When important local knowledge about nature and climate is not put to use

Important local knowledge about nature and climate is frequently disregarded in decision-making processes, according to a new study by Dr. Roxana Roos at the University of Bergen. Published in Environmental Science & Policy, the research highlights that valuable insights from residents and professionals in Northern Norway often fail to enter municipal planning.

The issue lies not in the scarcity of local knowledge, but in society's failure to acknowledge, appreciate, and integrate diverse forms of knowledge into planning processes. One example provided is how local residents possess critical information about stream overflows, summer drying patterns, and shifting nature values, which experts often lack.

Experts provide climate data, nature maps, and other relevant knowledge, while local residents offer firsthand observations on flood paths, erosion, vegetation changes, and natural values. When this unique knowledge is not incorporated, land-use decisions, climate adaptation strategies, and nature management can become less precise and resilient.

Through interviews with 75 individuals in Northern Norway, the study reveals that residents hold knowledge directly relevant to planning and sustainable development, but this knowledge often remains unutilized. The phenomenon of "internalized epistemic marginalization" is described, where people underestimate their own knowledge because they view scientific expertise as the sole valuable form.

Many assume that their insights are overlooked because institutions fail to seek them out. The study introduces the concept of "epistemic literacy for sustainable development," emphasizing the need for individuals and institutions to recognize, evaluate, and combine different knowledge forms for complex challenges. To address this, the study proposes a four-step framework to help municipalities systematically identify, assess, and utilize both local and scientific knowledge in decision-making.