Participatory assessment is more than scientific or technical advice to management. It is about creating a partnership to better understand an environmental problem while involving stakeholders in the process. Science and management come together from very different perspectives.

Researchers strive to produce knowledge in their discipline and must meet academic requirements. Managers seek information to better exercise their competences and are accountable to local decision makers and stakeholders.

The following points are important to consider for a satisfactory collaboration between science and management.