Science for Policy – System Supports

This webinar describes the results of an in-depth study into the role that science played in the development of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) 2020, bu the Environmental Defence Society. The project undertook a national and international literature review, scrutinised the documents sitting behind the policy development process, and undertook in-depth interviews with 35 people directly involved in the process.

To further disseminate the results of the project, and seek feedback on recommendations on how science and Mātauranga Māori could be better supported to inform environmental policy development, EDS hosted this webinar (one of two).

Topics covered:

The policy cycle: The complexity of working with reactionary policy-making, revolving around a three-yearly electoral cycle, with tight policy-making timeframes.
Funding science for policy: The need for more connectivity between funding and science strategies and policy priorities.
Environmental monitoring and reporting: The triggers, requirements and systems needed to reduce data gaps and improve consistency.
Capacity and capability building in a small nation: Building science capacity at the central and local government level, improving linkages, breaking down silos, and better incorporating international expertise, including peer review.
Science communication and the socialisation of policy: The role of science advisors, dealing with misinformation, and providing for more planned, strategic and dedicated science communication.
Institutional reform: Do we need a more permanent and independent science institution? An independent science advisory agency (similar to the Climate Change Commission)? And/or an ‘Environmental Research Council’?