Navigating between promises and realities of transdisciplinarity for environmental conservation

Abstract

Abstract Conservation approaches focused solely on technical aspects have proven insufficient in addressing the complexity of the current socioenvironmental crisis. Transdisciplinarity has emerged as a promising approach to combining technical perspectives with qualitative insights from the social sciences and non-academic stakeholders. However, transdisciplinary incorporation of diverse interests, knowledge, and worldviews requires acknowledging and addressing inherent inequities. This article presents a case study that applies transdisciplinary principles through two layers of reflection. The first layer involves a biologist/ecologist working in a transdisciplinary group, applying a quick participatory diagnosis, while the second layer comprises a social scientist studying the group itself. By analyzing the results obtained from these reflective layers, the article aims to explore the challenges and possibilities of navigating from transdisciplinary ideals to practical implementation. The findings highlight the importance of nurturing relationships built on care, reciprocity, and openness to address the power imbalances inherent in university-community participatory practices. Through this perspective, the article suggests that the community's autonomy and agency can be preserved while actively engaging its members in the transdisciplinary process. These suggestions contribute to alleviating power differences and fostering a collaborative and equitable transdisciplinary framework. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of integrating participatory methods, critical reflexivity, and attention to power dynamics in realizing the potential of transdisciplinary approaches for addressing complex conservation challenges and fostering meaningful community engagement.