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Integrating Social Science with GAP

The Gap Analysis Program continually seeks to advance gap analysis techniques and support state efforts. As GAP methods and analyses have developed it has become increasingly clear that socioeconomic factors play a significant role in the distribution of biodiversity elements and their conservation. Social science research on the adoption and diffusion of gap analysis is also important. Several state projects have included socioeconomic factors in their models, techniques, and databases. However, funding for this type of interdisciplinary work has been limiting, and where such data are included, they have often been just "squeezed in."

While GAP funding is still limited, we have initiated a modest Socioeconomic Seed Grant Program because it is vital that we take a focused approach to discovering more about how to integrate socioeconomic factors into ongoing GAP activities. Four seed grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to Gap Analysis state projects this year.

The socioeconomic seed grant request for proposals Help About PDF Documents (RFP) describes two project categories: (1) techniques for integrating socioeconomic factors into gap analysis methods and products, and (2) social science research that increases the adoption and diffusion of gap analysis techniques and products. The RFP describes these categories in more detail and includes information about research objectives, expected products, available funds, and how to prepare proposals. All state Gap Analysis projects are eligible to compete. Proposals are due by 1 September 1999.

Dr. Gary Machlis will manage this competition. Dr. Machlis is a professor at the University of Idaho, Project Leader for the Idaho Cooperative Park Studies Unit, and the National Park Service's Visiting Chief Social Scientist. He will organize the review of the proposals submitted by state GAP projects. Funds for the winning proposals will be transferred directly from the National GAP Office to the state projects.

This socioeconomic seed grant program provides a significant opportunity to advance gap analysis and establish a base of needed interdisciplinary research.