Geographical and Thematic Distribution of Publications Generated at the International Long-Term Ecological Research Network (ILTER) Sites

Abstract

The International Long-Term Ecological Research (ILTER) network is currently unmatched by other global networks in its ability to coordinate and collaborate on long-term ecological research and monitoring at a planetary scale. This offers an ideal research, information, and infrastructural platform for the Earth Stewardship initiative. However, to achieve an effective synergy between ILTER and Earth Stewardship it is critical to overcome problematic geographical and conceptual gaps in ILTER Research. To quantify these gaps we produced a new database of scholarly and grey literature generated at long-term ecological or socio-ecological research (LTER) sites worldwide. We assessed: (1) the geographical origin of LTER researchers; (2) the geographical regions where these researchers conduct their studies; (3) which thematic areas are investigated in LTER research, and to what extent do they include concepts associated with Earth Stewardship; (4) in which venues are LTER research outputs published. Regarding the production of knowledge at ILTER, we found a marked Northern Hemispherism: > 90 % of the ILTER publications are generated by researchers from the Northern Hemisphere. Furthermore, 89 % of ILTER publications are generated by researchers associated with LTER networks in the North Temperate region (23° N – 66° N). Regarding conceptual gaps, 99 % of all ILTER publications in the arts and the humanities are generated by researchers working in the South Temperate region (23°N – 66°N), especially Chile. Additionally, in Southern Hemisphere LTER networks research themes associated with Earth Stewardship were the most represented. Our concise analysis aims to call attention to the fact that opportunities exist for greater collaboration and complementarity in research across the ILTER Network. The southern regions can significantly add to the integration of social, ethical, and artistic dimensions to transdisciplinary socio-ecological research at ILTER, providing an intercultural and participatory foundation for Earth Stewardship.