Addressing communication challenges in transdisciplinary sustainability science: insights from a case study

To address sustainable development challenges, transdisciplinary sustainability science (TDSS) requires understanding and managing ecological processes that transcend scientific, geopolitical, and cultural divides. Communication that can bridge these divides is critical for the success of TDSS projects. We describe a communication strategy developed as part of a large, transdisciplinary, multiyear project that aimed to understand the impact of invasive trees (specifically, <em>Prosopis juliflora</em>) on human societies and ecosystems in eastern Africa and to develop and implement sustainable management solutions to mitigate those impacts. The strategy included 17 activities designed to support communication among scientists, students, and stakeholders from the project’s inception to its conclusion. Both the informational and relational dimensions of communication were considered in the design and implementation of these activities. We discuss the effectiveness of this communication strategy, offering it as a guide to enhancing communication and the success of large TDSS projects.