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Evolution of Co-Management: Role of Knowledge Generation, Bridging Organizations and Social Learning
Abstract
Over a period of some 20 years, different aspects of co-management (the sharing of power and responsibility between the government and local resource users) have come to the forefront. The paper focuses on a selection of these: knowledge generation, bridging organizations, social learning, and the emergence of adaptive co-management. Co-management can be considered a knowledge partnership. Different levels of organization, from local to international, have comparative advantages in the generation and mobilization of knowledge acquired at different scales. Bridging organizations provide a forum for the interaction of these different kinds of knowledge, and the coordination of other tasks that enable co-operation: accessing resources, bringing together different actors, building trust, resolving conflict, and networking. Social learning is one of these tasks, essential both for the co-operation of partners and an outcome of the co-operation of partners. It occurs most efficiently through joint problem solving and reflection within learning networks. Through successive rounds of learning and problem solving, learning networks can incorporate new knowledge to deal with problems at increasingly larger scales, with the result that maturing co-management arrangements become adaptive co-management in time.
... The socio-economic restructuring of hunting, fishing, and gathering practices within many Indigenous communities is facing challenges due to policies introduced by federal governments aimed at conserving these natural resources. In the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), as well as in Russia overall, the state regulation of hunting follows an interdepartmental structure [45]. The Ministry of Ecology, Nature Management, and Forestry of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is entrusted with the formation of a regulatory and administrative base, and the Department of Hunting and Specially Protected Territories is the authorized body for organizing activities [45]. ...
... In the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), as well as in Russia overall, the state regulation of hunting follows an interdepartmental structure [45]. The Ministry of Ecology, Nature Management, and Forestry of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is entrusted with the formation of a regulatory and administrative base, and the Department of Hunting and Specially Protected Territories is the authorized body for organizing activities [45]. This complex structure necessitates serious coordination among all these entities. ...
... This complex structure necessitates serious coordination among all these entities. A study conducted by [45] (2021) revealed that despite certain positive advancements in wildlife hunting regulations in the Sakha Republic, which is a common practice among many Indigenous People there are several issues stemming from this complex regulatory structure. These problems include insufficient implementation of the priority rights of small Indigenous peoples to utilize hunting resources and inadequate legislation regarding compensation for damages inflicted on hunting resources due to the economic activities of enterprises impacting the habitats of wild animals. ...
The sustainability of Indigenous Socioecological Systems (ISES) faces significant threats from global anthropogenic environmental changes, endangering Indigenous People (IP), who safeguard a substantial portion of the world's natural capital. Indigenous Traditional Food Systems (ITFS) are crucial within ISES, providing not only diverse and nutritious food but also holding cultural, spiritual, and economic significance. Despite embodying sustainable lifestyles, Indigenous voices remain underrepresented in climate and sustainability discussions. Addressing this gap, the research adopts the Political Ecological Theoretical Framework (PETF) to analyze the regulatory impact on the adaptability, resilience, and sustainability of ITFS. Two Indigenous communities, the Karen in Thailand and various groups in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia, serve as case studies. The study aims to establish a theoretical framework integrating Indigenous concerns into policies and regulations, emphasizing self-determination, cultural preservation, and land rights. Findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive legal frameworks prioritizing Indigenous involvement in climate resilience and sustainability efforts, moving beyond symbolic gestures towards meaningful collaboration and decision-making power. Recognizing Indigenous vulnerability and engaging them as active partners is essential for navigating climate challenges within ISES and ITFS.
... Similarly, conservation efforts conducted by IPs may be facilitated or impeded by these frameworks. Therefore, consensusbuilding processes regarding conservation and resource management are more likely to produce enduring results when Indigenous communities are engaged in collaborative efforts [46,47]. An increase in environmental stewardship may result from the legal recognition of co-management arrangements in which Indigenous communities participate as equal participants [46,47]. ...
... Therefore, consensusbuilding processes regarding conservation and resource management are more likely to produce enduring results when Indigenous communities are engaged in collaborative efforts [46,47]. An increase in environmental stewardship may result from the legal recognition of co-management arrangements in which Indigenous communities participate as equal participants [46,47]. Moreover, collaborations and partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Indigenous communities can be improved by legal and regulatory frameworks [46]. ...
... An increase in environmental stewardship may result from the legal recognition of co-management arrangements in which Indigenous communities participate as equal participants [46,47]. Moreover, collaborations and partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Indigenous communities can be improved by legal and regulatory frameworks [46]. Indigenous-led sustainability initiatives may be supported by such alliances, which may also provide vital funding, technical advice, and resources. ...
The sustainability of Indigenous Socioecological Systems (ISES) largely depends on well-crafted policy regulations. In particular, Indigenous traditional food systems (ITFS) are an essential component of ISES that provide a variety of culturally accepted, healthy foods while also playing an important role in cultural, spiritual, and economic value to the Indigenous people (IP). Thus, sustainably managing these traditional natural resources must be a priority. As custodians of much of the world’s ecological system, IP have, for generations, exhibited sustainable lifestyles in governing these systems. However, Indigenous perspectives and voices have not been properly reflected in the ISES sustainability discourse, and few comparative case studies have addressed this issue. This study contributes to fill this research gap using a desktop research method based on the Political Ecological Theoretical Framework (PETF) to examine how existing regulatory policies may affect the resilience and sustainability of ISES-ITFS, especially in relation to growing environmental and climatic pressures. Two Indigenous communities, the Karen in Thailand and different Indigenous groups in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia, are examined as case studies. Our study provides crucial insight that should help the development of robust policy interventions that integrate Indigenous concerns into policies and regulations, emphasizing self-determination, cultural preservation, and land rights. The findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive legal frameworks prioritizing Indigenous involvement and concerns in climate and sustainability policy implementations. The ultimate goal is to foster meaningful dialogues between policymakers and IP in navigating the climate and sustainability challenges of our time.
