Last year when I planned my thesis I set the goal of going back to the communities that I worked with and sharing the results with them. Why? Because it is crucial to create spaces where knowledge cross-fertilization between academics and locals can occur. But also because people contributed their time and knowledge, and should have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the findings in a way that is meaningful to them.
We were pleased to welcome about 25 attendees, including residents that participated in the study but also members of the NCC team and other interested people. My presentation focused on the key similarities and differences between the two perspectives that emerged from the study, as well as the value configurations that define these perspectives. I also shared some reflections from the process that could have potential implications for baboon management. First of all, managing wildlife can benefit from deeper reflections on the impacts different management strategies have on the system, as well as the values that guide these strategies. Second of all, public debates can sometimes make it seem like people’s views are in direct opposition to each other, but the reality is often more complex and there are issues that people can agree upon. These points of agreement could potentially serve as a way to engage with the existing tensions more constructively.
The presentation sparked several interesting questions from the audience. Some wanted to know more about the methods, others the theory, and some also shared their own reflections on the process. After this, Johan and Luke gave a brief introduction to the Unruly Natures project and the method that the project plans to use. They brought in practical examples from their previous research and gave an overview of what the project hopes to accomplish. The discussions that followed covered a broad range of questions and brought up several very valuable reflections for the research team to take forward. The evening continued with informal conversations over light snacks and drinks until ESKOM put an end to the event.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all attendances and everyone who contributed to my master’s thesis. It is available for download here.
Unruly Natures Project 