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DECISION MAKERS AND THEIR DECISION SPACE <br />Each potential entry point for applying climate information has an associated "decision space" <br />comprised of laws, policies, traditions, and related practices that collectively determine the <br />opportunities, obligations, and constraints faced by the decision maker. An understanding of the <br />decision space allows the researcher to design projects and disseminate results based, at least in part, <br />on the following considerations 14: <br />• What general types of information and knowledge are most strategically relevant to decision <br />makers? <br />• At what scales and time periods is this information useful? <br />• How does the value and significance of this information compare to the other factors and <br />phenomenon that influence decision making? <br />• Is the information accessible and understandable to potential users? <br />• Will the information and associated recommendations be viewed as credible and trustworthy <br />by decision makers? <br />• What are the potential risks and rewards to decision makers associated with using (or not <br />using) the new information? <br />The most practical way to understand the decision space is for researchers to interact with decision <br />makers, ideally in an ongoing manner that allows a two -way flow of ideas and information. This <br />interaction is a major goal of the conference. <br />14 This list is primarily drawn from the summary prepared by Katharine Jacobs entitled: "Connecting Science, <br />Policy and Decision - Making: A Handbook for Researchers and Science Agencies." A copy of this report is on <br />the conference CD's electronic library. <br />12 <br />