Transdisciplinary social learning process
Social learning can be interpreted in many different ways. In the context of this project, social learning is embarked upon in a transdisciplinary way. This means various stakeholders, beyond just scientists, from multiple disciplines, began working together on this project by jointly framing the problem and the research questions. A participatory action research programme then ensued and led to the co-design of the tool. Different components were carefully designed based on the stakeholders’ input and then tested in real-life situations. A social learning programme thus helps the transdisciplinary team in further developing the tool, but also engage with the data.
• Careful facilitation
• Openness to different views and images of the fishery
• Stakeholder support for the initiative
• A flexible platform that allows quick and easy refinement
• An enabling policy that allows for this type of engagements.
Social learning processes are difficult to measure and are a long-term process. We set careful targets for the short-term and long-term. The short-term targets are related to uptake and use of the data, while the longer term targets are linked to the development of co-management plans and implementation of the Policy at national level. Sustainable use recorded through various fisheries indicators (biological and social) will aid in assessing the Policy objectives.