Guiding principles for transdisciplinary sustainability research and practice

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on Journal blog. Sustainability scientists have been called to engage equitably, respectfully and responsibly with collaborators partnering organizations1 understand improve relations between people nature (Johnson et al., 2016; McGregor, 2021; Wong 2020). When applying transdisciplinary approaches, sustainability researchers work in civil society organizations, public private sectors, local, rural Indigenous communities collectively produce knowledge through “processes of reflection, formulating questions, selecting methods, collecting analysing data, sharing, [and] learning” (Shackleton 2023, p. 2). done successfully, co-production can lead policy practice outcomes that better account local diverse values, perceptions worldviews, are more likely be considered legitimate credible by (Balvanera 2020; Sala & Torchio, 2019). Working community helps avoid harms past research such as stigmatization communities, disregard needs exploitation (Poudrier, 2007; Smith, 2012). apply a range approaches disciplines bring traditional, Western systems2 together support structural transformations sustainable future Tengö 2014). Despite growth academic-community collaborations, however, hierarchies power across disciplines, cultures gender continue favour western academic who remain gatekeepers production validation (Fletcher Leach 2018; 2019; 2017; Toomey, 2016). Community, experiential, ignored or tokenized, contributions often inadequately acknowledged, compensated reflected (Green Johns, Harrison Watson, 2012; 2017). Bringing into scientific assessments is important, challenging evolving IUCN, 2022), “assume[ed] accessible easily shared, ignoring complexities around [I]ndigenous systems place-based, practical, oral, tacit—and has political context” (Tengö 2017, 23). To address these concerns, encouraged reflect how their own positions within programme may affect (Lazrus 2022; These reflections encourage all participants periodically evaluate learn from practices become aware cultural disciplinary differences influences (e.g. Sellberg Taylor This advice echoes scholars long suggested pathways reflection before embarking Cole, Ermine, 2007). Within research, concerns intercultural collaboration best approached practised yet consolidated literature, few articles directly perspectives offer specific guidance help decolonize dominant processes (but see health researchers, Lokot Wake, 2021). In context, purpose (a) co-designed living set principles guide those working promoting science (b) illustrate pathway on-going, interactive co-production. The represent consensus among contributors four continents global north south, including natural social scientists, representatives non-governmental mentors, early established researchers. group brings both situated rich experiences broad spectrum biocultural diversity challenges contexts. guiding were generated partner organizations worked form under auspices UNESCO Chair Biocultural Diversity, Sustainability, Reconciliation Renewal, 2018 at University Saskatchewan, Canada (for methodological details, Supporting Information). We identified seven we believe foundational our ongoing broader applications others embark sustainability. They emerged discussion international, collective which part. search criteria community-based not new Banks 2013; Basta 2021) individually, some even viewed common sense. Nevertheless, noted ignore overlook “the obvious” when Peoples (Wilson, 2019), them unintentionally “misencounters” (Toomey, Because internationally, coupled commitment on-going revision, confidence they will value geographic interested co-developing protocols, practices, policies mobilization activities communities. paper structured follows. following section presents ethos positioning team explaining approach. then explain original five guided work, published editorial review, Social Sciences Humanities Research Council Canadian Commission 2020 (Reed 2020), provide short case descriptions application. Next, discuss key insights gained periods 2021 led us add two principles. Our concluding remarks connect contemporary highlight seeking make transformative social-ecological change. authors part transdisciplinary, international (after Wenger, 1998) diversity, bound passion desire its practices. currently includes communities3 (see Hill 2020) along places. recognize “traditional knowledge, leadership support, community's ownership knowledge” (Johnston 2018, seeks establish conditions “ethical space” forms “when [or more] societies, disparate poised each other” (Ermine, 2007, 193) dialogue pays attention differences, hidden values intentions, govern behaviours paraphrased 202 203). Further, committed six “Rs” Peoples: respect, responsibility, relevance, reciprocity, relational accountability refusal 13). Learning scholars, seek approach “negotiating relationships, utilizing Indigenized recognizing reciprocal capacity building, crediting (McGregor, 132). countries where South Africa, seventh “R”, reconciliation, requires programs respect uphold rights traditionally disadvantaged peoples (Nobles characterized critical iterative shared learning, elevate voices articulating theoretical premises practical strategies research. Insights holders introduced literature. consistent weaving (Dreise Mazurski, 2017) Etuaptmumk “Two-Eyed Seeing” proposed Mi'kmaq Elder Albert Marshall Bartlett Hatcher 2009; M's-it No'kmaq 2021)—both draw strengths multiple traditions context phenomenon, alter structures empowerment under-represented holders. choose learning shape conceive co-conduct practice, contribute transformations. Details workshops conducted develop revise principles, provided Information. foundation honouring self-determination nationhood an inherent right does require endorsement control outside parties (United Nations, acknowledge undermined right4 dismissed rightful responsibilities. As shift understanding rather than simply “minorities, interest groups, stakeholders” (von der Porten de Loë, 2013), correspondingly lens towards groups responsibility holders, governance protocols traditional territories. there significant authority arrangements (Díaz, 2018). An mentor (Johnston, 2019) explained using language “responsibility holders”, create non-Indigenous practice. Honouring supports recognitional procedural equity (Leach 2018) revitalization Indigenous/traditional cultures, systems, language, ways being (Salomon Case Box 1 offers example respecting foregrounding virtual setting. intentionally first Principle; it starting point constant underpinning collaborative endeavours. During COVID-19 pandemic, in-person gatherings severely restricted, additional challenge organizing meetings protocols. World Virtual Circle Open Science Decolonization Knowledge took place November 12, 2020. It was organized Community-Based Responsibility Higher Education co-hosted Nations Consortium. Its format designed Dr. Lorna Wanósts'a7 Williams. featured nearly 20 speakers attracted 300 registrants world. inform UNESCO's forthcoming recommendation open and, turn, ensure included integrity thereby reshape institutions use it. webinar adhered opening closing prayers, songs territorial welcomes respected Elders Keepers. one speaker reminded everyone, “Songs prayers very important science.” emulated Talking information-sharing, attentiveness interconnectedness. Speakers attendees expressed recognition marked time revisit are, ancestors teachings come order move forward positive way. also appreciation ability “bring out” knowledge. While online platform, character helped democratization sharing Williams aptly summed up her remarks: “We gathered today circle, here what's middle: bundle way Peoples' continued created over world.” Contributed Eleanor Haine, formerly Program Officer Natural Sciences, UNESCO, Canada; presently Policy Analyst Environment Climate Change Canada. Commitment relationships points importance building friendships beginning Building informal formal trust, friendship mutual effort (Tobias Informal include about history particular territories present Younging, well beyond (Brock, efforts connections enhance trust vital together. Additionally, securing champions knowledgeable intra-community politics, demographics, (Friedrichsen, Champions navigate related ceremony, youth engagement, relations, role Elders, compensation gift-giving, appropriate curation Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, 2003). Increasingly, university ethics boards document benefits, risks commitments involved Researchers required leadership, decision-making procedures organizational structures. presentation approval council proceed For goes requirement. Approval follow negotiation signing agreement sets out expectations conduct, data access management, credit. parts Latin America governing authorities developing guidelines agencies should outsiders undertake free, prior informed consent (CONABIO-GIZ, Girard 2022). Committing encourages creative opportunities collect share photos, popular theatre, storytelling)—in culturally locally appealing different Fernández-Llamazares Cabeza, Hamer Sutherland, Multiple engagement raise youth) allow ideas peers other members focused emerges frequently underrepresented drawn away higher education employment. Permission approvals institutional requirements authorities. Hence, determining questions methods generate robust meaningful results—in theory ground. Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region (CSBR) west coast Vancouver Island, Canada, food preservation program residents build skills seasonal region's systems. Community-based particularly risk insecurity, so extended Tla-o-qui-aht (ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ) Warrior Ucluelet Secondary School. Youth participated co-designing evaluating tailored schedules priorities, drying, canning, equipment operation, cutting, food. territory Lomerío, Bolivia, pre-research visioning showed Lomerío´s (CICOL) wanted participate upon completing professional career city. Leaders Lomerio's 29 member voted elect young professionals “Communal Caciques” give opportunity had away. CICOL requested Bolivian Institute Forest (IBIF) forums solidify proposals territory. Drawing partnership IBIF facilitated exchange meet central plan vida (life plan): integration women governance. during graduate students particular, find necessary community-engaged Mariana Campos Rivera used digital ethnography Oaxaca, southern Mexico knowledge-sharing ecological She connection launching website (Table 1) information relevant interests, details events, resources, funding opportunities. she built continuously receives incorporates feedback youth, making product adapts changing interests. Majing Oloko, PhD candidate, School Marlene Soriano, Director, Inclusive Business Socioeconomic Development Program, (Bolivian Research), Bolivia; Rivera, MES student, Co-creating agenda means objectives determined according interests collaborators. Co-creation new. Many successful co-created agendas developed social-cultural movements, decolonization resource example, Brazil, Sri Lanka, prompted examine agricultural forestry land brought transition colonial post-colonial community-led (Figueroa-Helland Gunaratne frequency timing vary Peters, 2004). Involving promote strengthen take results leaders. principle teams composed ask community: know findings, communication uptake gained? because placed comply norms odds co-creating agenda. Wrestling co-design outset enables creation manner effective 3 provides Miijim: Traditional foods lake woods Anishinaabeg (Miijim: Anishinaabe Gaabi Inanjiged Zaaga'iganiing) exhibit supporting security co-curated Phyllis Pinesse Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation, Lori Nelson Lake Woods Museum, Iain Davidson-Hunt Manitoba. development undertaken design partners curatorial staff museum audience settler northwestern Ontario space engagement. Panels English Anishinaabemowin, drawing textual sources projects (Elders statements, illustrations, archival materials) based team. A video videos harvest water six-week exhibit, weekly programmes held demonstrated cooking foods; discussed medicines; processing preparation. run, several thousand visitors since regional museums, schools organizations. At requests panels later produced booklet nutrition programmes. by: Davidson-Hunt, Manitoba, benefits whom academics (Royal Roads University, accountable collaborators, likelihood meaningful, tangible, intangible partners, members. Benefits wide ranging various forms. Some while emergent, but tied on-the-ground realities therefore align needs, worldviews takes place. grants “level playing field” 2015, 141), paying serve guides assistants (Gearhead Shirley, 2007) providing financial logistical community-organized events. Where desired, training environmental change monitoring (Adams 2014; Robson Wolfe intergenerational cohesion (Sarigumba 2023; Shackleton 2023). Ensuring mobilized confer benefits. European Union (EU) refused honey Zero Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) policy. However, molecular techniques, traces GMO found ‘ingredients’, rather, ‘components’ complied EU regulations. Effective prevented devastating economic losses Maya (Gómez González, Villanueva-Gutiérrez 4 illustrates Mendoza province, Argentina. material realized employment management improvements, less equally enhancement experts La Payunia Provincial Reserve located province protected areas 1980s, participation establishment limited. 2005, inhabitants asked Department Renewable Resources technical alternative source income, reducing conflicts domestic livestock wild guanaco (Lama guanicoe) populations. Payun Matru Cooperative implement live shearing guanacos link conservation improving situation people. cooperative aimed preserve culture area. Technical sought camelid National (CONICET). initiative resulted long-lasting cooperation students. Since 2006, roundups planned carried merging Over time, captures ‘open air labs’, enabling IUCN´s Animal Welfare Protocol many trained. improved high animal welfare standards. Several hired producers Patagonia expertise management. 2012, public-private consortium Cooperative, CONICET, Industrial Engineering (INTI) Municipality Malargüe, awarded technology needed fibre chain, installation plant benefit from. Gabriela Lichtenstein, Researcher American Anthropology Thought, Transdisciplinary ultimately nurturing relationships; now expected enter relationship amount self-awareness, self-evaluation generated, what methodologies suitable (Barrett, Castleden Datta, allies describe “in good way” Johnston Peltier Stiegman Castleden, 2015), contexts described phrase appear vague; represents translation ethical equitable languages accounts mindful impact actions assumptions before, during, fieldwork (International Society Ethnobiology, 2006; speak need respectful, reciprocal, responsible alliances, network (M's-it Relational just researcher participant; holds family people, must personal knowledg