... Knowledge systems are sets of propositions used by agents and institutions (i.e., communities) to understand and interpret the world. They are transferrable as networks of actors that are able to share information, beliefs, and practices within the networks (Berkes 2009;Cornell et al. 2013), including processes and actions that promote sustainable development (FAO 2009;Van Kerkhoff and Szlezák 2016). Based on these definitions, the process of "learning, knowing, and doing" is contextual because it is influenced and shaped by social factors (i.e., norms, belief systems, values), institutions, and environmental conditions where a particular knowledge system is recognized and used. ...
... Based on these definitions, the process of "learning, knowing, and doing" is contextual because it is influenced and shaped by social factors (i.e., norms, belief systems, values), institutions, and environmental conditions where a particular knowledge system is recognized and used. Although knowledge systems are generally interrelated, they can also be distinguished from each other based on processes of acquisition, types of end-users, and the manner by which information is assessed and verified (Berkes 2009;Negev and Teschner 2013). In fisheries and aquaculture, the use of local knowledge is evident in the manner by which households manage their livelihoods, address various forms of risks, and formulate innovative strategies for improving their economic wellbeing. ...
... Local knowledge systems tend to be dynamic because communities continually need to adapt to changes and uncertainties (Blaikie et al. 1997;Lam et al. 2020;Williams et al. 2020). These processes allow communities or social groups to update their knowledge bases and to apply and transmit their ideas and practices to others within their social network (Blaikie et al. 1997;Berkes 2009;Cornell et al. 2013;Beaman and Dillon 2018). ...
Social networks and interactions shape knowledge systems, stakeholder perceptions, and behaviors. The advancement of knowledge systems depends on the nature of social exchanges and the capacity of seaweed industry actors (e.g., farmers) to comprehend and translate their learning into actions. Patron-client system, geographical location, and gender were the key factors that affected access to resources and services, particularly among seaweed farmers. Access was found to be integral for the advancement of knowledge systems because it affects market expansion and mobility and, consequently, access to information, learning opportunities, and financial facilities. Since knowledge acquisition is dependent on social interactions, especially in an industry governed by informal networks, the position of a particular stakeholder group determines the extent to which it can benefit from and influence economic exchanges within and outside of its network. Seaweed farmers remain at the tail end of the value chain because of a lack of access to resources and services, especially those that would help expand their network relations. A strategic expansion of social networks would contribute greatly to the advancement of knowledge systems and adoption of sustainable farming practices as long as stakeholders are provided with access to capacity-building activities that match their needs and aspirations. Stakeholder perceptions and insights provide essential information about the current knowledge base in the seaweed industry and should be utilized, together with scientific knowledge, in the formulation of guidelines, policies, and procedures aimed at fostering sustainable growth of the seaweed industry.
... Transformations towards more sustainable use of natural resources and whole ecosystems represent intractable problems that require collaboration across social, political, sectoral and natural boundaries (Liu et al., 2015;Pahl-Wostl et al., 2021). Approaches to governance, in which multiple state and non-state actors jointly negotiate, develop, implement and evaluate environmental policy (hereinafter referred to as 'co-management') have been advocated by scholars all over the world (Armitage et al., 2009;Berkes, 2009;Cinner et al., 2012). Such environmental co-management approaches often rely on formally agreed upon procedures between state and non-state actors to increase procedural legitimacy and reconcile regulations with local social-ecological contexts (de Vos & van Tatenhoeve, 2011). ...
... For example, individuals may show particular engagement in an arrangement and function as facilitators in a socio-political process by bringing relevant actors together (Ansell and Gash, 2008;Folke et al., 2005;Westley et al., 2013). Such facilitator roles (also called boundary spanners, change agents, bridging organizations, transformative leaders) may be taken by a governmental representative based on formal regulations, or emerge from an actor's active engagement in a social process (Berkes, 2009;Gorris et al., 2019;Pahl-Wostl, 2015 Trust relationships tend to occur around facilitators. ...
... Coleman and Stern (2018b) show in this regard how such trustworthy facilitators contribute to building trust in a group and support the alignment of goals from historically adversarial camps. Evidence from a case study in Sweden similarly shows how dedicated facilitators in a group with different objectives can provide leadership to produce a comprehensive vision and common goals based on building trust and learning among participants in a co-management arrangement (Berkes, 2009). In addition, frequent communication between persons across cliques, as evident in our findings and discussed above, generates a recurring exposure to viewpoints, experiences and expectations of others (Beierle, 2002), and further contributes to break-up conflict legacies between adversary camps of actors (Lumosi et al., 2019). ...
