Policy Relevance of LBA "Human Dimensions" Science: A Review of Accomplishments and Opportunities
Daniel
Curtis
Nepstad, Woods Hole Research Center & Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazônia, dnepstad@whrc.org
(Presenting)
The success of “human dimensions” science (HDS) must be measured by its contribution to both theory and practice. LBA’s investment in HDS represents an historical opportunity to improve the scientific basis for policy decisions and natural resource management during the early stages of frontier expansion. This review asks the question: How well have we done in responding to this opportunity? I argue that our success has been “fair”—a C grade. Human dimensions science is most relevant for policy formulation when it helps to identify policy levers for both reducing the ecological impact and increasing the socio-economic benefits of land uses. This implies identification and communication of key socio-ecological trends, and elucidation of mechanistic, accessible tools for interpreting the causes of and possible solutions to human environment problems. Examples of HDS successes are given, as are opportunities that could still be seized.