Multidisciplinary research for natural resource management: Conceptual and practical implications

Abstract Multidisciplinary research is essential for addressing many of the newly arising issues in natural resource management. However, what multidisciplinary research means and how it can be put into practice is not always clear. This paper discusses definitions and concepts of multidisciplinary research and its relevance for natural resource management, and it explains why disciplines need to be integrated in multidisciplinary research programs and to what extent they can be integrated. It suggests ways of analyzing the complexity of multidisciplinary research programs and refers to some of the tools (including systems theory) that can be used to facilitate integration. The paper considers ways of improving participation and management of multidisciplinary teams, and draws conclusions on the role and potential of multidisciplinary research.