Integrated Mission-Directed Research

by Proctor, Wendy; Van Kerkhoff, Lorrae; Dodds, Steve Hatfield

• ISBN13: 9780643096943
• ISBN10: 0643096949
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-09-30
• Publisher: Csiro

Summary

This book offers readers the chance to share, reflect on, and learn from the experiences of researchers involved in integrated mission-directed research, particularly in the areas of natural resource management and regional development. Integrated Mission-directed Researchcovers important issues in integration science, supported by case studies that detail how to engage individuals and communities, and support policy decisions and development. The authors explore case studies undertaken in Australia, Europe, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as perspectives from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Closing chapters demonstrate key challenges for researchers and essential questions that should be answered when trying to set up integrated research. Potential benefits that could be obtained from effective integrated mission directed research are included, as well as assessment questions to assist researchers to see if such benefits have been truly obtained. Key features '¢ Covers over eight broad research areas, including: hydrology, ecology, social psychology, decision analysis, systems modelling, ecological economics, environmental economics and political science '¢ Provides methods and example case studies on the integration of different fields of scientific research which is essential to achieving sustainable outcomes of natural resource management that truly reflect "triple bottom line" objectives '¢ Relays important lessons from completed research so that the advantages and benefits of these projects can be built on and improved.

Table of Contents

List of contributors	p. v
Introduction	p. 1
Theoretical Perspectives	p. 7
Understanding and managing complex systems: historical perspectives and lessons from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment	p. 9
Improving integrated research: tools for analysis and disappointed learning	p. 23
Challenges and success factors in undertaking integrated research	p. 39
If there is a bear: conservation in the midst of conflicts	p. 51
Engaging Individuals and Communities	p. 69
Identification, engagement and influence: research for development and the environment in the uplands of northern Thailand	p. 71
A sociological analysis of the participatory application of agricultural decision-support systems	p. 95
Modelling and learning about coastal development and sustainability	p. 115
Supporting Policy Development and Decision Making	p. 143
Integrating science within the West Australian Rural Towns Liquid Assets project	p. 145
Integrated modelling of European agricultural land use scenarios	p. 165
Accounting for multiple governance scales in integrated modelling and decision support	p. 189
Conclusions	p. 203
Index	p. 207
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