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Case Reports
. 2021 Nov 26;18(23):12437.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph182312437.

Bridging Knowledge Systems: A Community-Participatory Approach to EcoHealth

Ann Marie Crosse  1 , Margaret M Barry  1 , Mary Jo Lavelle  1 , Jane Sixsmith  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Bridging Knowledge Systems: A Community-Participatory Approach to EcoHealth

Ann Marie Crosse et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Earth's life-supporting ecosystems are integral to human and planetary health. Ecosystem services connect ecosystem functions to human wellbeing. The complex, multifaceted socio-ecological challenges of ecosystem decline necessitate a transdisciplinary approach, including the active and meaningful engagement and participation of local communities. Communities uniquely possess expert local knowledge, which, when integrated into policy development and community planning, has the potential to enhance and sustain ecosystem benefits for health and wellbeing. Community-informed mapping tools provide an opportunity for integrating science, policy, and public participation in data collection. However, there is a dearth of community-informed mapping tools demonstrating the interconnection of the ecological and social determinants of health at a place-based level. This paper presents a study that employs a community-based participatory research approach to mapping local knowledge systems on EcoHealth. The study seeks to develop a community mapping tool for shared dialogue and decision-making on EcoHealth between local communities and policymakers. The participatory research methods used to explore community awareness and knowledge regarding ecosystem services, health, and sustainability in the local area are described. The process of co-producing a Community EcoHealth Toolkit, based on the integration of different knowledge systems into local policy and planning, is discussed.

Keywords: Ireland; community; ecohealth; ecological determinants; mapping; participation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Phases of the Participatory Research Process.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Research Process of Knowledge Co-Production.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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