A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Strategies for integrating scientific evidence in water policy and law in the face of uncertainty (2024)


Kotamäki, N., Arhonditsis, G., Hjerppe, T., Hyytiäinen, K., Malve, O., Ovaskainen, O., Paloniitty, T., Similä, J., Soininen, N., Weigel, B., & Heiskanen, A.-S. (2024). Strategies for integrating scientific evidence in water policy and law in the face of uncertainty. Science of the Total Environment, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172855


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Publication details

All authors or editorsKotamäki, Niina; Arhonditsis, George; Hjerppe, Turo; Hyytiäinen, Kari; Malve, Olli; Ovaskainen, Otso; Paloniitty, Tiina; Similä, Jukka; Soininen, Niko; Weigel, Benjamin; et al.

Journal or seriesScience of the Total Environment

ISSN0048-9697

eISSN1879-1026

Publication year2024

VolumeEarly online

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryNetherlands

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172855

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access


Abstract

Understanding how human actions and environmental change affect water resources is crucial for addressing complex water management issues. The scientific tools that can produce the necessary information are ecological indicators, referring to measurable properties of the ecosystem state; environmental monitoring, the data collection process that is required to evaluate the progress towards reaching water management goals; mathematical models, linking human disturbances with the ecosystem state to predict environmental impacts; and scenarios, assisting in long-term management and policy implementation. Paradoxically, despite the rapid generation of data, evolving scientific understanding, and recent advancements in systems modeling, there is a striking imbalance between knowledge production and knowledge utilization in decision-making. In this paper, we examine the role and potential capacity of scientific tools in guiding governmental decision-making processes and identify the most critical disparities between water management, policy, law, and science. We demonstrate how the complex, uncertain, and gradually evolving nature of scientific knowledge might not always fit aptly to the legislative and policy processes and structures. We contend that the solution towards increased understanding of socio-ecological systems and reduced uncertainty lies in strengthening the connections between water management theory and practice, among the scientific tools themselves, among different stakeholders, and among the social, economic, and ecological facets of water quality management, law, and policy. We conclude by tying in three knowledge-exchange strategies, namely - adaptive management, Driver-Pressure-Status-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, and participatory modeling - that offer complementary perspectives to bridge the gap between science and policy.


Keywordswater servicesenvironmental effectswater resourcesscientific knowledge


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Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2024

Preliminary JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2024-13-05 at 18:06