Reflexivity as a transformative capacity for sustainability science: introducing a critical systems approach

Global Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 8

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract Non-technical summary Transdisciplinary sustainability scientists work with many different actors in pursuit of change. In so doing they make choices about why and how to engage perspectives their research. Reflexivity – active individual collective critical reflection is considered an important capacity for researchers address the resulting ethical practical challenges. We developed a framework reflexivity as transformative science through systems approach, which helps any decisions that influence are included or excluded research explicit. suggest transdisciplinary can become more by nurturing reflexivity. Technical increasingly applied study Yet, involves diverse who hold contrasting sometimes conflicting worldviews. cited crucial navigating challenges, yet notions often focused on researcher reflections lack explicit links process predominant modes inquiry field. This gap presents risk remains periphery becomes ‘unreflexive’, dimensions left unacknowledged. Our objective was establish approach. refined rapid scoping review literature transdisciplinarity, transformation, reflexivity, scenario Red River Basin (US, Canada). The characterizes nurture dynamic, embedded, self-scrutiny mutual learning service change, manifests interacting boundary processes delineation, interaction, transformation. case suggests embedding this expose block transformation reflexive Social media may process.

Language: Английский

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Empirical examples demonstrate how relational thinking might enrich science and practice

People and Nature, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(2), P. 455 - 469

Published: Feb. 5, 2023

Abstract Interdependent relationships among humans and nature often go overlooked, delaying better environmental, social public health outcomes. Emerging approaches have emphasized thinking through relationships, which we call ‘relational thinking’. Threads of relational matured in areas such as anthropology Indigenous scholarship, interest is growing across many disciplines. Welcoming this new cadre thinkers requires a more broadly accessible synthesis. Sustainability scholars begun to overcome these barriers with high‐level overviews broad calls adopt thinking. This literature has investigated the conceptual underpinnings thinking, but concrete, empirical benefits for understanding human–natural systems remain obscure. Here, introduce wide range examples demonstrate potential illuminate diverse coupled human‐and‐natural systems. We complement an overview theory behind use argue that some conventional methods are consistent particularly when accompanied by deliberation flexibility about target, why, how. Read free Plain Language Summary article on Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Global trends in geospatial conservation planning: a review of priorities and missing dimensions

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Jan. 12, 2024

Introduction Biodiversity underpins resilient ecosystems that sustain life. Despite international conservation efforts, biodiversity is still declining due to ongoing anthropogenic threats. Protected areas have been widely adopted as a strategy for conserving biodiversity. The use of spatial planning, which prioritizes protection based on geo-referenced and ecological information well cost action their feasibility, has gained popularity in the discipline last few decades. However, there remain gaps between plans implementation, negative social impacts local communities can occur, such tension conflict differing priorities, perspectives, views. Methods To better understand state field support translating research into practice, mixed-method approach bibliometric (n=4133 documents) content analysis (n=2456 was used analyze identify key collaborative networks, geographic thematic patterns. Results We identified conducted by westernized nations dominated field, with United States, Kingdom, Australia being responsible almost two-thirds globally, interest exponentially growing since 2010. Additionally, while some refinement over time algorithms models, Zonation Marxan methods developed 2000s predominant choices software, majority focus marine ecosystems, birds, mammals. found major gap dimensions case studies (only n=146; 6%). Discussion This highlights lack collaboration science researchers who are affected management decisions. recommend including spatially explicit from onset projects through participatory approaches, along acknowledgement importance diverse views planning enhance implementation outcomes relevant contexts. suggest an increased reflection types data but also researchers’ personal values, biases, positionality encourage more ethical, applicable, science.

Language: Английский

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Living with wildlife and associated conflicts in areas adjacent to protected areas, Northern Zimbabwe

Integrative Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(1), P. 12 - 21

Published: Feb. 22, 2024

Abstract Human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs) are a worldwide problem, especially around protected areas where human and wildlife needs overlap. This study focused on the Chundu communal area Nyamakate resettlement in Northern Zimbabwe, with three primary objectives: (i) to identify problematic species frequently involved HWC these areas; (ii) examine temporal variations of cases; (iii) assess effectiveness current suggested mitigation measures for managing conflicts. Data were collected November 2019 February 2020, periods identified as peak times areas. A comprehensive three‐stage sampling design was used collect data this study. through household questionnaires from 16 villages (64 households) nine (36 area. The spotted hyena ( Crocuta crocuta ) most animal livestock predation, followed by African lion Panthera leo leopard pardus ). There no significant differences between dry season M = 315, SD 417.79) wet 383, 540.19; t [4] −0.43, p > 0.05). concluded that occurred throughout year both communities, unaffected seasonal variations. It determined inadequate In light findings, recommends use nonlethal methods management, reserving lethal means last resort.

Language: Английский

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Recognizing reflexivity among conservation practitioners

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(2)

Published: Oct. 26, 2022

Abstract When deciding how to conserve biodiversity, practitioners navigate diverse missions, sometimes conflicting approaches, and uncertain trade‐offs. These choices are based not only on evidence, funders’ priorities, stakeholders’ interests, policies, but also practitioners’ personal experiences, backgrounds, values. Calls for greater reflexivity—an individual or group's ability examine themselves in relation their actions interactions with others—have appeared the conservation science literature. But what role does reflexivity play practice? We explored self‐reflection can shape individuals groups nature. To provide examples of practice, we conducted a year‐long series workshop discussions online exchanges. During these, examined cases from peer‐reviewed gray literature, our own conversations 10 experts. Reflexivity among spanned collective levels informal formal settings. encompassed themes, including values, emotional struggles, social identities, training, cultural experiences success failure. Reflexive processes have limitations, dangers, costs. Informal institutionalized requires allocation limited time resources, be hard put into alone cannot solve challenges. Yet, when intentionally undertaken, reflexive might integrated adaptive management cycles at multiple points, helping better reach goals. could more transformative by motivating reevaluate goals methods entirely. help movement imagine thus work toward world wildlife, people, sector itself.

