Knowledge Systems and Deliberative Interface in Natural Resource Governance: An Overiew

Towards an Improved Understanding of Knowledge Dynamics in Integrated Coastal Zone Management: A Knowledge Systems Framework

“…Given this, while the integration of various knowledge systems may be desirable, it remains necessary to focus on the interactions between different knowledge systems. Such an approach is consistent with that of Ojha et al (2008), which highlights the interactions between different knowledge systems, in the way in which natural resource governance practices are mediated, while also emphasising the potential of more deliberative processes. This approach reflects a stronger focus on political mediation and negotiation, rather than any inherent resolution of the differences between specific knowledge systems.…”

“…There is value in exploring how the concept of knowledge systems may contribute to understanding knowledge relations in ICZM, given the emerging interest it has attracted in a number of areas including: agricultural extension (Roling 1985(Roling , 1992; natural resource management (Campbell 2006;Ojha et al 2008); sustainable development (Cash et al 2003); biodiversity management (Kelsey 2003); public health (Van Kerkoff and Szlezak 2006); indigenous knowledge (Verran 1998;Mauro and Hardison 2000;King 2004;Houde 2007); business (Tsoukas and Mylonopolous 2004); innovation (Howells and Roberts 2000); knowledge management in firms (Lee and Van den Steen 2010); and information technology (Stefik 1995). In broad terms, our argument is that the concept of knowledge systems provides a means for re-conceptualising coastal knowledge relations as dynamic and interactive, which improves how ICZM may be understood, by highlighting the ways in which different forms of knowledge inform it.…”

“…This approach places greater emphasis upon the social networks and interrelationship aspects of knowledge systems and offers the prospect that interventions can be made to alter the way in which knowledge systems operate. It has parallels with social learning (Blackmore 2007;Ison et al 2007;Steyaert and Jiggins 2007) and other conceptual frameworks including adaptive management, organisational learning, and deliberative processes (Ojha et al 2008).…”

“…The second types of studies focus on the interactions between multiple knowledge systems (Erickson and Woodley 2005;Ojha et al 2008). Ojha and colleagues (2008: 3) identify "at least four different but overlapping systems of knowledge operating within the natural resource management sector in Nepal", which they consider have consolidated around technobureaucratic organisations, development agencies, politicians, and civil society.…”

“…Drawing on the different forms of knowledge identified by Tovey and Mooney (2006) and the multiple knowledge systems identified by Ojha et al (2008), we represent the coastal knowledge system as a dynamic intersecting network of multiple separate knowledge systems, each of which represents diverse values and world views, and which are advocated to varying degrees by different organisations and individuals. In this process, there are some key features that need to be noted: an area of focus (ICZM); various forms of knowledge which are advocated to greater or lesser degrees by different stakeholders (scientific, managerial, indigenous, and lay/local knowledge); the interactions between these forms of knowledge by stakeholders operating through formal and informal processes; and, barriers or filters which mediate the influence of various forms of knowledge on ICZM.…”