Human Dimensions of Conservation in the Y2Y Region Survey and Participation Information

Identifying Priority Research Areas in the Human Dimensions of Conservation across the Yellowstone to Yukon region

This research is jointly conducted by the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and University of Northern British Columbia. The data collected will be used to inform the development of Y2Y’s social science research agenda. Individual responses will only be viewed by the principal and co-investigators. 

Who is funding this study?

The study is funded by Mitacs Canada and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. The researchers report no conflict of interest pursuant to their facilitation of this research nor with the funders of the research.

Why are we doing this study?

As all conservation issues have strong human dimensions, Y2Y is increasing its attention towards the human element of its mission to help ensure both people and nature can thrive. As such, Y2Y is increasing its social science capacity, not only to inform internal decision-making, but for, and in collaboration with its many partners. One way of doing this is through the creation of a social science research agenda that will identify priority research questions throughout the Y2Y region that the organization and its partners will look to study in the coming years.

Using an adapted Delphi technique we aim to elicit information and advice from experts working on the human dimensions of conservation about the most pressing social science issues in the Yellowstone to Yukon region.

Why are you being asked to take part in this study?

We are conducting this study to help identify the social science research and knowledge gaps in the Y2Y region in order to improve conservation outcomes. You are being invited to take part in this research study because you have experience and expertise on the human dimensions of conservation and because you i) are actively working in the Y2Y region or ii) you are familiar with the region and can make relevant recommendations about the social science research gaps that need to be addressed.

What will happen during the study?

Participation is voluntary. If you decide to take part in this study:

• We will ask you to participate in a two-round survey administered online that asks what you think the most important social science research gaps are in the Y2Y region.
• If you click “Begin Survey,” you will have consented to participate in the study and will be asked to answer the following questions by selecting the most appropriate option for you:
  • Which occupational category best describes your current position? (Non-governmental organization, government agency, university, researcher, corporate, Indigenous Nation)
  • Where has/does your work take place? (AB, BC, Yukon, NWT, Washington State, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, other)
  • Number of years of experience in the conservation field
• Upon completing these questions, you will continue to the central open-ended question of Round One of the survey.
• You will be asked to answer the following question in the form of a research question and <150 word research summary that describes the issue.
  • What are the important social science/human dimensions research questions that can contribute to, for example, more just and durable conservation outcomes across the Y2Y region?
• All responses will be categorized into relevant themes by the lead researchers.
• In Round Two of the survey, you will receive a complete list of participant responses and be asked to identify how important you think each research question is for ensuring more just and durable conservation outcomes throughout the Y2Y region. 
  • The value scale is as such: very high importance; high importance; moderate importance; slight importance; not important at all
  • You will also have the opportunity to answer the initial question again if you wish to do so.

Risks or benefits to participating in the project

We do not foresee any risks to you from participating in this research study.

Potential benefits of this study

By participating in this research study, you will be engaging in an agenda-setting exercise that will assist Y2Y in identifying priority social science research gaps to address in the years to come. As such, your participation will directly contribute to the creation/advancement of new research and knowledge on the human dimensions of conservation across the region. The study’s findings may also overlap with your own research interests, opening new doors for potential collaboration with Y2Y and its partners. 

Confidentiality, Anonymity and Data Storage

Your anonymity will be respected throughout the course of this study. All responses to the Delphi Survey will remain anonymous through each round of the study. At no point in the study will you be required to include your name or any other direct personal information that could be used to identify you. 

Only the principle and co-investigator will have access to the raw data. Research assistant(s) may be hired to assist with conducting and analyzing the survey as one part of their duties, and will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure anonymity is respected.

The data will be stored on the principal investigator’s computer and secured with an encrypted password. Any versions that are shared with other researchers, will require the same security precautions.

Study Results

The results of this study will be used to inform the creation of an internal social science research agenda for Y2Y. Upon completion of the study, a synthesized version of the results will be made available on https://hdc.opened.ca. Elements of the study, including a description of the process, may also be published in academic and popular presses.

Questions, Concerns or Complaints about the project

If you have any questions about what is being asked of you, please contact the Principal Investigator and/or the co-investigator at the following addresses:

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Devin Holterman
Postdoctoral fellow, Conservation Social Science
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and University of Northern British Columbia
devin@y2y.net
403-800-4359 ex: 149

Co-investigator:
Dr. Pamela Wright
Associate Professor, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management
Ecosystem Science and Management
University of Northern British Columbia
250-960-6353

If you have any concerns or complaints about your rights as a research participant and/or your experiences while participating in this study, contact the UNBC Office of Research at 250‑960‑6735 or by e-mail at reb@unbc.ca.

Participant Consent and Withdrawal

Taking part in this study is entirely up to you. You have the right to refuse to participate in this study. If you decide to take part, you may choose to pull out of the study at any time before completing the survey via the SurveyMonkey platform, without giving a reason and without any negative impact on your professional or personal relationship with the investigators and/or the sponsoring institutions. Because personal identifying information is not being collected, you will not be able to withdraw your responses after having completed the survey. Responses connected to incomplete surveys will be discarded.

CONSENT

If the survey is completed, it will be assumed that you have given your consent to participate in this study.