent one pathway for the integration of Indigenous and scientific knowledge. We suggest an important step for genuine knowledge and systems integration is in research direction-setting. Our approach practices multi-directional learning and mutual benefit, promoting cross transfer of skills by the cooperative generation and documentation of information. Indigenous knowledge and associated systems are strengthened and the value of Indigenous knowledge and systems is recognised alongside accepted scientific knowledge and methods. Essential to the methodology used is the creation of partnerships based on trust between co-researchers and the generation of genuine action research outcomes.

Is Validation of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge a Disrespectful Process? A Case Study of Traditional Fishing Poisons and Invasive Fish Management from the Wet Tropics, Australia

“…However it was crucial for the process of validation to be perceived by the elders as respectful: Indeed, the involvement of elders was essential to gain accurate information on Malanbarra Yidinji knowledge of fishing poisons, as was also observed by Chalmers and Fabricius (2007) when studying land cover change within the Nqabara community of South Africa, and by Gilchrist et al (2005) for knowledge of migratory birds held by the Inuktitut of the Eastern Arctic. Our study therefore further corroborates the prerequisite for collaborative approaches if positive integration of IEK and SK is to be achieved (Cullen et al 2008, Cullen-Unsworth et al 2010, Mercer et al 2010.…”

“…The engagement of the Malanbarra Yidinji community throughout the study was conducted within a culturally appropriate coresearch framework designed for the region (Cullen et al 2008, Cullen-Unsworth et al 2010. The team consisted of two male Malanbarra Yidinji elders, nonindigenous scientists from James Cook University (JCU), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research (ACTFR), and an indigenous cultural broker.…”

Mapping cultural ecosystem services with rainforest aboriginal peoples: Integrating biocultural diversity, governance and social variation

“…The research in this study used a participatory co-research approach (Cullen-Unsworth et al, 2010;Maclean and Cullen, 2009). Co-research is a transdisciplinary approach that involves scientists and practitioners working together throughout the whole research cycle, from the common setting of research goals, development of methods, analysis of results through to co-delivery of policy-relevant findings and new contributions to social science theory (Tress et al, 2005).…”

A research process for integrating Indigenous and scientific knowledge in cultural landscapes: principles and determinants of success in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Australia

“…Conditions for carrying out co‐research (Cullen et al . 2008; Cullen‐Unsworth et al . 2010) were discussed, refined and agreed by co‐researchers and included the following five principles: equity for co‐researchers; resource provision for co‐researchers; research strengthens IEK; IEK is valued alongside scientific knowledge; and the approach supports the redefinition of research as described in the Wet Tropics Regional Agreement.…”