IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/enscpo/v63y2016icp122-131.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

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

Author

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Akhtar-Schuster, M. & Amiraslani, F. & Morejon, C.F. Diaz & Escadafal, R. & Fulajtar, E. & Grainger, A. & Kellner, K. & Khan, S.I. & Pardo, O.Perez & Sauchanka, U. & Stringer, L.C. & Reda, Fasil & Tho, 2016. "Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 122-131.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enscpo:v:63:y:2016:i:c:p:122-131
    DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2016.03.009
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901116300600
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.envsci.2016.03.009?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:enscpo:v:63:y:2016:i:c:p:122-131. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    We have no bibliographic references for this item. You can help adding them by using this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/environmental-science-and-policy/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.