Utilisation update - scientific diversity

This is the February 2018 newsletter from the Scientific diversity, scientific uncertainty and risk mitigation policy and planning project (RMPP), with updates for project end-users.

This project formally concluded in December 2017, however utilisation and research development activities are ongoing and will continue after this date.

The Hazards, Culture and Indigenious Communities project directly builds this project - find out what is happening with this new research at https://www.bnhcrc.com.au/research/hazard-resilience/3397

Darwin engagement: A specific engagement trip will be undertaken in April to report-back and co-learn from the scientific diversity results, with ongoing collaboration activities planned to support further research and action on Gamba Grass.

Canadian case study: A paper has been submitted for review examining how wildfire managers used scientific and other forms of knowledge to generate a new wildfire risk management plan for the Lac La Biche Forest Area, revealing at the same time how social and institutional factors provided challenges and opportunities for the uptake of more effective management strategies. The paper’s authors are Jennifer Sherry (University of Alberta), Timothy Neale (Deakin University), Tara McGee (University of Alberta), and Maria Sharpe (Wildfire Management Branch, Government of Alberta).

Climate Change adaptation: Tim Neale has been asked to advise the AFAC Climate Change Working Group on social science research regarding climate change adaptation and the emergency management sector. Tim is one of two social scientists providing advice to the Working Group, which has been tasked with writing a discussion paper on how the emergency management sector should prepare for the impacts climate change is having and will have on Australia and New Zealand.

Publications

• Neale, T (under peer review), A sea of Gamba: making and minimising environmental legibility in northern Australia, Science as Culture.
• Sherry, J, Neale, T, McGee, T and M Sharpe (submitted for peer review) Remaking the maps: a case study of knowledge incorporation in Canadian wildfire risk management and planning’, Natural Hazards.

Presentations

• Weir, JK, Neale, T and E Clarke, ‘Gamba Grass: Science, Research, Action’, presentation to North Australia Forum, The Australian National University, Canberra, 17 November 2017.