Co-management is widely advocated to effectively design conservation measures and coordinate policy trade-offs among sectors. Trust is key in such arrangements to achieve tangible outcomes, because it can help to turn disruptive conflict into fruitful contestations over suitable policy innovation. How and why trust in environmental co-management arrangements emerges, however, remains an understudied phenomenon. We adopt a relational angle and present theoretical arguments on the impact of social embeddedness on the formation of interpersonal trust relationships. Specific propositions are developed and empirically tested on data collected in the context of a German biodiversity conservation co-management process. The data is analyzed based on Exponential Random Graph Modelling (ERGM). The results provide empirical evidence on the importance of the relationship between social embeddedness and interpersonal trust. Actor characteristics, such as policy preferences and similarity in cognitions, seem to not play an important role for the choice of actors on whom to trust in our case. We discuss the findings' implications in the context of environmental co-management arrangements and argue that trust represents as a dynamic relational phenomenon, which is (co-)produced in an interactive governance process.
... The calls for building resilience, be it for communities (Berkes andRoss, 2016, 2012), forests (Messier et al., 2022;Nikinmaa, 2022), cities (Mehmood, 2016;Vale, 2014), rural areas (Li et al., 2019;McManus et al., 2012) or in the face of disasters (Abrams et al., 2015;Bakema et al., 2017;Skrimizea et al., 2021) (Skrimizea et al., 2021). Behind the reasons for such popularity seem to be a heightened sense of uncertainty (Dovers and Handmer, 1992), and the new challenges it is posing to human wellbeing and development. ...
... The theoretical framing of this thesis is developed over the chapters, each one of them building upon the previous ones, and delving deeper into the concept of socio-ecological resilience, and the different elements of the resilience building process, as put forward by authors such as Berkes et al., (2008), Folke, (2006, Gunderson and Holling, (2002), and bridging them to the insights from social innovation theory, to expand the works of authors such as García and Pradel-Miquel (2019); Moulaert et al. (2013a);and Neumeier(2017). For the concept of social innovation, this thesis takes as a starting point the research carried out by Moulaert et al. (2013), which understands it as a process, as well as an outcome that is focused on revealing and satisfying unmet societal needs, through the reconfiguration and innovation in social relationships, and improvement of sociopolitical arrangements. ...
... Adaptive governance is related to "institutional flexibility, mobilizing diverse resources, and enabling social learning across different scales" (Skrimizea et al., 2021 p.3), and counts on institutions that are dynamic, adaptive and flexible (Koontz et al., 2015). Key features of adaptive governance include spaces for experimentation and learning, and the existence of "bridging organizations" which facilitate interaction across actor groups, knowledge systems or governance levels (Berkes, 2008;. Research also shows the importance of leadership, notably in steering change towards more desirable states . ...
In the Mediterranean basin, wildfires are a natural disturbance key to ecosystem functioning. But the scene is rapidly changing. Global environmental trends, particularly climate and land use change are increasing wildfire risk, and Extreme Wildfire Events (EWEs) exert an increasing societal impact in the Mediterranean area. These EWEs or “mega-fires” have a very high potential of doing significant harm to both humans and the environment, and they are challenging the fire suppression capacities of countries in Mediterranean Europe, despite the wildfire management expertise they cumulate. Against this backdrop, calls for building more resilient territories are common among practitioners, researchers, and policymakers across the wildfire community. However, attention is often absorbed by the emergency itself (“the flames”) rather than on the structural causes of the wildfire problem, or even the definition of the problem in itself. Consequently, what building more resilient territories means in practice is still largely unexplored territory. Wildfires are the product of complex interactions of social and ecological factors, which is increasingly being acknowledged in the literature. However, there is still limited research taking full accountability of this socioecological nature, and even less which is critically examining the socio-political dimension of the resilience building process. This is the starting point of this thesis.
This PhD puts forward a framework that draws on social innovation, resilience theory, rural development, and wildfire literature in order to make socio-ecological resilience in the fire-prone territories of the European Mediterranean basin more concrete. It does so by acknowledging the value of the resilience concept for bringing together different disciplines while bringing on board the criticism that different strands of the social sciences have put forward, and trying to overcome it using social innovation insights. As a result, socio-ecological resilience is conceptualized as a process which is territorially embedded, and which strives to enhance societal well-being and sustainability for all in the face of change, be it expected or unexpected. Such conceptualization puts at the centre the meaning of societal well-being, which is understood to be context-specific, yet grounded on the universal principles of the need for a healthy environment, but also on the ethical imperative of building a more democratic and equal society for all. In applying this understanding to fire-prone territories, this thesis examines what “societal well-being” means in this context. In so-doing, this thesis defines fire-prone territories as the outcome of socio-ecological interactions over space and time, which in Mediterranean Europe are often linked to extractive relationships between the urban and rural realms, or the unbalanced allocation of resources for wildfire suppression versus prevention or forest management activities.
This thesis operationalizes this framework across different regions within the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe, namely Catalonia (Spain), Valencian Region (Spain) and Portugal (country level). Each case serves to further develop the territorially embedded understanding of socioecological resilience, while incorporating nuance and direction with the support of social innovation theory. The results bring to light the importance of defining and delineating “the” wildfire issue by the communities affected, and how rural areas which are highly vulnerable to wildfire risk may not necessarily make wildfires their top priority, but how it is rather transversally connected to other challenges such as depopulation or institutional neglect. They also show how the pathways towards resilience are highly variable across territories, not only due to biophysical characteristics, but also due to cultural, historical or even collectively agreed responsible allocation. Consequently, the role of social innovation in building socio-ecological resilience in fire-prone territories has to do with issues as diverse as the collective deliberation for responsibility allocation (Who owns the risk? Who’s responsible for risk management?), the importance of allowing affected communities to have an active role in delineating the challenges they face and envision ways forward, or the facilitation of cross-scale dialogue through the creation of bottom-linked structures.
