Mechanisms for engaging social systems in freshwater science research

Transformative research in freshwater ecosystems requires successfully engaging an array of stakeholders. Local community members are experts of the social and ecological systems in which they are embedded and can improve scientific research in many ways. We outline several steps for researchers to engage local experts specifically by focusing on making their projects meaningful to participants. Based on the authors' collective experiences of engaging communities in freshwater research, we offer 3 sets of practical strategies for facilitating public engagement in natural resources research. We outline 3 techniques for building mutuality with the local community and local experts, 2 strategies for building and maintaining relationships, and 5 key efforts that help research teams achieve reliable attendance at meetings. Involving locals is not merely a means for arranging access to valuable research sites or for gathering data. Local experts can inform scientific investigations of the ways local social and ecological systems interact, improve the communication of science, and enrich the experience of field research.

Automated summary

Engaging local community members who are experts in the social and ecological systems of freshwater ecosystems can greatly improve scientific research. Researchers should make their projects meaningful to participants in order to facilitate public engagement. Building mutuality with local communities and experts, establishing and maintaining relationships, and ensuring reliable attendance at meetings are key strategies for successful research team engagement with local experts.