Ingenieros y ecologistas se enfrentan por los proyectos de infraestructura. ¿Puedes encontrar puntos en común para resolver conflictos?

We work closely with engineers on many projects. Dialogue with mutual respect is key. Identify and focus on the desired outcomes- the absolute "must haves" and the range of options that are acceptable. Engineers rely on "cookbooks" developed for various structures, flow rates etc. to ensure stability and safety; ecologists are working with systems that are dynamic and they expect to change over time. By working together in a learning mindset, and with a willingness to teach the other. you can create some great solutions that neither discipline could have developed alone. It would be great to see some "eco-engineering" courses for ecologists and engineers to make this approach more standard.

As an ecologist, I understand that safety needs to come first. Once that objective is achieved, the other objects like cost, environment etc are negotiable. If projects can be micro-sited to avoid sensitive habitats or species, this can be an easy environmental win. Use of sustainable materials (again within budget constraints) is another area of common ground that can provide mutual benefits. Each project is different so a one generic one solution fits all approach doesn't work.

A melhor abordagem é criar um propósito comum e buscar minimizar as diferenças. Sabemos que os ecologistas vão proteger o meio ambiente e os engenheiros vão brigar pelo desenvolvimento, precisamos buscar a melhor sinergia para que o desenvolvimento aconteça. Pois hoje com a crise climática alguns projetos precisam ser realizados para melhorar as condições de habitação e saneamento.

Adopt a utilitarian approach - maximising collective benefits while minimising harm. Strive to balance efficiency with sustainability and discover solutions where infrastructure meets environmental equilibrium.

An important concept to bear in mind is that infrastructure can and should be permeable to wildlife, which can take several forms depending on the nature of the infrastructure being built.

The issue with being flexible on conservation goals is that once that natural habitat is impacted or gone - that’s it. That space will never be visited in its natural state ever again. I think there are two distinct scenarios needing to be considered. 1) cooperation to create ‘greener’ infrastructure within existing use areas. That’s always an improvement. 2) prohibit development of undeveloped natural habitats. Leave them alone as they’re increasingly hard to come by.

With the progress of science and research, it is easier nowadays to find common ground on such project. There are many solutions available out there.

Essa mentalidade colaborativa é essencial para desenvolver soluções verdadeiramente sustentáveis. Ao combinar a infraestrutura tradicional com a infraestrutura verde, engenheiros e ecologistas podem criar projetos que oferecem benefícios ambientais e sociais. Exemplos de infraestrutura verde incluem telhados verdes, sistemas de captação de água da chuva e áreas de wetlands construídas para tratar esgoto. Essas soluções não só reduzem o impacto ambiental, como também podem ser mais resilientes e econômicas a longo prazo, oferecendo benefícios como a redução de enchentes e a melhoria da qualidade do ar.

I agree that communication is crucial for collaboration. Establishing clear and consistent channels from the outset can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all voices are heard. Using tools like visual aids can translate complex ideas into a shared language, helping both engineers and ecologists work towards a common goal with greater alignment and efficiency.

Exatamente, uma comunicação clara e aberta desde o início do projeto ajuda a alinhar expectativas e evitar atritos desnecessários. Ferramentas como mapas, infográficos, e simulações 3D podem ser extremamente úteis para tornar complexos aspectos técnicos e ecológicos mais acessíveis. Essas representações visuais ajudam a ilustrar como um projeto pode impactar o ambiente e como ajustes podem beneficiar ambas as partes. Além disso, reuniões regulares e atualizações frequentes garantem que todos estejam na mesma página, permitindo ajustes em tempo real e prevenindo problemas antes que se tornem obstáculos maiores.

In my experience, communication is key to resolving conflicts between engineers and ecologists. I believe that fostering open, transparent dialogue early in the project helps both sides understand each other's priorities. I find that setting up regular discussions where both parties can voice concerns and propose solutions allows for greater collaboration. Clarifying project goals and showing how ecological considerations can enhance engineering outcomes helps build common ground. By keeping communication clear and consistent, teams can bridge differences and work toward solutions that meet both environmental and infrastructure needs.

Yes, I believe communication is key to resolving conflicts between engineers and ecologists in infrastructure projects. In my experience, open dialogue helps both parties understand each other’s priorities and constraints. Regular, structured communication ensures that environmental concerns and engineering requirements are addressed early in the process. By fostering a collaborative environment where each side feels heard and respected, joint solutions can emerge. This approach minimizes misunderstandings and allows for the integration of sustainability into engineering designs, leading to projects that satisfy both functional and ecological goals.

In my experience the best way to overcome conflicts in these areas is to make sure you understand the background from each others arguments and make sure you're using the same language

I think policy plays a pivotal role in shaping how engineers and ecologists collaborate. Effective regulations can mandate the integration of environmental considerations, guiding projects towards sustainable development from the beginning. Advocating for policies that prioritize ecological health and resilience ensures that both technical and environmental needs are addressed in a balanced and constructive way.

