Wednesday, August 8, 2007 - 9:00 AMSYMP 12-4: The resilience framework and the science-society dialogue
Ann Kinzig, Arizona State University
There are several tensions in the science-society interface concerning the ‘proper’ role of science in decisionmaking. Is the main role of science to provide ‘facts’ or illuminate uncertainties? Should science primarily be responsive to extant societal concerns, or primarily attempt to shift those concerns by revealing challenges that have not yet entered the social consciousness? How do scientists balance the tension between simplifying complex concepts and conveying accurate information? The field of ecology has expanded its understanding of resilience over the past three decades; ecological systems are now viewed as complex, coupled social-ecological systems, with inherent uncertainties and non-linear behaviors operating on multiple spatial and temporal scales. This conceptual framework can yield general insights into the behaviors of ecological and natural-resource systems, but applying a resilience framework in particular management contexts has proven more idiosyncratic. Application requires both scientists and managers as co-equals in the knowledge-production process, an acceptance of uncertainty, and a comfort with having to re-visit management decisions as system context changes. Thus, any attempt to apply a resilience conceptual framework is challenged by many of the fundamental tensions in the science-society interface. In this talk, I will briefly review the resilience conceptual framework, summarize experiences with its application, and talk about both its promise and peril in communicating science to managers and the public.