Amit Kaushik and Rocio Lopez de la Lama
A Tibetan prayer flag in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh, India (Picture credits: Amit Kaushik)
Over the years, the importance of social sciences has become increasingly recognized among conservation scientists, academics, and practitioners, highlighting conservation as a deeply interdisciplinary field. However, effective communication remains a challenge and requires diverse ways of sharing knowledge. Conservationists, like professionals in any other field, are deeply social beings, intertwined with the communities they serve and the environments they strive to protect. These dedicated individuals spend significant portions of their lives working in the field, collecting and analyzing data, collaborating with various institutions, negotiating their stakes, and closely engaging with local communities. Despite the wealth of knowledge and insights they gain from these experiences, much of this valuable information often goes uncaptured in formal academic writing. Additionally, conservation scholars may hesitate to share their feelings, emotions, and personal experiences in what some might call “formal” writing.
Recognizing this, the Social Science Working Group (SSWG) of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) aims to bring to light the rich and immersive nature of these experiences through a new blog series —The Social. The need for a blog emerged from the desire to share knowledge and experiences more broadly. We want this blog to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds can share their experiences and encourage learning from different contexts.
In 2023, the communications committee proposed starting a blog for the Social Science Working Group (SSWG) of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) as a means to encourage wider participation with the SSWG from around the world. We are excited to announce the launch of our blog, The Social, in 2024.
What is “The Social”?
“The Social” is a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and personal stories aimed at integrating social sciences with conservation. It is designed to be a dynamic platform where conservation social science can come to life through shared narratives. We want to create a space where the insights and experiences of conservation professionals can reach a broader audience, breaking down the barriers between academic and non-academic spheres.
Our Vision
Whether you are a member of the SSWG or part of the wider conservation community, your voice matters! We envision “The Social” as a vibrant hub for exchanging knowledge and ideas. Our goal is to foster a community where diverse perspectives are welcomed and where the integration of social sciences into conservation efforts is promoted. By sharing real-world examples, theoretical discussions, and personal stories, we aim to highlight the critical role that social sciences play in effective conservation.
What We Want to Accomplish
Through “The Social,” we aim to share insightful posts, promote diverse perspectives and offer practical wisdom from personal and professional experiences in conservation and social sciences. We hope The Social will also foster deeper connections between individuals working in the conservation social sciences.
- We want to highlight valuable experiences, challenges, and successes in integrating social sciences into conservation efforts. By sharing these insights, we hope to enrich the field with diverse and practical knowledge.
- We welcome contributions from varied geographic, political, social, ecological, and economic contexts. Whether it’s a theoretical discussion, a reflection on a new paper, or a personal journey into conservation social sciences, we value all viewpoints.
- Whether it’s a theoretical discussion, a reflection on a new paper, or a personal journey into conservation social sciences, we welcome a variety of viewpoints.
- We encourage the sharing of real-world examples, practical tips, and actionable advice for integrating social sciences into conservation projects. This includes highlighting innovative approaches and lessons learned from fieldwork and community engagement.
- By creating a space for free-style writing and creative expression, we aim to build stronger connections between individuals working in conservation social sciences. We believe that sharing personal stories and experiences can inspire and connect people across the globe.
- To make our platform more inclusive, we accept submissions in English, Spanish, French, and Hindi. If you wish to submit in another language, please reach out to us, and we can work out the details together.
- We aim to receive contributions in various formats, including audiovisual (AV) content, photo stories, podcasts, short videos, animations, and other creative forms. This diversity in content will enrich our platform and make it accessible to a broader audience.
Who Is “The Social” For?
Our blog is for everyone involved in conservation social science: conservation academics, researchers, conservation practitioners, students and early-career professionals, local and Indigenous communities and others. You could, for example:
- Share your latest research findings, theoretical insights, and reflections on the relevance of social sciences in conservation.
- Discuss the challenges and successes of applying social science in the field.
- Reflect on your journey into conservation social sciences and share the skills needed for future success.
- Highlight your unique perspectives and contributions to conservation efforts.
Why Contribute?
By contributing to “The Social,” you will enrich our blog and help achieve the broader goals of the SSWG. This is an opportunity to influence the conversation around social sciences in conservation and to connect with like-minded individuals. Your insights will complement our member spotlight interviews and other initiatives, fostering a richer, more inclusive dialogue within the conservation community.
We look forward to your contributions and to building a vibrant community together. Welcome to “The Social” – where your voice matters in the journey of integrating social sciences into conservation.
Sincerely,
Amit Kaushik and Rocio Lopez de la Lama
Co-Chairs, Communications Committee
The Social Science Working Group (SSWG), Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
