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The use of knowledge in evidence-informed voluntary conservation of Finnish forests

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  • Salomaa, Anna
  • Paloniemi, Riikka
  • Hujala, Teppo
  • Rantala, Salla
  • Arponen, Anni
  • Niemelä, Jari

Abstract

Despite calls for evidence-based policies, the process of using evidence in forest conservation policy implementation has remained unclear. In this paper, we focus on voluntary conservation and investigate complex ways to use evidence in implementation of the Forest Biodiversity Programme METSO in Finland. Data were collected via nine focus group discussions involving a total of 59 forest conservation stakeholders. Through interpretative qualitative analysis, we found that forest owners' and forest advisers' awareness of the voluntary instrument and the smooth interplay of knowledge types are important factors in implementing voluntary conservation. Knowledge use should be locally bound for policy implementation to be effective. Social relationships enable integrating local knowledge. Forest owners, advisers, authorities and other actors interpret scientific and other knowledges (and simultaneously co-produce new knowledge) in practical action. We conclude that educating forest advisers, informing forest owners, and increasing collaboration can enhance evidence flows from research to practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Salomaa, Anna & Paloniemi, Riikka & Hujala, Teppo & Rantala, Salla & Arponen, Anni & Niemelä, Jari, 2016. "The use of knowledge in evidence-informed voluntary conservation of Finnish forests," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 90-98.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:forpol:v:73:y:2016:i:c:p:90-98
    DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2016.09.004
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    2. Pynnönen, Sari & Salomaa, Anna & Rantala, Salla & Hujala, Teppo, 2019. "Technical and social knowledge discontinuities in the multi-objective management of private forests in Finland," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    3. Bin Zhao & Xin Huangfu, 2023. "The More Training, the More Willingness? A Positive Spillover Effect Analysis of Voluntary Behavior in Environmental Protection," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-16, June.
    4. Miljand, Matilda & Bjärstig, Therese & Eckerberg, Katarina & Primmer, Eeva & Sandström, Camilla, 2021. "Voluntary agreements to protect private forests – A realist review," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    5. Jax, Kurt & Furman, Eeva & Saarikoski, Heli & Barton, David N. & Delbaere, Ben & Dick, Jan & Duke, Guy & Görg, Christoph & Gómez-Baggethun, Erik & Harrison, Paula A. & Maes, Joachim & Pérez-Soba, M, 2018. "Handling a messy world: Lessons learned when trying to make the ecosystem services concept operational," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 29(PC), pages 415-427.
    6. Joa, Bettina & Schraml, Ulrich, 2020. "Conservation practiced by private forest owners in Southwest Germany – The role of values, perceptions and local forest knowledge," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    7. Juerges, Nataly & Jahn, Stephanie, 2020. "German forest management stakeholders at the science-society interface: Their views on problem definition, knowledge production and research utilization," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    8. Ikonen, Piia & Rantala, Mirja & Miettinen, Janne & Kuittinen, Suvi & Hujala, Teppo & Mehtätalo, Lauri & Pappinen, Ari, 2020. "Grounds for improving the implementation of game-oriented forest management – A double sampling survey of Finnish forest owners and professionals," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    9. Ramirez, Luisa F. & Belcher, Brian M., 2020. "Crossing the science-policy interface: Lessons from a research project on Brazil nut management in Peru," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    10. Laakkonen, Anu & Hujala, Teppo & Pykäläinen, Jouni, 2019. "Integrating intangible resources enables creating new types of forest services - developing forest leasing value network in Finland," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 157-168.

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