Learn how researchers in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru are breaking down barriers to sharing their unique perspectives of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems with the global scientific community and why this is critical for informed conservation and development.
Closing the ‘Publication Gap’
As one of the worlds hotspots, and possessing many mega-diverse ecosystems that are still largely under-studied, biodiversity information from The Tropical Andes region is crucial for this global conversation. Such a ‘publication gap’ is cause of great concern, as it represents an unutilised source of invaluable insights to the international community.
In fact most of the researchers in the tropical Andes were found to be well experienced, hold postgraduate degrees and prepared for their results to be posted also about two-thirds. It provides a stark reminder of the abundant library of scientific outputs just begging to be released to enrich the global knowledge ecosystem if only either those who have created these works themselves or obstacles in the system by which these works would be published could be hurdled.
Overcoming the Challenges
The survey demonstrated a range of related problems that have led to the lower publication rates among researchers in the Tropical Andes. For instance because non-US artists are less well supported economically and institutionally, have more trouble finding access to training and mentorship opportunities, or are attempting to learn how navigate the international publishing landscape in a language that is not their first language.
To overcome these issues, the survey respondents suggested a number of solutions that include more funding for research and publication support; extending provides in training, networking opportunities; initiatives to assist researchers improve their writing and language competences. These solutions are expected to fall in the hands of local researchers who could use them? thereby raising their voices to global levels, all together enriching an understanding about this unique region that cannot be replaced.
Conclusion
Evidence-based conservation policies and sustainable development in the Tropical Andes depend on closing the publication gap. This study provides a framework for cultivating indigenous scientific knowledge and elevating the voices of local scientists so that this biodiversity hotspot can (and must) realize its full potential to drive global conservation and sustainable practices. By narrowing this gap and bringing the opinions of local experts on the frontlines, we can work together to create a more complete picture of the Tropical Andes and its indispensable ecosystems.
