cn 9 th14_ngo_growi_symbiosis_in_drylands_werfftenbosch

LANDCON 1010, Xi’an, China, October 2010

Growing symbiosis in drylands: sharing

lessons from scientist-NGO collaboration in

DESIRE

Marie José van der Werff ten Bosch, Both ENDS, the Netherlands

October 14th, 2010



Outline1. Why should scientists and NGOs

collaborate?

2. Lessons learned on scientist-NGO collaboration in DESIRE

3. The way forward: towards more and rewarding scientist-NGO collaboration


Why scientist-NGO collaboration?

“Know-why” coupled with “know-how” generates

holistic, reliable and pragmatic knowledge able to

guide policy makers and assist those people living

with the challenges of desertification.



NGOs can help to apply scientific results:• Benefit for society• Wider recognition for researchers• Research becomes more feasible, acceptable and

meaningful (“reality check” of theoretical systems and models)

NGOs can help to complete the list of factors influencing research results, such as:• different interests that determine land use options• enabling and obstructing rules and regulations


Why scientist-NGO collaboration?Researchers can provide NGOs

with high quality in-depth research based on non-political facts to provide a solid foundation for argumentation (“credibility”).

Political and public opinions steer funding priorities, putting SLM jointly on the political and public agenda will enhance funding opportunities for both.


NGOs can be helpful in finding the open doors and transmitting the information to government levels

when the right position

is needed besides good information.


Approaching the media together.


Lessons learned in DESIRE

Communication is key as we speak “different languages”• Perceptions• Prejudices• Expectations

Different ways of working: in-depth vs. overall integration

Different pace and time frames:• involved in long-term policy processes• needing argumentation right away when opportunity arises• research and verification needs time• Impatience to present results to policy makers


Different focus caused by different motivations (not only between scientists and NGOs!):

• more knowledge• a better environment• Recognition• helping the poor• improving your position



All the scientific output is sometimes difficult to grasp for the NGO that has to translate it:

• “Go-between scientists” can point out specific scientific output they think is worthwhile “translating” for non-scientific audiences

• Synthesising becomes essential




Cross-fertilisation depends on the will and the initiatives of individuals, if there is a will there is a way!


The way forward

More structured efforts are needed to facilitate and encourage both groups to work more closely together, such as project and programme designs that can accommodate both groups.

The scientific system itself should evolve so it sees more rewards for other kinds of products and impacts, rather than focusing so narrowly on scientific publications and theoretical advances.


Communication activities and budgets should be integrated in research-development processes

from the beginning, to give NGOs space in research projects for linking towards other

stakeholders.

NGOs should be involved in research-development

processes and project designs from the beginning, or the

other way around.

The way forward


Work as partners recognising each others’ valuable and unique contribution

Differences should be celebrated rather than get us irritated.

The way forward


Be patient, talk often to avoid misunderstandings and frustrations, check regularly to see if you are on the same track still.

The way forward


Thank you!

Input to this presentation:

Patrice Burger, Maude Gentit – CARI France

Dr Lindsay Stringer – University of Leeds, UK

More information:

[email protected]

www.desire-his.eu

cn 9 th14_ngo_growi_symbiosis_in_drylands_werfftenbosch

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