Barriers to Inclusivity in Ecological Forecasting - reimagining the iterative forecasting cycle to emphasize and center marginalized groups

[ARSjodin]

The DEI working group recently shared the following blog post: https://ecoforecast.org/barriers-to-inclusivity-in-ecological-forecasting/

In it, we attempt to outline some barriers to inclusion in ecological forecasting (and some even more broadly) that are perpetuated in the way we currently think about the iterative forecasting cycle (Figure 1 in the blog is a good example of a thorough, research outcome-based way of visualizing the forecasting cycle, which is more representative of how the field generally operates). We then provide some alternative ways to envision the forecasting cycle, emphasizing inclusion of traditionally under-represented members of the forecasting community. These alternatives are shared in the form of draft figures depicting forecasting cycles, but we recognize that there may be more effective ways to depict or share the concept of a community-centered forecasting framework. Ultimately, we hope that we can reach a broader group of interested contributors and work to create a new vision/figure/image of a more inclusive forecasting cycle/methodology.

The Unconference would be a great place to involve more of the EFI community in envisioning what this idea may look like. This also might fit with ideas 12 and 13. We could definitely apply our results to sharing and promoting EFI at conferences, and although it wouldn't necessarily be visualizing a forecasting result, it would definitely fit the bill of visualizing the concept of forecasting.

[jpeters7]

As a co-author of the blog post, I would love to have uninterrupted time to continue to brainstorm/refine figures. I also really like the opportunity to get feedback from others in the EFI community about what is missing.

[melofton]

really interested to engage on this after seeing the blog post! hope we have some time during the week to talk more!

[melissakenney]

Sean Dorr would also be great to include as part of this conversation at some point