Science and decisionmaking

An information ecology approach to science–policy integration in adaptive management of social-ecological systems

“…In essence, this approach combines the two scenarios depicted in Figure 5a, b where the integration of science and policy is facilitated by a level of decision support while preserving the cultures of the two domains. The type of expertise required on this level includes both applied scientists and policy analysts who understand the intricate nature of scientific information, the circumstances, and the context of the decision-making environment they are supporting and, with the help of knowledge exchange specialists, are well practiced in integrating and translating complex information more effectively under constraints of limited time and resources (Christensen et al 1996, Opdam et al 2001, Rykiel 2002, Stevens et al 2007. http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol19/iss3/art40/ The type of integrative science conducted in a secondary level, i.e., decision support, environment is markedly distinct from primary research in that its aim is to address particular policy issues.…”

“…The management of human interaction with natural systems requires integration of multiple areas of the natural and social sciences to address complex social-ecological issues. Challenges associated with the complexity and highly unpredictable nature of this interaction are what some researchers refer to as "wicked problems" (Rykiel 2002, Pollard et al 2008. As mentioned in the introduction, areas of focus cover a wide range of activities that come under various names, many of which have come to mean the same thing.…”

“…The sequence of questions presented in the tertiary level are a synthesis of four general stages found in many AM frameworks (Rykiel 2002, Szaro et al 2005, Rammel et al 2007, Hearn et al 2008, Bizikova 2009, Bizikova and Waldick 2010. These include the following: (1) assessing current conditions, (2) exploring what might happen in the future, (3) evaluating options and deciding on a course of action, and (4) following up decisions by taking action and monitoring progress.…”

“…In recent years, significant attention has been given to challenges related to science and policy integration for organizations tasked with dealing with complex social-ecological issues (Rykiel 2002, Hearn et al 2008, Pollard et al 2008, Baehre et al 2011). These challenges are multifaceted in that they require integration and collaboration among multiple organizations operating across many sectors and jurisdictions, with mandates that are increasingly expanding into a plethora of activities related to environmental assessment, regional land-use planning, sustainable resource management, environmental protection, and regional economic development, to name a few (Baskerville 1997, Harris 2002, Gibson 2007, Mitchell and Shrubsole 2007, Cantin 2010, Waldick 2010.…”