Online workshop 3: Scientists Collaborating with Communities and Policymakers

Description: Norway and Iceland led this workshop which focused on involving communities in knowledge sharing and creation, including place-based actions from conception to policy. The invited speakers included scientists working with local and national stakeholders; representatives of various community services; and knowledge brokers who shared their experience and outlined ways to work more effectively together for community resilience and biodiversity protection.

Speakers

• Skúli Skúlason is a professor in evolutionary biology at Holar University and Icelandic Museum of Natural History. Skúli is a senior scientist with experience in implementing science into policy and working with stakeholders at the local, national, and international levels. He is the chairman for the board of BIODICE (biodiversity in Iceland initiative), and is involved in the progress of implementing biodiversity into policymaking. More about BIOIDICE here.
  
• Máret Johansdatter Heatta, Doctoral Research Fellow, UiT-Arctic University of Norway, is a Sami descendant based in Guovdageaidnu, Sápmi (Norway), where most of her family lives. Currently, Máret leads the CITE project (Climate Change Impact on Terrestrial Ecosystems), an innovative initiative initiated by the Sámi Council and AMAP that fosters equitable co-production of knowledge between reindeer herders and researchers in Sápmi. In parallel with her leadership role in CITE, Máret is completing her doctoral studies at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences in partnership with UIT. Her PhD work also focuses on the co-production of knowledge, engaging closely with Sami knowledge holders. More about the CITE project here.
  
• Delphin Ruché is the founder and director of Rissa Citizen Science. Delphin is a field biologist with a background in research and nature conservation. Rissa is a foundation supporting charitable and non profit conservation efforts based in Tromsø, northern Norway. Rissa has a number of projects related to biodiversity, including Kittiwakes, Kelp forests, owls and working with the Ånderdalen National Park in Senja. More about Rissa Citizen Science here.
  

Workshop Agenda 

• 10:00–10:05 Opening and presenters introductions  -Jenny 
  
• 10:05-10:12 Introduction topic: Scientists Collaborating with Communities and Policymakers,  Jenny Turton
• 10:13-10:15 Introduction to the questions for discussion- Jenny 
• 10:15-10:35 Case study 1: Implementing biodiversity into policymaking with BIODICE, Skúli Skúlason
• 10:35-10:55 Case study 2 : Rissa Citizen Science, Delphin Ruché
• 10:55-11:05 Break – Reminder of questions. 
• 11:05-11:25 Case study 3: Co-production of knowledge in the CITE project, Máret J. Heatta
• 11:30-10:35 Reminder of questions 
• 11:35-12:10 Breakout Room Discussions
• 12:10-12:30 Closing- Each group prepares to present their tasks
• 12:20-12:25 Jenny leads to the survey 
• 12:25-12:30 Jenny closes the session

Discussion questions

1. What strategies do scientists have for engaging with communities? 
2. Question split depending on breakout room
   1. Breakout rooms with scientists: What are some solutions and what are some actions we can do internationally at the local level? (Thinking about the local workshops in Work Package 2)
   2. Breakout rooms with  non-scientists: If you've tried to engage scientists in your work, what is the feedback when you approach scientists about working with you? Is it time limitation, funding, interest…?