The State of BC’s Forests 
The Indicators
Knowledge — PDF print version
Indicator 23 – Knowledge
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Note: This indicator will be addressed fully, with detailed
information and an assessment, in a future edition of the report.
Why is this important?
The quality of resource management decisions depends on the ability to
generate, store, distribute and apply knowledge.
Overview
- Collection of resource data (e.g., inventories, research) and
resource-use information (e.g., values, goals, First Nations traditional
ecological knowledge) is influenced by decision-making needs, the cost of
information, budgets and the risks of acting on insufficient knowledge.
- Managing the huge volumes of data related to forest management is a
challenge, even with modern computer technology. Organizing the data into
useable information requires collation and analysis.
- Making the information useful requires developing an understanding, or
knowledge, of why events unfold as they do. Research and analysis are
typically required to develop models of spatial and causal relationships.
- Foresters, other resource specialists and the public benefit from
dissemination of the best available knowledge. Technical training and
extension encourages its use in the daily management of forests. Making data
and knowledge publicly available helps to inform decision-making and support
transparency of forest management.
- Individual and organizational experience deepens knowledge of how best
to use information. Systematic efforts to ensure continuous improvement in
the face of ongoing changes can ensure more effective development and use of
knowledge.
Related indicators
- Knowledge generation and dissemination are sensitive to budget pressures
(see Management capacity).
- The state of knowledge about British Columbia’s forest resources affects
decision-making at all levels and the quality of information used for the
indicators in this report.
- Management responses include new tools and partnerships to address
complexity, accelerate learning and extend knowledge.
Information
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The State of British Columbia’s Forests – 2006 |