By looking at socio-ecological resilience though a territorial, social innovation lens, this thesis goes beyond the usual articulations of the wildfire problem and understands it as a “territorially embedded”. In so-doing, wildfires are understood not as “the” problem which needs to be solved, but rather as the symptom of unbalanced human-nature relationships which are global in scope, yet local in their materialization. Consequently, this thesis brings to the table the importance of bridging wildfire governance and management to other sectors which have been traditionally disconnected from the wildfire conversation (i.e. rural development, spatial planning or food production) but with whom dialogue is unavoidable if long-term socio-ecological resilience is to be achieved in a global-to-local scale.
... Co-management, as a pluralistic approach to natural resource management, brings together relevant partners to achieve sustainable development objectives (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2007, Berkes 2009) through power sharing and state-community joint decision making (Plummer and Armitage 2007, Berkes 2009, Swamy et al. 2018. Therefore, it can be said that unless communities are articulate enough to voice their interests and negotiate in the partnership's arrangements with other key stakeholders, especially the government, co-management is unlikely to succeed (Thompson 2012:7-8). ...
... Co-management, as a pluralistic approach to natural resource management, brings together relevant partners to achieve sustainable development objectives (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2007, Berkes 2009) through power sharing and state-community joint decision making (Plummer and Armitage 2007, Berkes 2009, Swamy et al. 2018. Therefore, it can be said that unless communities are articulate enough to voice their interests and negotiate in the partnership's arrangements with other key stakeholders, especially the government, co-management is unlikely to succeed (Thompson 2012:7-8). ...
... Co-management, as a pluralistic approach to natural resource management, brings together relevant partners to achieve sustainable development objectives (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2007, Berkes 2009) through power sharing and state-community joint decision making (Plummer and Armitage 2007, Berkes 2009, Swamy et al. 2018. Therefore, it can be said that unless communities are articulate enough to voice their interests and negotiate in the partnership's arrangements with other key stakeholders, especially the government, co-management is unlikely to succeed (Thompson 2012:7-8). ...
... Co-management, as a pluralistic approach to natural resource management, brings together relevant partners to achieve sustainable development objectives (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2007, Berkes 2009) through power sharing and state-community joint decision making (Plummer and Armitage 2007, Berkes 2009, Swamy et al. 2018. Therefore, it can be said that unless communities are articulate enough to voice their interests and negotiate in the partnership's arrangements with other key stakeholders, especially the government, co-management is unlikely to succeed (Thompson 2012:7-8). ...
The relatively rapid expansion of protected areas (PAs) has outpaced their effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation processes, resulting in a knowledge gap, particularly in relation to the impact and efficacy of co-managed protected areas in conserving biodiversity globally. Bangladesh, like numerous other nations, is expanding its existing co-management model to incorporate additional PAs while simultaneously making only limited modifications to the management of these protected areas. Evaluations, however, are relatively rare throughout the world, including Bangladesh, despite their potential to improve PA quality and effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to examine current co-management practices at two sites in Bangladesh's Sundarbans to identify significant challenges and the efficacy of co-management initiatives through the establishment of a novel evaluative framework. The primary empirical data collection methods included key informant interviews, stakeholder consultation in focus group discussions, and uncontrolled personal observation. Despite significant progress in terms of policy and legislative reforms, many issues remained unattended, such as a goal of balancing conservation and development, increasing locals' say in decision making, access to resources, and establishing strong institutions. This addition is believed to aid in reconciling the local community and the government. We also need to give more weight to such things as accounting and transparency, income diversification, and showing respect for preexisting social norms. The problems raised in this article are thought to be significant in bridging the gap between management plans and actual management of PAs, not just in Bangladesh but also in other regions of the world that use co-management to achieve sustainability.
... El co-manejo, por ejemplo, hace alusión a compartir y distribuir equitativamente las funciones de manejo, las responsabilidades y el poder en la toma de decisiones. Berkes y otros lo definen como "la distribución de poder y responsabilidades entre el gobierno y los usuarios locales de los recursos... El término se refiere a una serie de acuerdos, con diferentes grados de distribución de poder, para la toma de decisiones conjunta por parte del Estado y las comunidades (o grupos de usuarios) sobre un conjunto de recursos o un área" (Berkes y otros 1991, Berkes 2009). También se alude a formas de manejo que no solamente garanticen la distribución justa de funciones y responsabilidades, pero también de derechos y beneficios entre las distintas partes en el manejo de un recurso natural o un área: "…co-manejo en el que dos o más actores sociales negocian, definen y garantizan entre ellos una distribución justa de las funciones de gestión, los derechos y las responsabilidades de manejo de un territorio, una zona o un conjunto de recursos naturales determinados" (Borrini-Feyerabend y otros 2007). ...
... Por esto es importante evaluar factores que se puedan identificar y manejar rápidamente. Berkes, F. 2009. Evolution of co-management: Role of knowledge generation, bridging organizations and social learning. ...
