Linking science and practice in ecological research and management: How can we do it better?

Abstract

Summary In conservation management, ensuring that the most appropriate research is conducted and results are actually put into practice is a complex and challenging process. While there are success stories, many hurdles can reduce the likelihood of appropriate research being initiated and its findings communicated and implemented. This article describes the ideal research–management cycle, summarizes the major factors that impede it and draws on the experiences of the authors to provide a series of examples of successful approaches to help keep the cycle going. We consider that the major impediments to a functioning research–management cycle relate to a lack of collaboration, poor communication, inappropriate funding and political timelines, change inertia and a lack of capacity. Although addressing structural difficulties such as matching funding timelines to those required for ecological research is a fundamental challenge, we can make incremental improvements to the way in which we operate that will improve the chances that research is both useful and used. The principles underpinning our success stories are (i) strategic development of capacity, (ii) increased breadth and depth of collaborations between researchers and managers and (iii) improved communications. Participants in the research–management cycle must seek to involve stakeholders through all project stages from project conception, to implementation, evaluation and knowledge updating. Finally, we should only see the first iteration of the research process as complete when new knowledge is applied operationally with monitoring and ongoing evaluation in place.

Translocation of the Eastern Bristlebird 2: applying principles to two case studies

“…The re‐introduction at Jervis Bay has succeeded, and we are optimistic that in the long term, the re‐introduction at Illawarra will also be successful. Capacity building, communication and collaboration have been recognized as critical elements of adaptive management for biodiversity conservation (Burbidge et al. 2011; Baker et al.…”

Toward a social–ecological approach to ecological restoration: a look back at three decades of maritime clifftop restoration

“…The importance of linking ecological restoration and restoration ecology through active collaborations between researchers and managers has already been shown (Roux et al ; Burbidge et al ; Gallet et al ). Such collaborations are win–win situations because, on the one hand, the restoration projects provide sites and specific contexts for the scientists to study ecological processes and, on the other, restoration ecology enhances the different restoration practices used by the managers (Palmer et al ).…”

Booderee National Park Management: Connecting science and management

“…; Burbidge et al . ), but they are often difficult and unsuccessful (Rudd ). This is, in part, because these two sets of professionals have different reward systems, objectives and sub‐cultures (Gibbons et al .…”

“…Many of these reasons are strongly congruent with the factors that Burbidge et al . () suggests are important to the success of the research–management cycle in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.…”