Limits to learning for developing a sustainable region: lessons from north-east Queensland

Abstract

The transition to sustainability requires institutional and individual change and in response, sustainability science is increasingly adopting participatory and collaborative research approaches. To address the dearth of systematic evaluation of the impact of these approaches, this article reports on the outcomes of an ex post evaluation of a participatory research project on sustainability in north east Queensland. A framework was developed to guide the evaluation process, which used both process and outcome criteria to measure the impact of adopting participatory approaches. In terms of process, the findings suggest there is great value in bringing different perspectives together (in terms of individual and collective learning; enhanced capacity to engage), but the process needs careful management. In terms of outcomes, on-ground change through the implementation of the research emerged as the most important criterion in judging a project's success. The implications of the findings with regard to future participatory approaches for sustainability research are discussed.