New paper outlining a relational approach to conservation science research and evaluation

Figure 1. Implementation of Relational Science Model values and recommendations in conservation research (overview). From: Layden, T. J., Fernández, S., Sandoval-Lemus, M., Sonius, K. J., David-Chavez, D., & Bombaci, S. P. (2024). Shifting Power in Practice: Implementing Relational Research and Evaluation in Conservation Science. Social Sciences, 13(10), 555. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13100555

Tamara Layden and co-authors, including Dr. Dominique David-Chavez, recently published a paper outlining the design and subsequent evaluation of a wildlife conservation field project guided by Dr. D’s Relational Science Model.

This research stems from Tamara’s dissertation work in partnership with the community of La Bendición in Southwestern Guatemala. The purpose of this paper is to promote the application of ethical guidelines and community-driven evaluation in conservation science research for improved research relations. Tamara remarks:

“I am grateful for the scholars, activists, and community leaders that continue to compassionately guide collaborators back towards these central relational values. It is high time this guidance is honored and applied in practice and I hope this offering contributes to these efforts.”

Overall, this paper underscores the need for iterative community feedback alongside critical reflection, drawing from the foundational values and recommendations offered by the Relational Science Model.