Sem dúvida, as políticas desempenham um papel central na harmonização dos interesses de engenheiros e ecologistas. Regulamentos ambientais, como licenças de construção, avaliações de impacto ambiental e requisitos de mitigação, podem definir o nível de integração entre desenvolvimento e conservação. Quando essas políticas são bem desenhadas, elas forçam a consideração de fatores ecológicos desde a fase de planejamento, incentivando soluções que equilibrem crescimento econômico e proteção ambiental.

In my experience, policy can play a vital role in resolving conflicts between engineers and ecologists. I believe that aligning projects with regulatory frameworks that emphasize sustainability can guide both sides toward common ground. I find that when policies mandate collaboration on environmental standards, it encourages engineers and ecologists to integrate their expertise more effectively. Establishing clear guidelines ensures that ecological concerns are addressed while allowing engineering innovation to thrive. Policy-driven solutions create a balanced approach that satisfies both parties, helping avoid conflicts while meeting project goals.

Yes, I believe policy influence can help resolve conflicts between engineers and ecologists in infrastructure projects. In my experience, aligning project goals with clear environmental policies ensures both sides adhere to shared standards. Policies that promote sustainable development and ecological preservation create a framework for cooperation. By encouraging compliance with these regulations, both engineers and ecologists can work within a structured system, reducing friction. When policy influences are clear, it becomes easier to find common ground, allowing projects to move forward while respecting environmental and engineering priorities.

In my experience, not implemented yet due to bureaucracy in university systems, horizontal education is key. E.g.1: I opened a new summer course on Microbiology of GHG Mitigation. To my surprise students from other programs joined, in particular "Climate change". Students come with a profile of policy and industrial CO2 emissions from fuels. Their jaws dropped and their limits where expanded when they learned that microbial methane emissions from rice cultivation, livestock and wetlands was a thing. E.g.2: while teaching Environmental Chemistry with aspects of wastewater treatment, engineering students didn't seem to know sludge is microorganisms! I am now filling that gap. Principles or ecology, biology and microbiology are needed.

I think cross-disciplinary education is essential for creating a new generation of professionals who can bridge the gap between engineering and ecology. I believe that when students are exposed to both fields, they can better understand the complex interplay between infrastructure and the environment. This holistic approach not only fosters collaboration but also leads to innovative solutions that prioritize both development and ecological sustainability.

Yes, I bridge the gap by prioritizing education to build mutual understanding. I organize cross-disciplinary training sessions where engineers learn about ecological impacts and ecologists gain insight into technical constraints. This shared learning fosters respect and highlights the value of each discipline. I also introduce case studies showing successful integration of infrastructure and environmental goals. By increasing awareness of each other’s priorities and limitations, I create a foundation for constructive dialogue, enabling the team to collaboratively design solutions that are both technically sound and ecologically sustainable.

A educação interdisciplinar é uma das melhores formas de promover a colaboração entre engenheiros e ecologistas. Ao integrar disciplinas como ecologia, sustentabilidade, e engenharia em currículos acadêmicos, é possível formar profissionais que compreendem não só as necessidades técnicas, mas também as implicações ecológicas de seus projetos. Essa abordagem prepara os futuros engenheiros a considerar desde o início o impacto ambiental de suas decisões, enquanto os ecologistas entendem melhor as restrições técnicas e econômicas enfrentadas nos projetos de infraestrutura.

In my experience, education is key to bridging the gap between engineers and ecologists. I believe that providing cross-disciplinary training helps both groups better understand each other’s perspectives and constraints. I find that when engineers grasp the ecological impact of their designs and ecologists see the technical challenges, conflicts are reduced. Promoting education on sustainability and ecosystem integration throughout the project fosters collaboration. By encouraging learning on both sides, teams can work together more effectively and find solutions that balance environmental protection with infrastructure goals.

Focus on Common Goals: Both engineers & ecologists aim to create sustainable, functional, & safe infrastructure. Emphasize these shared goals, such as minimizing negative impacts & maximizing benefits, to align efforts.

Ultimately, creating a shared vision is vital for engineers and ecologists to work harmoniously. This means setting common goals that prioritize sustainability and resilience. When both parties agree on the desired outcome, it becomes easier to negotiate the specifics of how to achieve it. A shared vision also fosters a sense of partnership, which is essential for overcoming the inevitable challenges that arise during complex infrastructure projects.

The goal is infrastructure that advances human needs while respecting nature. Engineers design with ecological impacts in mind, and ecologists adapt to practical constraints. By prioritizing data-driven decisions, collaboration, and long-term sustainability, they can turn conflict into a powerful partnership.

Os custos para construção de infraestruturas sustentáveis devem ser premissas na fase de planejamento ou estudo de viabilidade dos projetos, assim, evita conflitos entre engenheiros e ecologistas.

Yes, I believe that finding common ground between engineers and ecologists requires developing a shared vision. In my experience, aligning both parties around a common goal—such as sustainable, resilient infrastructure—helps bridge the divide. By focusing on long-term benefits for both the environment and the project’s functionality, engineers and ecologists can work collaboratively. Establishing this shared vision encourages compromise and fosters teamwork, ensuring that environmental concerns are integrated into project designs while achieving technical objectives, leading to more holistic and successful outcomes.