Beyond the great divide: Do cross‐cultural partnerships require spiritual scientists?

Cross‐cultural environmental research and management: Challenges and progress

“…Cross-cultural participatory research is not something in which all scientists, or all communities, want to engage. Relationship-building is time-consuming and at times emotionally and spiritually challenging (Allen et al 2009;Roa et al 2009;Uhlmann & Almstadt 2009;Wehi et al 2009). It takes 'the right spirit' amongst a research team, an intent to respect the integrity of other knowledge systems (Allen et al 2009;Roa et al 2009), and often a desire to contribute to equity and justice in relation to indigenous partners (Robson et al 2009).…”

“…Lyver et al (2009) argue that science techniques are unsuitable for investigating anything but the bio-physical aspects, mechanisms and efficacy of local environmental knowledge and management systems-although these are embedded in a spiritually powered world view, this is beyond the limits of science and a firm boundary should be respected. Uhlmann & Almstadt (2009) propose that scientists should at least acknowledge the existence of something beyond physical reality, and find opportunities to engage with indigenous communities in a spiritual way, while noting that this itself can be detrimental to one's standing in the science community. But beyond such personal engagement (and the desire and level of comfort with this will vary between individuals), perhaps scientists should not venture to apply their tools of inquiry in these areas, except where indigenous scientists have the necessary authority and skill to do so.…”