En esta publicación proveemos una bibliografía anotada sobre co-manejo y co-manejo adaptativo de recursos naturales. Aun cuando estos son los temas principales de la bibliografía, se enfatiza también en aspectos de participación y colaboración, los cuales son procesos centrales en dichas formas de manejo. A través de la bibliografía, el lector podrá conocer sobre proyectos de co-manejo y co-manejo adaptativo en diferentes partes
del mundo y los factores que facilitaron el desarrollo y la implementación exitosa de proyectos de gestión compartida de recursos naturales o, por el contrario, aquellos que los
limitaron o dificultaron. Lo aprendido a través de estos casos podrá ser de utilidad para la implementación de proyectos similares a nivel local.
... Studies also reveal that learning may advance justice through improving access to information for stakeholders and expanding their participation in resource management (Scandrett et al. 2010;Balazs and Lubell 2014), encouraging the empowerment of marginalised communities and groups (Wollenburg et al. 2001;Reed et al. 2010), and ensuring the opinions and experiences of diverse participants are heard and respected (Berkes 2009;Scandrett et al. 2010;Balazs and Lubell 2014). However, there is a dearth of research on the learningjustice nexus, and a strong need exists for empirical evidence on the role of learning outcomes in addressing environmental injustices in policy and practice. ...
... Learning in NRM can encourage relationship building between different interest groups as well as capacity building between stakeholders, which are important factors in the advancement of environmental justice. Finally, learning can help to include marginalised groups, incorporate different forms of knowledge to embrace pluralistic decision-making and achieve more shared understanding of environmental issues and solutions (Wollenburg et al. 2001;Berkes 2009), which can all contribute to the enhancement of environmental justice. ...
Achieving environmental justice in protected area (PA) planning and management has been historically problematic. Herein, potential connections between learning outcomes acquired through PAs and advancements in environmental justice are examined and assessed through a case study of PAs in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India. Specifically, our study aimed to identify learning outcomes that contributed to positive changes in distributive, procedural, recognitional and restorative justice for local people managing or residing near PAs. As throughout the Himalayas, the land use rights, both customary or recognised by law, of local inhabitants in the Kullu District have been altered and eroded through the establishment of PAs, which has resulted in poor environmental justice outcomes. Interviews were conducted with local people living near PAs, forest officers working in PAs, relevant government officials, academics, and NGO representatives. The results indicate that non-formal and informal learning has produced positive cognitive and relational changes in local inhabitants as well as forest officers, which has led to modification of policies, positive environmental change, and enhanced aspects of environmental justice. Though positive changes emerged, the study also identified a need for increased learning opportunities, particularly for inhabitants of more remote areas.
... This sentiment is echoed by Turner et al. (2015) [6], who stress the need for context-specific conservation strategies. Berkes (2009) [7] posits that understanding the intricate relationship between communities and their environment is crucial for effective conservation. This research, therefore, holds paramount importance for several reasons. ...
... This sentiment is echoed by Turner et al. (2015) [6], who stress the need for context-specific conservation strategies. Berkes (2009) [7] posits that understanding the intricate relationship between communities and their environment is crucial for effective conservation. This research, therefore, holds paramount importance for several reasons. ...
Introduction: Nandi County, situated in the North Rift region of Kenya,
encompasses a vast and ecologically diverse landscape. The county’s river/
wetland systems play a crucial role in supporting local livelihoods, biodiversity,
and ecosystem services. However, rapid socio-economic changes,
coupled with environmental pressures, have raised concerns about the sustainability
of these water systems and the communities they support. Despite
the significance of the river/wetland systems, there is limited understanding
of the community’s awareness, interaction, and land usage practices in relation
to these water bodies. This knowledge gap hinders the formulation of effective
conservation and management strategies tailored to the local context.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of
the Nandi County residents, their level of community awareness, land usage
practices, and interaction with the river/wetland. Research Design and Methodology:
The study employed a descriptive cross sectional study design. Utilizing
a multi-stage sampling technique, the upper Yala catchment was stratified
based on ecological and topographical characteristics. From these strata,
sub-catchments were randomly selected, followed by systematic random sampling
of households within each sub-catchment. A total of 400 households
were surveyed. Data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative methods,
with the latter encompassing Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS
Version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVIVO-10 software. Results: The population exhibited a balanced age distribution with
54.6% aged 44 years and below. Males constituted 55.0% of household heads.
A significant 70.9% of household heads were married, and 29.4% had completed
secondary education. Farming was the primary occupation for 74.6%
of households. In terms of community awareness, notably, 97.0% of respondents
correctly identified the river/wetland as natural. Qualitative findings
highlighted varying levels of understanding regarding the seasonality of the
water resource, with some households demonstrating accurate knowledge,
while others held misconceptions (KIIs: Department of Agriculture Nandi,
Water Resource Association). On land Usage and Ownership, a majority,
86.3%, owned their land, with 93.0% using it primarily for agriculture. Qualitative
insights revealed diverse land tenure arrangements and the significance
of farming in the region (KIIs: Department of Agriculture Nandi, Water
Resource Association). With regards to interaction with River/Wetland, 64.2%
reported their land stretching into the wetland area, with flooding identified as
the primary hazard by 62.4% of respondents. Qualitative data emphasized the
challenges faced by households in their interaction with the river/wetland, including
waterborne diseases and encounters with wildlife (KIIs: Green Belt
Movement, Kenya Forest Service). Conclusion: The river/wetland systems in
Nandi County are integral to the community’s socio-economic and cultural fabric.
