Revisiting the knowledge exchange train: scaling up dialogue and partnering for participatory regional planning

In an integrated world, knowledge exchange is becoming more important for empowerment to participate in planning processes. This is particularly the case in areas undergoing rapid change and with unequal stakeholder constituencies. The ‘knowledge exchange train’ (KET) model was designed to address knowledge inequalities and large-scale change by disseminating the results of new research rapidly and on a large scale. The KET involves two-way dissemination of knowledge as a means to support the formation of partnerships and participation in regional environmental planning. We compare three KET experiences in the southwestern Amazon: comparisons of KET I and II highlight adjustments in the model to amplify two-way exchange and to focus on key planning issues, and comparisons of KET II to III show how KET fosters partnerships for downstream environmental planning and management activities. KETs thus address knowledge inequalities and catalyse follow-on environmental management activities, both of which facilitate public participation in regional environmental planning.