Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
12.5.1
Building Stronger Partnerships
Contemporary environmental challenges go well beyond science alone. ESA must
continue to build strong partnerships with people and institutions that can effect
change, fi nding key areas of commonality that refl ect shared goals and making sure
that ecological science is at the table. As with any ecosystem, particular components
or linkages within the system may be highly infl uential, and identifying keystone
institutions and leverage points is important. Linkages with other groups must
broaden to include greater representation from the business community and
politicians. An “us vs. them” attitude will not serve the goals of Earth Stewardship
well, and many leaders are keenly interested in sustaining resources in their local
environment. Actions that enhance sustainability may be good for the bottom line.
Throughout the country, business and engineering schools are developing new
degree programs and certifi cates in sustainability, and ESA could cultivate partner-
ships with such programs. The business community will remain infl uential, and
technology will surely play a role in addressing stewardship issues. Developers
should be encouraged to collaborate with ecologists during the early phases of land-
development projects so that subsequent ecological problems (and litigation) might
be minimized. Ecologists are not generally well schooled in how to develop such
partnerships and engage effectively; ESA should assist its membership in develop-
ing these critical skills.
ESA can also encourage more interaction with specialized interest groups, such
as societies devoted to fi sh and game species that are working to preserve or improve
habitat for their particular species. For example, there are now some large organiza-
tions focused on conservation of trout and other salmonids, elk, deer, turkey, quail,
and waterfowl. These organizations refl ect the broader recognition of stewardship in
society at large, although there are often tradeoffs among competing interests of
different groups.
12.5.2
Science Communication
ESA should continue to enhance its leadership in science communication. The chal-
lenges of communicating ecological science within civil society remain profound,
especially when some sectors of society consider scientifi c data to carry only the
weight of an opinion. An ecologically literate citizenship is essential for achieving
the goals of the Earth Stewardship Initiative. Thus, ESA must continue to help our
members become more effective at communicating what we do, what we know, and
most importantly, why it matters. ESA might develop more widespread communi-
cation training programs, perhaps modeled on the successful Leopold Fellows
Program, targeted especially for graduate students and non-academic scientists that
are not eligible for the Leopold Fellows Program. The ability to anticipate and use
new communications media effectively will be key for these efforts. Earth
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