While there is a commendable level of awareness and interaction with these
systems, challenges such as flooding and land usage conflicts underscore the
need for integrated management approaches. Recommendation: Policymakers
and stakeholders must prioritize community-based conservation initiatives,
taking into account the local socio-demographic dynamics. Collaborative efforts,
encompassing local communities, government agencies, and NGOs, can foster
sustainable land usage practices and enhance the resilience of the river/wetland
systems in Nandi County.
... Abson et al. (2017) point to the fundamental importance of re-thinking how different types of knowledge interact, and how they can be drawn-upon to foster sustainability. This relates to how knowledge is (a) created, (b) shared and (c) used in society, and how developments in each of these areas can influence transformation processes (Berkes, 2009). Workshop participants highlighted the following levers within each of these three categories of knowledge: ...
There is an urgent need for transformational change in global and UK agriculture. Current practices undermine the long-term future of farming and impoverish ecosystems in the UK and elsewhere. However, change is not happening at the scale and pace which is needed. Work by David Abson, drawing on ideas by Donella Meadows, explored this failure of progress and proposed a research agenda focused on transformational leverage points which influence sustainability. These points are centred on three realms of leverage: reconnecting people to nature, restructuring institutions and rethinking how knowledge is created and used in pursuit of sustainability. In this paper, these ideas are explored through a combined researcher/stakeholder workshop focused on transformational change in UK livestock systems. Workshop participants were asked to discuss and identify potential levers of change under the three realms identified by Abson. The multiplicity of levers identified and the interactions across realms emphasise the need for new kinds of knowledge creation which are highly transdisciplinary, as well as emphasising the complexity of levers which are likely to play a role in the transformation of livestock food systems in the UK and elsewhere.
... Co-management has been seen as a tool in achieving sustainability goals and a solving process, since it incorporates a set of stakeholders all linked with the fishing sector, ensuring exchange of knowledge between all actors, and involves negotiation, deliberation, knowledge generation and joint learning [24]. This promotes well-informed decisions at designing adaptive management plans, rather than static arrangement [25]. ...
This study analyses the interactions among different stakeholders of migratory species' fisheries by having the adaptive management model from Mondego and Vouga River as examples of stakeholders' engagement and habitat recovery. The purpose of this analysis is to highlight the importance of effective engagement and participation of key stakeholders in the decision-making process to address sustainable issues. Fishers must be include when designing management measures to promote a better understanding of fishing rules. Thus, it is necessary a joint action and a strong collaboration of all parties to tackle unsustainable problems. The presented options to promote sustainable fishing are: 1-to let government agencies continue to manage based on scientific advice provided by academia but with poor participation and engagement of the fishing community; 2-to promote the establishment of stakeholders committees and the implementation of co-management plans; or 3-to develop a new entity-Local Agent-to promote long-lasting impact through intervention to change unsustainable behaviours. Therefore, given the current immature level of fishers' engagement and participation in the decision-making process, required to be well represented in participatory groups, the recommended action is to develop an independent new entity to enhance fishers' accountability and increase sense of ownership towards the resources.
... Co-management in New Zealand has not empowered local iwi or tribes in co-governance -there remains unequal authority between cultural groups and governmental organizations. Collaborative comanagement could potentially minimize marginalization of Māori communities and increase successful marine reserve implementation (Carlsson and Berkes 2005;Berkes 2009;Mossop 2020). Fragmented government authority and inter-agency conflict also contribute to failure to live up to international best practice in protected area management in New Zealand. ...
Based on a review of case study materials and the literature on co-management of protective areas, there are three major recommendations described in this report. First, a move from consultative co-management to collaborative management of designated California-Chumash marine conservation areas is warranted. Second, the following factors contribute to successful implementation of co-management of State-Tribal protected areas: public access to Tribal members to the protected
area; the proximity to use of the marine area; the scientific baseline information on the ecology of the marine area; the historical level of customary marine resource use; the institutional capacity to monitor the designated MPA; the enforcement capacity and capability of partnering agencies and the Tribe of the MPA; and the available customary values and ecosystem goods and services provided by the MPA. These factors are used to analyze the four alternative California-Chumash marine conservation areas. Third, the Chumash should consider joining the Tribal
Marine Stewards Network pilot program as the fifth partner in the collaborative network effort. There is currently no southern California Tribal partner in the pilot program. Two California-Chumash marine conservation areas may be appropriate to consider by the Chumash members given the analysis in this report -- the Kashtayit or Point Dume marine conservation areas. This recommendation is based on the historical use of customary practice by the Chumash of these areas; the proximity of use to these areas; the availability of public access to the sites; and other
factors. Furthermore, the Chumash should consider ways to contribute as co-managers to the enforcement, education, information exchange, and the monitoring efforts to further the implementation of existing California-Chumash marine conservation areas.
... It encourages the search for patterns of interaction and underlying structures that shape the emergent patterns of systems behavior. In natural resource management, systems thinking is widely believed to be critical for institutional innovation and transitions to resilient and sustainable futures because it can help to navigate (Meadows 2008;Berkes 2009;Arnold and Wade 2015;Wals 2015;Wahl 2016;Fischer and Riechers 2019). However, in the context of human-wildlife interactions, this framing is still new, with many interventions continuing to use a linear logic where implementing technological solutions is expected to solve the problem. ...
