ABSTRACT
The various case studies presented throughout this volume strongly suggest that joint fact-finding (JFF) can add tremendous value as a means to structure information gathering within or as a form of collaborative planning and decision making. More specifically, they suggest that the process has the potential to inform decisions with the best available knowledge and to foster shared understanding and broad acceptance of that knowledge. The ultimate promise of JFF is that, through producing “facts” that are widely accepted and generating shared understanding, the process will lead to better, more implementable decisions, and potentially even enhance community capacity to respond to future challenges.
