Launching collective science-policy-society strategies to conserve the Ziziphus lotus habitat (Priority Habitat 5220)

Abstract

López-Rodríguez, M.D., Salinas-Bonillo, M.J., Torres, M.T., Pacheco-Romero, M., Guirado, E., Castro, H., Cabello, J. 2019. Launching collective science-policy-society strategies to conserve the Ziziphus lotus habitat (Priority Habitat 5220). Ecosistemas 29(1):1890. https://doi.org/10.7818/ECOS.1890

The priority habitat 5220 is dominated by the Ziziphus lotus which has experienced a major setback in recent decades, its area of distribution has seriously deteriorated in its functioning within Spain. Despite the knowledge generated by researchers for its valuation, management and conservation, such knowledge hardly permeates to policy and society. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a transdisciplinary process as a means to provide collective knowledge about this habitat and to promote a culture of shared responsibility that contributes to its conservation. To do this, we 1st) conducted a literature review of the existing knowledge of this specie, and 2nd) developed a transdisciplinary process within a community of practice integrated by researchers, decision-makers and social agents. The study allowed us to (1) identify gaps in scientific knowledge and research opportunities around Ziziphus lotus and its habitat, (2) define and promote the implementation of 13 collaborative science-policy-society strategies to contribute to its conservation. Throughout the study, we identified several operational factors that facilitated the transdisciplinary process. These factors included (i) the generation of a trusting environment between members of the community of practice; (ii) the use of a knowledge exchange approach between actor groups by researchers with transdisciplinary skills, and (iii) the creation of co-learning and knowledge co-production work schemes oriented towards practical outcomes. In addition, we introduced and evaluated a graphical tool that acted as a boundary object catalysing collective action for the conservation of this specie. This study provides useful guidance for developing future transdisciplinary processes in other contexts.