As wildlife habitats become increasingly fragmented, sharing landscapes with wildlife is becoming difficult and complex. Because stakeholders with diverging interests struggle to collaborate to manage human-wildlife interactions, new approaches are needed. Here we reflect on a novel participatory learning program we implemented with farmers in communal conservancies in the Zambezi region of Namibia. The 9 week program aimed to understand why human-wildlife conflict remained a challenge. We combined three theoretical framings in the program design-systems thinking, nonviolent communication, and learning based approaches. We summarize key outcomes of each session and reflect on the overall program. We found a synergistic effect of the three framings and concluded that our integrated program had been a useful collaborative learning tool to understand the human-wildlife governance system, identify interventions, empower communities, and build capacity for collaboration to improve human wellbeing and human-wildlife interactions. Drawing on our experience, we make suggestions for how the program could be adapted for similar or other environmental problems elsewhere.
... Process expertise includes knowing how to design collaborative arrangements, facilitating those and "generating a weakly institutionalized 'in-between space', in which researchers and policymakers interact to find more inclusive ways of tackling complex challenges" (Molinengo et al., 2021, p.1). Process design like the collaborative nature of continuous engagement with clear goals and iterative steps was found to be one of the success factors that can be planned for with co-productive capacity developing over time through reflection and improvement (Sarkki et al., 2015;Verwoerd et al., 2023;Karcher et al., 2023). The importance of trust and interpersonal relationships for KE has become increasingly understood and focused on in the last few years (Berkes 2009;Paterson et al., 2010;Rathwell et al., 2015;Tinch et al., 2018;Newig et al., 2019). Effective KE often requires active and deliberate nurturing of relationships, particularly given the highly dynamic and fragile nature of trust (Meadow et al., 2015;Lacey et al., 2018). ...
The management of oceans and coasts needs to be informed by the best available knowledge. One way to support that is through interactive knowledge exchange (KE). Over the last decade, KE strategies have been shared with the marine research community, however, it is unclear whether this has led to recent (i.e., since 2015) progress. Through a systematic review of 60 recent academic articles applying or evaluating marine science-policy KE we synthesize trends in strategies, reasons for using a specific strategy, enablers, achievements, and evaluation. Most articles located were from North America, routinely included local actors or organizations, and spanned different governance levels. In addition to knowledge co-production and boundary organizations as well-established strategies, research networks and engaged funders coordinating and supporting science-policy KE played an increasing role. However, studies rarely provided reasons for why they adopted a specific KE approach within their given context. Achievements of KE are becoming more broadly understood and, among others, included the generation of new knowledge and impact on management or individuals. Factors that enable such achievements are a key area of progress in the literature. Individual case studies referred to the process level (e.g., practical collaboration, inclusive participation and equity, clear goals, continuity), interpersonal level (e.g., trust building, relationships, regular face-to-face contact), and individual level (e.g., skillsets, understanding, champions, facilitators). The measures to evaluate the effectiveness of KE were predomi-nately qualitative (e.g., relevance of knowledge, use of knowledge in management, individual conceptual impacts, and level of engagement). It is increasingly understood what diversity of impacts to look for and unfold ways for more purposeful evaluation. In conclusion, much progress has been made in recent years, and we identify ten further research needs around the inclusivity, institutionalization, strategy selection, and efficiency of KE approaches to support evidence-informed ocean and coastal management.
... Laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. § § 4321 et seq.) began including minimum requirements for public input within agency decision-making processes, often interpreted and institutionalized as consultation and public scoping sessions (Walesh 1999). More recently, governance arrangements that emphasize dialogue and collaboration have emerged because of an acknowledgment of the need to understand social processes, listen to diverse voices, and address conflicting value systems, morals, ethics, and philosophies (Berkes 2009, Leong et al. 2011, Winter et al. 2021. Such public engagement strategies emphasize possibilities for co-management and knowledge co-production that are more difficult to achieve in standard public engagement approaches (Leong et al. 2011). ...
Within governance agencies, academia, and communities alike, there are increasing calls to recognize the value and importance of culture within social‐ecological systems and to better implement Indigenous sciences in research, policy, and management. Efforts thus far have raised questions about the best ethical practices to do so. Engaging with plural worldviews and perspectives on their own terms reflects cultural evolutionary processes driving paradigm shifts in 3 fundamental areas of natural resource management: conceptualizations of natural resources and ecosystems, processes of public participation and governance, and relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities with differing worldviews. We broadly describe evolution toward these paradigm shifts in fish and wildlife management. We then use 3 case studies to illustrate the ongoing cultural evolution of relationships between wildlife management and Indigenous practices within specific historical and social‐ecological contexts and reflect on common barriers to appropriately engaging with Indigenous paradigms and lifeways. Our case studies highlight 3 priorities that can assist the field of wildlife management in achieving the changes necessary to bridge incommensurable worldviews: acknowledging and reconciling historical legacies and their continued power dynamics as part of social‐ecological systems, establishing governance arrangements that move beyond attempts to extract cultural information from communities to integrate Indigenous Knowledges into dominant management paradigms, and engaging in critical reflexivity and reciprocal, accountable relationship building. Implementing these changes will take time and a commitment to processes that may initially feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar but have potential to be transformative. Ethical and culturally appropriate methods to include plural and multivocal perspectives and worldviews on their own terms are needed to transform wildlife management to achieve more effective and just management outcomes for all.
... Keterlibatan dan partisipasi masyarakat lokal dalam pengelolaan sumber daya alam merupakan aspek penting dari konservasi. "Partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengelolaan sumber daya alam dapat meningkatkan efektivitas dan keberlanjutan program konservasi." (Berkes, 2009) ...
