Masters Dissertation Example

6.5.3 Dissemination of findings for implementation 
It would seem that evidence-based conservation can best be promoted by dissemination of the 
findings by the researcher in forms other than the peer-reviewed literature, as other forms of 
dissemination are more likely to influence conservation action in terms of case specific 
conservation impact. 
The results from the author survey suggest that dissemination of findings locally is important 
for the implementation of research findings (section 4.7), as has been noted by Meijaard & 
Sheil, (2007) and Bergerhoff Mulder et al (2007) and this was supported both by the views of 
conservation practitioners (section 5.2.2) and further comments of respondents. It is perhaps 
not surprising that local NGOs, government, and communities are major influences, as well as 
international NGOS. The importance of stakeholder collaboration has already been 
emphasised, and local communities and local governments in particular seem to be of 
paramount importance to ‘on the ground’ action.

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Given that many respondents stated that their findings were implemented through uptake into 
policy, it is perhaps not surprising that policy documents was statistically the most important 
forms of dissemination. Regardless of this potential pseudo-replication, summarising the 
relevant information into a policy relevant document or action plan would be expected to 
facilitate uptake (Fuller et al, 2003). Personal communication also led to increased uptake of 
findings, particularly in terms of practical implementation, and the importance of this had also 
been emphasised by the practitioners interviewed (section 5.1.3).. That dissemination through 
reports and public meetings were also significant, but presentation of findings at conferences 
were not, only serves to suggest that the research findings from peer reviewed literature need 
to be simplified and presented on the level at which they are applicable if they are to be turned 
into practical tools for conservation. An increase in the implementation of findings as the 
number of outlets of communication increased (section 4.7), is probably indicative of the fact 
that multiple stakeholders are often involved in conservation action (Salafsky et al, 2002), and 
that research findings should be disseminated to as many stakeholders as possible.