Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

M. Akhtar-Schuster; Farshad Amiraslani; C. F.Diaz Morejon; R. Escadafal; E. Fulajtar; A. Grainger; K. Kellner; S. I. Khan; O. Perez Pardo; U. Sauchanka; L. C. Stringer; Fasil Reda; R. J. Thomas

doi:10.1016/j.envsci.2016.03.009

Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

M. Akhtar-Schuster, Farshad Amiraslani, C. F.Diaz Morejon, R. Escadafal, E. Fulajtar, A. Grainger, K. Kellner, S. I. Khan, O. Perez Pardo, U. Sauchanka, L. C. Stringer, Fasil Reda, R. J. Thomas

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Abstract

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has lacked an efficient mechanism to access scientific knowledge since entering into force in 1996. In 2011 it decided to convene an Ad Hoc Working Group on Scientific Advice (AGSA) and gave it a unique challenge: to design a new mechanism for science-policy communication based on the best available scientific evidence. This paper outlines the innovative 'modular mechanism' which the AGSA proposed to the UNCCD in September 2013, and how it was designed. Framed by the boundary organization model, and an understanding of the emergence of a new multi-scalar and polycentric style of governing, the modular mechanism consists of three modules: a Science-Policy Interface (SPI); an international self-governing and self-organizing Independent Non-Governmental Group of Scientists; and Regional Science and Technology Hubs in each UNCCD region. Now that the UNCCD has established the SPI, it is up to the worldwide scientific community to take the lead in establishing the other two modules. Science-policy communication in other UN environmental conventions could benefit from three generic principles corresponding to the innovations in the three modules-joint management of science-policy interfaces by policy makers and scientists; the production of synthetic assessments of scientific knowledge by autonomous and accountable groups of scientists; and multi-scalar and multi-directional synthesis and reporting of knowledge.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	122-131
Number of pages	10
Journal	Environmental Science and Policy
Volume	63
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2016.03.009
Publication status	Published (in print/issue) - 1 Sept 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research received funding from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. L.C. Stringer was supported by the ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, award ES/K006576/1. R.J. Thomas was supported by the CGIAR Dryland Systems Program.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 The Authors.

Copyright:
Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

Global environmental governance
Land degradation
Science and technology studies
Science-advisory bodies
Science-policy interface
Scientific autonomy

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.envsci.2016.03.009

Designing a new science_policy communication mechanism_Final VersionFinal published version, 1.23 MBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

Akhtar-Schuster, M., Amiraslani, F., Morejon, C. F. D., Escadafal, R., Fulajtar, E., Grainger, A., Kellner, K., Khan, S. I., Pardo, O. P., Sauchanka, U., Stringer, L. C., Reda, F., & Thomas, R. J. (2016). Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Environmental Science and Policy, 63, 122-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2016.03.009

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abstract = "The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has lacked an efficient mechanism to access scientific knowledge since entering into force in 1996. In 2011 it decided to convene an Ad Hoc Working Group on Scientific Advice (AGSA) and gave it a unique challenge: to design a new mechanism for science-policy communication based on the best available scientific evidence. This paper outlines the innovative 'modular mechanism' which the AGSA proposed to the UNCCD in September 2013, and how it was designed. Framed by the boundary organization model, and an understanding of the emergence of a new multi-scalar and polycentric style of governing, the modular mechanism consists of three modules: a Science-Policy Interface (SPI); an international self-governing and self-organizing Independent Non-Governmental Group of Scientists; and Regional Science and Technology Hubs in each UNCCD region. Now that the UNCCD has established the SPI, it is up to the worldwide scientific community to take the lead in establishing the other two modules. Science-policy communication in other UN environmental conventions could benefit from three generic principles corresponding to the innovations in the three modules-joint management of science-policy interfaces by policy makers and scientists; the production of synthetic assessments of scientific knowledge by autonomous and accountable groups of scientists; and multi-scalar and multi-directional synthesis and reporting of knowledge.",

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note = "Funding Information: This research received funding from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. L.C. Stringer was supported by the ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, award ES/K006576/1. R.J. Thomas was supported by the CGIAR Dryland Systems Program. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2016 The Authors. Copyright: Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.",

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Akhtar-Schuster, M, Amiraslani, F, Morejon, CFD, Escadafal, R, Fulajtar, E, Grainger, A, Kellner, K, Khan, SI, Pardo, OP, Sauchanka, U, Stringer, LC, Reda, F & Thomas, RJ 2016, 'Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification', Environmental Science and Policy, vol. 63, pp. 122-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2016.03.009

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AU - Thomas, R. J.

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Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

UN SDGs

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