Workshop

Challenges and Strategies in Transdisciplinary Research for Co-Producing Knowledge and Actions in Conservation Projects

Organizer(s):

Among the key strengths that effectively contribute to conservation are, on the one hand, transdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together academic actors, Indigenous and local communities, public managers, civil organizations, and the private sector—and, on the other, participatory methodologies that enable the co-production of knowledge and practices from a socio-ecological perspective.

This workshop aims to promote active participation, creativity, and collaboration among participants to explore the challenges and strategies that emerge in collaborative research processes for the co-production of knowledge and actions in conservation.

Its activities will be informed by the experience of an interdisciplinary committee (IC) that has led national research and advocacy projects for sustainability, funded by the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (Secihti), formerly Conahcyt, of the Government of Mexico.

Target Audience: Researchers, conservation practitioners, local communities, grassroots social organisations, public managers and students, all those interested in participatory methodologies.

Objectives:



Address the challenges and strategies involved in the co-production of knowledge and actions for conservation within multi-actor research processes.


Share the IC's experience in collaborative research processes.


Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among participants regarding challenges and strategies in transdisciplinary conservation processes from a socio-ecological perspective.



Expected outcomes:

Participants will gain a clear understanding of the core principles for implementing participatory methodologies in collaborative conservation research. Through the exchange of experiences, they will learn about different forms of engagement with local communities and diverse knowledge holders.



Participants will identify challenges faced in transdisciplinary conservation processes, particularly from a socio-ecological perspective. Through case studies and group discussions, they will explore real-world examples of obstacles, such as power imbalances and conflicting interests which hamper the integration of different knowledge systems.

Participants will collaborate in developing practical strategies to address these challenges, particularly those related to cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on co-producing knowledge and implementing effective conservation actions. 

Participants will gain concrete strategies to apply in their own conservation projects. The workshop will focus on enhancing participants' abilities to engage with complex socio-ecological issues, apply participatory methodologies, and develop actionable solutions to the challenges faced in transdisciplinary conservation work.