Connecting Diverse Knowledge Systems for Enhanced Ecosystem Governance: The Multiple Evidence Base Approach

Maria Tengö,Eduardo S Brondizio,Thomas Elmqvist,Pernilla Malmer,Marja Spierenburg

doi:10.1007/s13280-014-0501-3

Maria Tengö, Eduardo S Brondizio + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-014-0501-3

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Journal: AMBIO	Publication Date: Mar 22, 2014
Citations: 757	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University

Abstract

Indigenous and local knowledge systems as well as practitioners’ knowledge can provide valid and useful knowledge to enhance our understanding of governance of biodiversity and ecosystems for human well-being. There is, therefore, a great need within emerging global assessment programs, such as the IPBES and other international efforts, to develop functioning mechanisms for legitimate, transparent, and constructive ways of creating synergies across knowledge systems. We present the multiple evidence base (MEB) as an approach that proposes parallels whereby indigenous, local and scientific knowledge systems are viewed to generate different manifestations of knowledge, which can generate new insights and innovations through complementarities. MEB emphasizes that evaluation of knowledge occurs primarily within rather than across knowledge systems. MEB on a particular issue creates an enriched picture of understanding, for triangulation and joint assessment of knowledge, and a starting point for further knowledge generation.

Highlights

Ecosystem processes interact with and enrich human lives, contributing to economies and human well-being in a wide range of ways
We explore the multiple evidence base (MEB) as a parallel approach, which we argue is a useful way to navigate the tensions involved in developing synergies between knowledge systems
A first proposal for a MEB approach was presented in a report from the International Science Workshop on Assessments for IPBES.4 ‘‘The [multiple] evidence-based peer-review process takes into account that different criteria of validation should be applied to data and information originating from different knowledge systems. ‘[Multiple] evidence-base’ means that in the assessments, the different knowledge systems are viewed as generating valid evidence for interpreting change, trajectories, and causal relationships.’’ Here, we develop the approach of bringing together multiple evidence, drawing on numerous discussions with representatives from diverse knowledge systems, including indigenous and local knowledge systems as

Summary

Introduction

Ecosystem processes interact with and enrich human lives, contributing to economies and human well-being in a wide range of ways. Indigenous and local knowledge systems, developed through experimentation, adaptation, and co-evolution over long periods of time can provide valid and useful knowledge, as well as methods, theory and practices for sustainable ecosystem management.2 Together with the natural and social sciences they can enhance our understanding of how to care for and strengthen the role of biodiversity and ecosystems for human well-being (Reid et al 2006; Turnhout et al 2012; Thaman et al 2013).

Results

Conclusion