Open AccessAn optimistic outlook on the use of evidence syntheses to inform environmental decision‐making
Author(s) -
ThomasWalters Laura,
Nyboer Elizabeth A.,
Taylor Jessica J.,
Rytwinski Trina,
Lane John F.,
Young Nathan,
Bennett Joseph R.,
Nguyen Vivian M.,
Harron Nathan,
Aitken Susan M.,
Auld Graeme,
Browne David,
Jacob Aerin L.,
Prior Kent,
Smith Paul A.,
Smokorowski Karen E.,
Alexander Steven M.,
Cooke Steven J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.426
Subject(s) - enthusiasm , government (linguistics) , quality (philosophy) , value (mathematics) , business , public relations , scientific evidence , management science , psychology , political science , computer science , economics , social psychology , linguistics , philosophy , epistemology , machine learning
Abstract Practitioners and policymakers working in environmental arenas make decisions that can have large impacts on ecosystems. Basing such decisions on high‐quality evidence about the effectiveness of different interventions can often maximize the success of policy and management. Accordingly, it is vital to understand how environmental professionals working at the science‐policy interface view and use different types of evidence, including evidence syntheses that collate and summarize available knowledge on a specific topic to save time for decision‐makers. We interviewed 84 senior environmental professionals in Canada working at the science‐policy interface to explore their confidence in, and use of, evidence syntheses within their organizations. Interviewees value evidence syntheses because they increase confidence in decision‐making, particularly for high‐profile or risky decisions. Despite this enthusiasm, the apparent lack of available syntheses for many environmental issues means that use can be limited and tends to be opportunistic. Our research suggests that if relevant, high quality evidence syntheses exist, they are likely to be used and embraced in decision‐making spheres. Therefore, efforts to increase capacity for conducting evidence syntheses within government agencies and/or funding such activities by external bodies have the potential to enable evidence‐based decision‐making.