Lessons learned in knowledge co-production for climate-smart decision-making. Issue 141 (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rosemartin, Alyssa; Crimmins, Theresa M.; Gerst, Katharine L.; Posthumus, Erin E.; Ramirez, Aaron R.; Wallace, Cynthia SA; Morelli, Toni Lyn
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 141(2023)
• Page Start: 178
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Climate Change -- Knowledge Co-production -- Phenology -- Natural Resource Management -- Refugia; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2023.01.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Abstract: Knowledge co-production, a process that involves both creators and users of information in knowledge generation, is growing in popularity in the conservation and ecology fields. While examples of successful co-production are becoming more common, many barriers and challenges remain in this work. Here, we reflect on our experiences in knowledge co-production from three recent case studies, using a prominent framework to understand and improve our efforts at each phase of the co-production process. Our reflections yield insights that may help other scientists seeking to support decision-making. We found that paying particular attention to the composition of the team and connecting with agency representatives early and often are key to success. Long-term commitment to the project and the people involved are also key. We conclude with suggestions for refining the framework to incorporate our primary lessons learned and include the valuation of a plurality of knowledge systems and empowerment as an ultimate impact of knowledge co-production. Highlights: We explored the use of an existing framework for shaping and assessing co-production efforts. We found the framework to be powerful and useful for considering past efforts as well as shaping future ones. We share key lessons learned related to team composition, customized communication and empowerment. We provide suggestions for refining the framework based on our experience applying it to three case studies.