Mutual Benefits: Linking Science and Policy in the Delta

摘要: October 2013 San Francisco Estuary & Watershed Science: Science Policy for the Delta Mutual Benefits: Linking and in Judy L. Meyer Odum School of Ecology University Georgia Athens, GA 30602 USA jlmeyer@uga.edu Member, Independent Board Introduction Scientists decision-makers Bay–Delta are not unique. Ecosystem management programs worldwide exploring ways to better link science policy as a means enhance restore services that ecosystems provide society. Improving effectiveness this requires policy-relevant scientific research, effective communication research findings, an efficient altering when desired outcomes achieved or relevant understanding changes. Enhancing Policy-relevant Scientific Research will clear solutions, but it can be useful establishing boundary conditions within which decision reached. Fostering dynamic leaders both arenas interactions build trust among them. To effective, needs address questions, meet standards rigor, unbiased politically (Clark et al. 2002 Van Cleve 2004). This scien- tists who independent informed about issues managers policy- makers face recognize increased result from inspired by questions. Yet shouldn’t driven only current Long-term anticipatory is essential develop knowledge base needed future decisions. These goals facilitated respectful interaction between researchers policymakers whose decisions information gathered. An structure acknowledges disagreements scientists inevitable (e.g., differing interpretations data competing restoration proposals) provides mechanisms resolving these disagreements. Means resolution include assessment process work- shops aimed at achieving consensus-based exist-