Principles for evaluating knowledge co-production in natural resource management: Incorporating decision-maker values

Area of Science:

• Environmental Management
• Social Sciences
• Transdisciplinary Research

Background:

• Transdisciplinary processes, including knowledge co-production, aim to integrate diverse knowledge systems for complex natural resource management issues.
• Academic framing of knowledge co-production often prioritizes research design and 'science informing policy' outcomes.
• A broader perspective is needed to incorporate the values and experiences of non-academic participants and the participatory process itself.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a more inclusive and holistic framework for knowledge co-production.
• To examine the communication and deliberation of knowledge within co-production processes.
• To identify requirements for effective knowledge co-production from the perspective of natural resource managers.

Main Methods:

• Empirical data collection through interviews with natural resource managers.
• Analysis of two case studies of knowledge co-production in Australia and South Africa.
• Development of eight evaluation principles based on participant perspectives, extending existing public participation frameworks.

Main Results:

• Decision-makers utilize science-based outputs not only for knowledge but also to legitimize their decisions.
• Transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in knowledge selection, participation, and dialogue are crucial for legitimacy.
• Practice-based knowledge from decision-makers is vital for contextualizing and applying scientific information.
• Communicative competence is essential for participants to critically understand diverse knowledge claims.

Conclusions:

• Effective knowledge co-production necessitates integrating diverse values and ensuring procedural fairness.
• Legitimacy in decision-making is enhanced through transparent and inclusive co-production processes.
• Enhanced communicative competence among participants fosters deeper understanding and better application of knowledge in natural resource management.