The research and practice of integrating conservation and development: Self-reflections by researchers on methodologies, objectives and influence

Maya Pasgaard, Neil Dawson, Laura Vang Rasmussen, Martin Enghoff, Arne Jensen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

This study examines the application of mixed-method and participatory approaches to conservation and development research. Both approaches were applied in a research project on the relationship between ecosystem governance and the wellbeing of local communities adjacent to a protected area in Laos. By encouraging four of the involved field researchers to reflect upon and expose their practical approaches as scientific experts (in terms of methodologies, objectives, reliability of results and research influence), this article aims to improve our learning from research practice and to promote reflexivity in research. The reflexive study presented here emphasizes the social and political context or real world situation against which research outputs can and should be evaluated, and retrospectively sheds light on the barriers to reach research objectives. In essence, the article addresses the relation between science and policy, and underlines the political undercurrent of conservation and development research in facilitating institutional change. The article outlines the very role of researchers in developing conservation policies, and provides a foundation for institutions and individual researchers to promote critical and constructive self-reflections in scientific practices.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)50-60
Number of pages11
JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation
Volume9
Early online date16 Dec 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2017

Keywords

  • Practical reflexivity
  • Boundary work
  • Environmental governance
  • Scientific expertise

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