Language: Английский

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Horses are worthy of care: Horse sector participants’ attitudes towards animal sentience, welfare, and well-being

Animal Welfare, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 34

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Organisations for which sentient animals are central to the business model need demonstrate safeguarding of animal welfare and well-being. This requires providing positive experiences is critical maintaining social licence operate. A cross-sectional survey captured attitudes experienced horse sector participants regarding sentience, Almost all respondents (99.9%; n = 676/677), believed horses were sentient. Analysis open-ended responses identified two themes: (1) Sentience a pathway understanding mental state, well-being horses; (2) moral obligation humans consider sentience. Respondents' observations that reacted stimuli responded their surroundings underpinned belief Theme one related respondents' sentience how informed interpretations behaviours making inferences equine state. exist towards because manage horses' environment impact interactions with horses. These obligations perceived as responsibilities when determining good in activity settings, interacting training competing The results suggested sophisticated existed among participants, who recognised worthy care. We propose leveraging participants' existing knowledge could support implementation Five Domains updating organisational policies.

Language: Английский

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Shedding the cloak of neutrality: A guide for reflexive practices to make the sciences more inclusive and just

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract The environmental sciences community cannot meaningfully address the compounding ecological and societal crises of our time without also addressing epistemic oppression—the persistent, systemic exclusion that dismisses or erases certain forms expertise in knowledge production scientific practices. Epistemic oppression is justified by inaccurate assumption neutral, value‐free, objective. This persists because science practices omit information about who we are how come to know world work. It operates through construction hierarchies at three levels: (1) privileging particular worldviews individual scientists, (2) academic disciplines, (3) Eurocentric systems. To limit harms, need acknowledge inherently relational (i.e., emerge out relationships among scientists what study) situated dependent on social context surrounding production). By recognizing reflecting assumptions neutrality, can transform toward fostering greater inclusion acceptance diverse worldviews, theories knowledge, methodologies simultaneously today's wicked problems advance true diversity, equity, belonging. Moving from concepts practice, outline several reflexive strategies offer examples guiding questions standpoints research. embracing reflexivity practices, including making positionality work explicit, become more inclusive effective this era.

Language: Английский

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Weaving place‐based knowledge for culturally significant species in the age of genomics: Looking to the past to navigate the future

Evolutionary Applications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. 751 - 772

Published: March 3, 2022

Relationships with place provide critical context for characterizing biocultural diversity. Yet, genetic and genomic studies are rarely informed by Indigenous or local knowledge, processes, practices, including the movement of culturally significant species. Here, we show how place-based knowledge can better reveal complexities data derived from As a case study, focus on southern freshwater kōura (crayfish) in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu (New Zealand, herein NZ). Our results, based genotyping-by-sequencing markers, strong population structure along signatures admixture 19 genetically depauperate populations across east coast Waipounamu. Environment association differentiation analyses adaptation also indicate role hydroclimatic variables-including temperature, precipitation, water flow regimes-in shaping kōura. Through trusted partnerships between community researchers, weaving markers has both provided invaluable interpretation created opportunities to reconnect people place. We envisage such guiding future research species NZ beyond.

Language: Английский

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The intersection of justice and urban greening: Future directions and opportunities for research and practice

Urban forestry & urban greening, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 95, P. 128279 - 128279

Published: March 20, 2024

The global uptake of green infrastructure in urban settings holds considerable promise for fostering both social and ecological benefits. Recognizing the imperative to ensure equitable distribution these advantages, this paper draws on rich traditions justice considerations within studies inform research greening. Focusing three key trends - reconceptualizing 'urban' category, acknowledging role historical processes shaping contemporary uneven unjust geographies, considering power dynamics development we propose five tenets advancing justice-focused greening research. These encourage researchers act as knowledge brokers, practice reflexivity, recognise complex dimensions which diversity scale might reveal, embrace uncertainty, cultivate a "modest imaginary" concerning projects.

Language: Английский

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Improving transparency in conservation social science research to enhance quality, equity, and collaboration

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 39(2)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract Recognition of the value multidisciplinary research that bridges natural and social science perspectives has come with calls for conservation scientists to reflect critically on underlying assumptions power relations involved in production knowledge its application. We propose improving transparency science—around researchers’ positionality, study limitations, fieldwork challenges—is essential depends enhanced reflexivity can allow readers assess quality, foster ethical research, support constructive dialogue collaboration across subdisciplines science. assessed gaps opportunities based an in‐depth review 39 papers impacts protected areas published 12 journals from 2010 2022. evaluated these publications whether authors reported their collaborations, values, identity; methodology methods; data collection; influence wider sociopolitical context; potential limitations challenges; linked recommendations evidence. Authors consistently aims, intended methods, sampling strategy but provided limited information backgrounds; relationships between authors, field teams, participants; site. Gaps included not reporting who collected (lacking 43% papers), collectors spoke participants’ language (46%), participant recruitment (56%), women's representation samples (41%), time spent (28%). Based our findings, we devised a reflexive tool relevant field‐based studies advice preparing positionality statements use by researchers, reviewers, journal editors. recommend shift expectations what is reflected publications, develop statements, engage other available tools, adopt first person writing make more visible role responsibilities process.

Language: Английский

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