How international journals can support ecology from the Global South

Two years ago, we published an editorial demonstrating that submitted and papers in Journal of Applied Ecology were heavily skewed towards English-speaking authors from the Global North, with nearly 80% our more than 88% coming North America, Europe Oceania. This contribution provoked a strong response on social media, was followed by number studies further research outputs leading ecological conservation journals remain primarily written affiliations (Eichhorn et al., 2020; Hazlett Melles 2019). These biases are not new, but events this year have triggered conversations within scientific community about representation, representativeness decolonisation as much-needed process to improve diversity disciplines such applied ecology (see e.g. Antonelli, Telegraph, 2020). discussions, well informal interactions publication 2019 editorial, resonated us motivated identify steps could take Senior Editors address uneven global distribution Ecology's authorship, readership processes. With aim discuss what decolonising science means, why is important, we, international journal, can do support process. We recognise these issues complex, go far beyond transcend itself. Our does claim provide comprehensive overview causes Humanity's colonial past or its consequences for practice science; rather, it aims relevant background information decisions made way operate journal. hope changes will make scientists institutions aware their role shaping inequalities ecologists South; promote development inclusive discipline ecology. Decolonisation originally refers undoing rule over subordinate countries term has, years, taken wider meaning—which be broadly summarised freeing minds ideology dominance discourses originating influential groups. Dominance occur at multiple levels because spheres influence coexist different scales based, example, region's, country's province's wealth, ethnic origins religion. Within academic research, acknowledging assumptions rationality approach advancing general knowledge derive literature set practices developed particular time specific places (Griffiths, 2017; Raby, Radcliffe, 2017). The has been shaped predominantly white European American values ways approaching problems. introduced questions asked, language used communicate how where carried out, whom. result significant blind spots, interest groups important problems being overlooked (Maas also conceptualise nature, relationship it, therefore think studying designing environmental policies (Ward, One notable outcome existing between South ‘helicopter research’ (sensu Minasny & Fiantis, 2018), whereby wealthier collect analyse data lower income little no involvement local researchers. While funding highest wealthy countries, vast majority world's biodiversity—and contemporary threats—are found poorer tropical regions (see, Barlow resulting many researchers carrying out (Hazlett This, itself, would problem if co-developed collaborative. But, often, priorities those aligned interests host either terms focus roles played participants (Baker Language play misalignment, often publish languages journals, crossover Pitman 2007). In addition, given limited opportunities contribute intellectually conducted based away. authorship invitations potentially becoming tokenistic, expense true collaboration. situations mistrust South, inadequate and/or inefficient approaches incorrect interpretations outputs. They precipitate resentment even lead factions among areas origin. Unequal just reinforce inequalities; they undermine most urgently needed. Altogether, roots predominant method, remaining differences wealth political led systems production lack perspectives needed progress understanding natural world current challenges successfully. low level recognition integration still likely hampers discipline's ability (a) generate evidence base theory; (b) design solutions deliver favourable outcomes socio-ecological whole (Tengö Wheeler 2020); (c) ensure results disseminated locally, difference (Toomey Much boost both people science. Supporting capacity building other countries; formally recognising contributions collaborators equal partners research; encouraging agendas outside North; ensuring stored open access repositories; reflecting own backgrounds shape collect, interpret describe data; supporting long-term investment across all ideas put forward possible readership, submissions publications Nuñez To encourage hasten positive change, however, recommendations usually need translated into formal believe publishing platforms help difference. Peer-reviewed fundamental exchange, power imbalances community. mind, together list actions emergence diverse ecologists. structured action plan around communities define modus operandi, namely editors, reviewers, readers. welcome feedback issues, up form, accessible via journal's website (www.journalofappliedecology.org) throughout 2021. synthesise share 2022. Journal's appointed through recruitment long time, appointment Associate historically invitation only. Recognising board experience requirement senior positions, 2016 call offer equitable route onto board. success roll British Ecological Society which now takes place every 3 years. calls allowed move ‘appointing who know’, resulting—in less 5 years—in 26% increase geographic representation (from 23 29 2020) 69% proportion 8.5% 14.4%). Although seeing some improvement figures, editors remains low. decided Editor Mentoring Opportunity, scheme provides unique chance early career experience. mentoring means receive applications offer. Therefore, 2021, program only recruit applicants hopefully helping part develop agenda engaging networks. Researchers temporary positions eligible. Mentees continue encouraged apply priority recruitment. Ecology, reviewers selected invited Editors. Because this, outlined above contributed diversification reviewer pool. When compare 2012 (i.e. before introduction scheme) 2019, indeed see: 37% 43 59); 25% received completed reviews 36 45); 64% review 172 283). Interestingly, portfolio widened few with, Practitioners’ Perspective Policy Direction articles. dialogue poorly represented groups, relating associated, traditional indigenous knowledge. Welcoming reach connect new communities. It creates familiarity expectations, broaden constituency potential contributors. English unequivocally benefitting Ramírez-Castañeda, 2020, references therein). Reviewers’ comments grammar, syntaxes spelling never cause rejection unnecessary tension stress authors. start addressing issue, revised guidelines clear should content article; wording asks native speakers revise manuscript avoided; any concerns writing supported examples, raised stating article needs work clarity. regularly board, them inform when follow guidelines. Like conservation, articles author North. avoid negative associated situations, want consider carefully named manuscript, providing transparent rationale inclusion exclusion South. already include Authors' Contributions Statement but, ask submitting statement undertaken another country region ethnicity (e.g. lands). There option appear printed version article, accepted. pay increased attention collaborative working, risks helicopter research. policies, while perspective integrity, disadvantage including Please applies you: willing embargo times accordingly. Capacity requires knowledge; sit behind paywalls. choosing gold Open Access hybrid journal increasing subscription paywalls barrier alternatives create barriers dissemination. especially problematic institutional payment fees peer-reviewed lacking. working reducing whenever can. Some reduced participating programs Research4life, online professional content. becomes completely free read 2 after publication. 2-year window, Practitioner's Perspectives read. each Editor's Choice rolling basis. From selecting showcase feel accessed soon ecologists, irrespective location affiliation. form sample barrier-free reading. know dissemination practitioners’ write abstracts posting entire Information. happy tweets, blogs Facebook posts publish. Finally, although goes time-scale, like disseminate locally. experiences shared Ecologist Blog, https://appliedecologistsblog.com/. quantification (Nuñez 2019) alarming, ongoing commitment doing things better begin situation. detail first steps—and thinking. Specifically, privileged group and, consequently, might actions. ultimately landscape opening approaches. context ecology, see end good statistics boards: vision balance opportunities, appreciation practitioners world. always strive serve, composition pool perfect: there others; be, scientist practitioner simply unique. As discussed points during saw analogy debate currently raging relative importance versus functioning decision-making management conservation. benefit boards reviewers/authors pools possible. perfection composition, excellence comes ‘Perfect’ functioning, case, serving your best abilities. daring uncomfortable discussions it; collecting, analysing reporting data, though may tell flattering story; so, accepting risk you get wrong; using navigate next iteration cycle wiser manner. Admittedly, limit achieve without societal action; managers, determined much can, takes, reality. N.P. article. All critically drafts. figures underlie percentages provided text.