Bridging the research-implementation gap in avian conservation with translational ecology. Issue 3 (8th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saunders, Sarah P; Wu, Joanna X; Gow, Elizabeth A; Adams, Evan; Bateman, Brooke L; Bayard, Trina; Beilke, Stephanie; Dayer, Ashley A; Fournier, Auriel M V; Fox, Kara; Heglund, Patricia; Lerman, Susannah B; Michel, Nicole L; Paxton, Eben H; Şekercioğlu, Çağan H; Smith, Melanie A; Thogmartin, Wayne; Woodrey, Mark S; van Riper, Charles
• Is Part Of: Ornithological applications. Volume 123:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-08
• Subjects: brecha entre conocimiento y acción -- hacedor de ciencia -- ornitología -- producción conjunta -- usuario de ciencia; co-production -- knowing-doing gap -- ornithology -- science producer -- science user; Birds -- Periodicals; Birds -- California -- Periodicals; Ornithology -- Periodicals; 598
• DOI: 10.1093/ornithapp/duab018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2732-4621

Abstract

Abstract: The recognized gap between research and implementation in avian conservation can be overcome with translational ecology, an intentional approach in which science producers and users from multiple disciplines work collaboratively to co-develop and deliver ecological research that addresses management and conservation issues. Avian conservation naturally lends itself to translational ecology because birds are well studied, typically widespread, often exhibit migratory behaviors transcending geopolitical boundaries, and necessitate coordinated conservation efforts to accommodate resource and habitat needs across the full annual cycle. In this perspective, we highlight several case studies from bird conservation practitioners and the ornithological and conservation social sciences exemplifying the 6 core translational ecology principles introduced in previous studies: collaboration, engagement, commitment, communication, process, and decision-framing. We demonstrate that following translational approaches can lead to improved conservation decision-making and delivery of outcomes via co-development of research and products that are accessible to broader audiences and applicable to specific management decisions (e.g., policy briefs and decision-support tools). We also identify key challenges faced during scientific producer–user engagement, potential tactics for overcoming these challenges, and lessons learned for overcoming the research-implementation gap. Finally, we recommend strategies for building a stronger translational ecology culture to further improve the integration of these principles into avian conservation decisions. By embracing translational ecology, avian conservationists and ornithologists can be well positioned to ensure that future management decisions are scientifically informed and that scientific research is sufficiently relevant to managers. Ultimately, such teamwork can help close the research-implementation gap in the conservation sciences during a time when environmental issues are threatening avian communities and their habitats at exceptional rates and at broadening spatial scales worldwide. Lay Summary: Translational ecology is an intentional approach in which science producers and science users work collaboratively to define objectives and desired outcomes to co-produce research that, ideally, results in improved environmental decision-making. Avian conservation naturally lends itself to translational ecology because birds require coordinated conservation efforts across extensive, human-dominated geographies and the full annual cycle. Using the 6 principles of translational ecology (collaboration, engagement, commitment, communication, process, and decision-framing), we provide several examples that successfully bridge the research-implementation gap in avian conservation. We recommend strategies for overcoming science producer–user conflicts and for building a stronger translational ecology culture within ornithology and avian conservation. Translational teams will only become more vital as anthropogenic global change continues to threaten avian communities at exceptional rates and with ever-increasing complexities around the world. Graphical Abstract: