The authors propose an original research method for sustainable development research that complementary to existing ones. Knowledge sharing and integrating divers members of participating social groups in the research is a feature of this method. Based on a scientific question that is shared by all participants, the research is both multiscale and multidisciplinary involving a synthesis of scientific and local knowledge, field visits, participatory workshops not only to build scenarios but also to draft preliminary results. Within these workshops participants in the research can challenge their own knowledge and the opinions of their partners, distinguish and explain differences and come to a consensus on which actions are likely to lead to sustainable development. Although still in evolution, early outcomes of the methodology appear significant in terms of new knowledge construction, knowledge sharing between participants within a group and between groups The research team includes approximately thirty members from different regions of the American contenient, divers disciplines(sociology, anthropology, geography, economics, and agronomy) as well as stakeholders including primary producers, politicians, regional development organisations and politicians. Most have at least ten years experience in their respecitve field of endeavours and the majority are members of a network entitled Strategic Monitoring of South American Regional Transformations (SMART) in which the Scenarios project was elaborated. Financing for the project comes from the Inter American Institue for Global Change(IAI) through funds provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Scenarios project question is What perception do local actors have of global change and how do they integrate this perception in the future construction of scenarios for land use? Through comparative analysis of five contrasting regions in the American contenient (Salto region in the Northwest Uruguayian Pampa, Urua