The purpose of EKLIPSE is to create a long-lasting mechanism to answer questions affecting biodiversity so that any decision-maker, practitioner or other stakeholder (CSO, NGO...) can make evidence-based decisions. The EU-funded project uses two main options to respond to the requests they receive, using different tools and methodologies for each of them:
For both options, EKLIPSE first works through a process of refining the received request to ensure that the scope of the question is EU- and policy-relevant. The option of elaborating a knowledge synthesis consists in gathering multidisciplinary experts who will ensure that the best available knowledge is summarised. On the other hand, the option of organising foresight activities (e.g. workshops or online consultations) is put in place when the existing knowledge is limited and demands for a larger consultation with a community of stakeholders who are familiar with the addressed topic.
Added-value for experts responding to requests
By participating in EKLIPSE, you will gain benefits of various types:
- Ensure the usefulness of existing knowledge by having a direct impact on decision-making processes
- Participate in the creation of key outputs and get acknowledged for your contribution
- Learn about other experts' disciplines who work on the same issue from a different perspective
- Develop your network on the European scale and discover the ins and outs of decision-making processes
- Gain experience in the methods applied that may be new to you
- Work under a secured channel of knowledge transfer, whereby transparent and credible processes are in place: open access, scientific expertise, excellency, inclusiveness of the relevant stakeholders, etc. (see EKLIPSE ethical framework)
- Have a say in the processes and methods used by the mechanism developed by EKLIPSE
What's in it for me?
- As a decision-maker, you may consider using the mechanism to make a request for detailed syntheses of the available knowledge on a relevant topic of your choice - or simply access existing synthesis; and you may also contribute to innovative consultations to explore emerging issues. You can also propose subjects for consultations and debates to identify research priorities and emerging issues.
- As a scientist (from natural or social sciences), you may actively contribute to the synthesis processes by providing your thematic or methodological expertise, and you could shape the future research policies related to biodiversity by bringing your expertise to foresight activities and follow capacity building events to better understand the policy cycle and how emerging issues reach policy agendas.
- As a practitioner or other knowledge holder, you may also contribute to the synthesis process depending on the addressed question and the method being used.
- As a stakeholder, you can get engaged in the scoping of the question, contribute your knowledge and be active in the review process.
- As a citizen, you can join science cafes and online debates and discussions through EKLIPSE science-society forum.
The Belgian Biodiversity Platform is a partner in EKLIPSE project. If you wish to receive more information on EKLIPSE, please contact Lise Goudeseune or Jorge Ventocilla.