HOW TO INTERLINK GEOSCIENCE AND POLICY SHAPING
From August 8th to 10th, 2023, I was fortunate to participate in my inaugural RIC conference (Regional Center for Mapping International Conference), themed #RIC2023 #Next Level to the space community, held in Nairobi, Kenya. This event served as a gathering point for Earth Observation (EO) experts and policymakers, fostering mutual learning and the exchange of their respective contributions.
Being a tech enthusiast engaged in resolving spatial challenges, I’ve distilled a handful of key insights that underscore the intersection of geoscience and policy.
- As a professional in geoscience simplify your solution —Describe the solution using the most basic language. Leave all the technical jargon behind when you enter the boardroom to communicate with policymakers. If appropriate, use images, uncomplicated graphs, and straightforward charts.
- Convey the problem’s solution, not the methods leading to it. —Focus on conveying the solution to the problem rather than delving into the methodologies used to arrive at the solution. Present concrete facts and interpret the challenges and potential solutions based on these facts. The path taken to reach the solution is less significant to policymakers than whether the proposed solution effectively addresses the issue at hand.
- Convey the impact of the proposed solution by highlighting the notable and measurable effect or influence it has on a given situation, system, community, or group. This effect can be either positive or negative and is often evaluated to gauge the effectiveness or success of the endeavor. It’s important to consider the trade-offs and potential consequences associated with the impact.
- Technology is ever-evolving. When devising your solution, keep in mind that advancements in technology can lead to even better alternatives emerging quickly. This underscores the need for policies to be flexible and subject to frequent updates. Embrace innovative thinking and craft a solution that is versatile and can be readily adjusted and repurposed.
- Assistance with maps is still required — Just because I comprehend my maps, include titles, and have well-displayed legends doesn’t guarantee others will comprehend them. A soil scientist specifically highlighted the necessity for help in interpreting maps.
- Involve stakeholders and policymakers right from the project’s outset to its completion. This approach allows stakeholders to take ownership of the solutions tailored to their issues. While your proposed solutions might seem fitting, for instance, I remember an anecdote from one of the panelists during the afternoon session on Agriculture and food security. Once, we faced the challenge of women traveling long distances to fetch water. A seemingly ideal answer was to dig boreholes closer to their homes, preventing the need for long treks. However, this solution didn’t succeed. Surprisingly, the women appreciated the long walks as a chance to connect. Ultimately, the effective remedy was to offer ropes for women to fasten water barrels and pull them home, alleviating the burden of carrying them on their heads.
- Policies ought to undergo continuous monitoring and assessment — This creates an opportunity for the development of new policies or feedback on the provided solutions, leading to improvements in the solutions themselves.
- Provide a solution that works — offer an effective and practical resolution to a problem or challenge. The solution should be functional, reliable, and capable of achieving the intended goals or outcomes. It implies delivering an answer that is both feasible and successful in addressing the issue at hand.
- Share the research work and solutions that have been developed— Engage with the relevant authorities and present the solutions we’ve developed. It’s crucial that our academic research doesn’t remain confined to library shelves alone.
In summary, the key takeaway is that there are instances where those in positions of authority lack understanding, while those without authority possess valuable knowledge. The essential factor is to consistently harness our potential through effective communication right from the beginning of any endeavor to find solutions.
