Send message to Authors

Short Abstract

We study how intergenerational learning has been conceptualised in sustainability transformations. We then reflect on how we use the concept in the co-design stages of our knowledge co-creation on how intergenerational learning can foster young people´s inclusion in UNESCO Man & Biosphere reserves.

Abstract

In this paper we explore the potential of intergenerational knowledge co-creation and co-research methods to bridge across divides between generations in sustainability transformations. We study how intergenerational learning has been conceptualised in sustainability transformations. We then reflect on how we use those conceptualisations in our first knowledge co-creation stages and in the formulation of a co-research process. We study the potential of intergenerational learning as means to foster young people´s inclusion in sustainability transformations. We work with these knowledge co-creation and co-research processes in UNESCO Man & Biosphere (M&B) reserves in two North Karelia M&B reserve in Finland and Amani M&B reserve in Tanzania. Our focus is on knowledge co-creation and co-research as means to bridge generational divides, to prevent failure in reciprocal knowledge transfer and to enable intergenerational learning between generations. However, we also reflect on the ability of these methods to reduce distance between the involved actors: our young co-researchers, interaction partners, and other relevant actors involved in the M&B reserves. We also reflect on how knowledge co-creation and co-research methods shape our research agenda and the position of us as researchers.