Co-production of future scenarios of policy action plans in a science-policy-industry interface – The case of microfibre pollution from waste water treatment plants in Norway. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tiller, Rachel; Booth, Andy; Kubowicz, Stephan; Jahren, Susie
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 173:Part B(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Microfibers -- Governance -- Waste water treatment plans -- Future scenarios -- Policy action plans -- Co-production; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: One of the ambitions of the UN Decade of Ocean Science is stakeholder interaction to co-produce new ideas and solutions for policy action plans to ensure that environmental challenges are mitigated in a timely manner. Regulations around the release of microfibres are largely lacking, and we are at an excellent point of departure to test integrative methods of such co-production. We co-designed conceptual maps and Bayesian Belief Networks with probabilistic future scenarios within both inter- and intra-sectoral workshops with industry and scientific stakeholders to gain comparable results of policy action scenarios for curbing the challenge of microfibre pollution within this context. We found that when scientists worked on this alone, their focus was different than when working together with industry directly. Scientists focused on methods for avoiding release into the environment from a technical vantage point, whereas industry emphasized regulatory requirements needed to avoid ambiguity within the sector. Highlights: Microfibres is a source of marine pollution that needs regulatory action; Co-production of knowledge allows for a more comprehensive understanding of both problem and solution; Industry and scientists have different solutions to the same problem; Developing future scenarios can provide policy makers with decision support tools.