Session 6. 1. A.

In human groups, there is a wide range of approaches to decision-making regarding nature. In territories of life, these decisions are made collectively. Territories of life are communities defined by: 1) a deep connection between the community and the territory; 2) effective governance; and 3) positive conditions for both nature and the community resulting from this connection and collective decision-making. However, this collective vision, as a paradigm for action concerning nature, has been eroded and is constantly threatened by neocolonialist approaches.
For this panel we would like to share an experience that is starting with different communities in Mexico, in which we are using the community of practice approach to foster collective learning and action. The community of practice of Territories of life, in Mexico, embraces a collective learning approach centered on action, with learning topics chosen based on the urgent needs of the communities. Each topic aims to facilitate joint reflection on the threats to collective action and strategies for its enhancement. Throughout this process, we are navigating the inherent challenges of transdisciplinary research, including epistemological issues (such as relational versus separate forms of knowledge building), practical concerns (like time constraints and differing priorities), and challenges related to collaborative work (balancing activism with knowledge co-production), among others.
We believe that this methdology offers a valuable foundation for building networks that generate practical and applicable knowledge. We have learned that understanding among members and building trust are essential processes that takes time and require ongoing dialogue. We also found that the practice is enriched by the diversity of perspectives and experiences, and that addressing the threats and urgent needs of the communities is essential for legitimate transdisciplinary work.

Addressing socioecological conflicts requires that those that inhabit territories under dispute channel various forms of collective action. Generating spaces for academics to accompany these processes though schemes of knowledge co-generation, requires challenging the paradigms of science with a vision that aims at weaving new collaborative practices. This requires, as a starting point, recognizing and addressing differences in power and privileges between actors. Likewise, it requires developing interpersonal skills, to forge relationships of trust and reciprocity that include the need to integrate issues related to affection and emotions. Herein, we present, more than a methodological strategy, a set of elements that we consider essential to develop and build assertive communication that supports collective action. These elements are discussed within the framework of the research and advocacy project “Building bridges towards the search for solutions to socioecological problems in the Yucatan Peninsula” developed by Tejedores de Territorios, a collective whose participants are from indigenous community organizations, civil associations, non-governmental organizations, and members of the academia, including students. This work had the general objective of strengthening territorial defense strategies through knowledge co-creation. From our reflection based on this transdisciplinary endeavor, we consider that many risks are taken when seeking collaboration that are of varied nature. These risks have to do with issues of commitment, co-responsibility, trust or distrust, and time.

Artisanal fisheries in Uruguay face multiple and interdependent challenges, including those related to resource conditions, socioeconomic, cultural, and governance dimensions. Climate change is one of the drivers that can intensify the so-called fisheries crisis. In this dynamic and uncertain context, fishers’ adaptation becomes crucial. In 2023, the Latin American Network of Participatory Research (RIPAL), joined efforts with Uruguayan academic institutions and other actors (e.g. the National Union of Seaworkers) to lead a transdisciplinary project on this topic involving artisanal fishers. The objectives were (1) to collaboratively analyze challenges imposed by climate change on artisanal fisheries in Uruguay’s coastal and inland areas, and (2) to generate a co-creation and learning environment between researchers and fishers from multiple locations of the country to explore ongoing and potential adaptation strategies. Fifty-five fishers and fishworkers (39 men and 16 women) participated in the project (August - December 2023), belonging to 4 regions of the country with different fishing and environmental characteristics: rivers, Río de la Plata estuary, lagoons, and Atlantic Ocean. The main methods used were photo-voice, semi-structured interviews, and workshops. In this presentation we focus on the communication components of the project, considering both the process and its outcomes/outputs. The combination of in-person, virtual and hybrid activities allowed for the involvement of fishers from multiple locations and promoted learning and relationship-building among them, as well as between academic and non-academic participants. Two important outputs of the project were a web map showing fishers’ perspectives about the changes in the social-ecological systems they inhabit, and a photo-exhibit with pictures shared by fishers (through photo-voice), available online and printed. Communication and participation challenges in this national-level participatory research project are also discussed.

For researchers in transdisciplinary projects, communication with and between different stakeholders is crucial for the success of the project. They have to discuss critical topics, motivate stakeholders to participation and create inclusive working environments for different stakeholder groups. Net-Map is a tool to conduct participatory social network analysis using a combination of in-depth interviews and participatory network mapping. During the interviews, the interviewee draws the network of relevant actors, notes down their motivations and evaluates and displays the actors’ influence and benefits by building towers using any kind of stacks. The tool not only allows to gather data to conduct social network analysis but also to communicate different perceptions and enhance learning.
The tool has been used in different fields of application such as studies to analyse the institutional design of governance networks for environmental management. In these studies, the method has proven its suitability as a very flexible, low-cost, low-tech, and participatory method where interviewees are engaged to visualize their individual perception of the governance network in which they are involved themselves. The results of such studies are deemed useful to improve the understanding of how the governance networks work and how they can be strengthened to improve environmental management.
In this research I reflect on experiences of the application of the tool for ecosystem management in Latin America, more concrete in case studies in Costa Rica and Colombia. I will demonstrate how the tool helps to create transparency and a common understanding through visualizing the network structure, as well a comfortable atmosphere that keeps the participants involved. Learning effects through the reflection of the mapping results and often lead to a motivation to take action because it enhances the understanding of the network and roles of individuals/groups that must be improved in order to achieve a better performance.