Porter-Bolland, Luciana

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.