Author: Cristina Posner

Abstract: The aim of this article is to present methods of participatory research and PGIS participative mapping and their applicability to geographic studies. Participatory research has emerged as a reaction to the traditional pyramidal research approaches. 2014's Future Earth Agenda indicates that there are issues regarding a) the need for the co-creation of knowledge and integration of academic and non-academic knowledge and b) development of collaborative research with different stakeholders in order to address current global environmental challenges in a sustainable manner. After a theoretical introduction, the author presents the applicability of focus groups interviews and PGIS participative mapping in a trans-disciplinary project concerning the Lower Danube Floodplain evolution. The PGIS research field is a domain, which links GIS with the critical geography thinking being based on the implementation of participatory research methods. The current international policy of Future Earth is raising awareness about the importance of participative research methods and the article presents two practical applications of such methods.

Keywords: participative research, focus group interviews, PGIS participative mapping, Lower Danube.

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