Developing methods of knowledge co-production across varying contexts to shape Sustainability Science theory and practice

Knowledge coproduction to improve assessments of nature's contributions to people

“…During debriefing, experts also highlighted factors that were key to the success of our knowledge coproduction process: friendly relationships among collaborators based on humility and respect (experts had fun, felt happy and cheerful during activities), curiosity and open mindedness about the cultures and knowledge of other collaborators (discussions sometimes deviated from medicinal plants to collaborators experience and life), and sharing of ideas, results, feedback in reciprocal and equitable ways (experts enjoyed having access to results and pictures of the different activities). These factors echo recent work on coproduction with ILK holders that shows the importance of empathetic relationships, respect, trust, and recognition of ethical and high‐quality knowledge coproduction (Greenaway et al., 2022; Maclean et al., 2022; Yua et al., 2022). Other experts note that studies that really contribute to collaborators’ empowerment are rare and should become mainstream, especially in the search for decolonizing methodologies (Brandt et al., 2013).…”

“…We also explicitly recognized and put at the core of our work indigenous worldviews and representation of the world, for example, when analyzing plants’ contributions to a good quality of life. Thus, we contributed—to a small extent—to work on decolonialized research about plants (Boumediene, 2022; Maclean et al., 2022; Smith, 2022). It took time and patience to build a common understanding and to set up regular discussions, through participatory activities and participant observation (almost every Sunday in the city markets).…”

“…This article, cowritten by scientists and ILK experts, was part of a translation process and was aimed at providing written information to scientists and decision makers. Coauthorship is one way to make ILK experts contributions visible, recognize their intellectual property and sovereignty, and contribute to decolonized research (Castleden et al., 2012; Maclean et al., 2022). There is a demand from ILK experts to develop other ways to inform people about medicinal plants and raise awareness among a wider audience (e.g., with a leaflet in Spanish and Quechua [e.g., Mathez & Huamán, 2018]).…”

“…How to articulate ILK with scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines (natural and social sciences, humanities) in a respectful and ethical knowledge coproduction process is a challenge for transdisciplinary and sustainability research. Over the last decade, sustainability scientists have increasingly engaged with decolonized knowledge coproduction methodologies that recognize, respect, and support indigenous and local aspirations (Greenaway et al., 2022; Maclean et al., 2022). Knowledge coproduction should ideally follow 4 principles: be place based (i.e., consider social, economic, and ecological specificities); identify clear goals; involve plural knowledge systems; and foster frequent and diversified interactions among knowledge holders (Balvanera et al., 2017; Norström et al., 2020).…”

Indigenous, ethnic, and racial diversity and climate justice: New Zealand’s climate adaptation policies and policy approaches

“…These communities are often disproportionately affected by climate change because of historical injustices, socioeconomic factors, and limited resources that hinder their ability to cope with and adapt to environmental challenges. Studies outside the New Zealand context have emphasised the importance of including marginalised voices in agricultural development processes using an ethical community engagement framework (Maclean et al 2022). Furthermore, indigenous knowledge in the formation of community-based natural resource management and rural development initiatives in the Pacific Islands has been recognised as a way to improve the resilience of communities to climate change (Begg et al 2023).…”