Strategi Penyusunan Peta Potensi Ekonomi adalah buku yang mengulas tentang pentingnya pemetaan potensi ekonomi dalam konteks pembangunan regional dan nasional. Dalam buku ini, penulis menyoroti bahwa pemahaman yang mendalam tentang potensi ekonomi suatu wilayah menjadi kunci dalam merumuskan strategi pembangunan yang efektif. Buku ini menguraikan langkah-langkah sistematis dalam penyusunan peta potensi ekonomi, mulai dari identifikasi sumber daya alam, potensi manusia, hingga infrastruktur yang ada. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan analisis spasial dan teknik pemetaan geografis, pembaca diajak untuk memahami berbagai metode dan teknologi yang dapat digunakan dalam proses penyusunan peta. Selain itu, buku ini juga membahas tentang pentingnya melibatkan stakeholder terkait, termasuk pemerintah daerah, akademisi, dan masyarakat lokal dalam proses pemetaan. Dengan keterlibatan semua pihak yang terkait, diharapkan peta potensi ekonomi yang dihasilkan dapat menjadi dasar bagi perencanaan pembangunan yang berkelanjutan dan inklusif. Dengan bahasan yang sistematis dan disertai dengan contoh kasus, “Strategi Penyusunan Peta Potensi Ekonomi” menjadi sumber informasi yang berharga bagi para pembuat kebijakan, akademisi, dan praktisi pembangunan yang tertarik dalam memahami dan memanfaatkan potensi ekonomi suatu wilayah untuk pembangunan yang lebih baik.
... El CO-MANEJO hace alusión a compartir y distribuir equitativamente las funciones de manejo, las responsabilidades, el poder en la toma de decisiones, los derechos y los beneficios entre las distintas partes interesadas en el manejo de un recurso natural o un área (Berkes 2009, Borrini-Feyerabend y otros 2007). ...
En esta hoja informativa resumimos los factores que facilitaron la participación y favorecieron el desarrollo y la implementación exitosa de proyectos de gestión compartida de recursos naturales o, por el contrario, aquellos que los limitaron o dificultaron. El análisis se basa en los hallazgos de una revisión de literatura de estudios de casos en 35 países.
... This type of research is now evolving, as evidenced by NSF's emphasis on inclusivity and convergence of ideas across disciplines such as biology, anthropology, development economics, and sociology. The only reference Bard gave was appropriate, where co-management approaches that include local communities are often more successful [36]. Figure 6 shows the response to the question, How can we address the issue of habitat fragmentation in coastal regions? ...
This study presents a comparative analysis of two leading large language models (LLMs), Google’s Bard, powered by the Gemini model, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.0, in the context of their responses to coastal ecosystem science undergraduate student education. Fifty questions related to coastal ecosystem management were posed to each LLM. Expert assessments evaluated the responses of the LLMs based on five key metrics: accuracy, relevance, depth, creativity, and semantic clarity. Knowledge graphs provided a structured framework for assessing and visualizing the AI responses. The analysis identified the strengths and weaknesses of each LLM in addressing complex environmental issues. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of LLMs’ potential applications in environmental science education and scientific communication. This study acknowledges limitations, such as the inherent subjectivity of expert assessments and the potential for bias within the knowledge graphs used for evaluation. Future research directions include investigating the effectiveness of LLMs in personalized learning environments and exploring their potential for generating educational content tailored to diverse audiences.
... The hypothesis implies the importance of social learning and alternative market linkages. Social learning here refers to the process of iterative reflection that takes place when farmers share experiences and ideas to each other (Keen et al 2005 in Berkes 2009). Considering that the skill gap in technical aspects of tree growing and entrepreneurship were among the major constraints for farmers, social learning can be harnessed to particularly support farmers. ...
Eastern African countries have been confronted with forest landscape degradation and the consequently growing gap between the supply and demand of wood products. Small-scale farmers growing trees on farm have been increasingly acknowledged as a major wood supplier. Value chain analysis studies pointed out the challenges faced by the smallholders, as they are commonly engaged in informal wood markets, associated with weaker bargaining power and market asymmetry. From the Social and Solidarity Economy lens, collective action approaches through farmers’ organizations can counter the challenges of individual smallholders, while facilitating the upgrading of wood value chains. Thus, the objective of this dissertation was to analyze the (potential) roles of forest farmers’ organizations (FFOs) in wood value chain upgrading, with two case studies in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Through a systematic literature review worldwide, the study first sought to provide a knowledge base for FFO research grounded on (i) the policy context within which FFOs operate, and (ii) the typology of their performance with reference to resource mobilization, commercialization of wood products and benefit sharing mechanisms. Value chain analyses of wood products from smallholders each in Ethiopia and Tanzania were the point of departure for the empirical work, consequently treated as the case studies. A collective of smallholders and individual smallholders were embedded as the units of analysis in the two independent case studies. The two-country study setting permitted the analytical generalization of collective action approaches to value chain upgrading and the development of a research agenda and policy recommendations. Grounded on the value chain upgrading approach, FFO business models were co-developed to assess the interlinkages between the business model and (i) the organizational governance and (ii) the implications on wood value chain upgrading. Participatory workshops with existing farmers’ organizations were conducted to co-develop the business models, while focus group discussions and key informant interviews served to frame and triangulate the contextual conditions. Semi-structured household interviews were employed to examine the perception of FFOs and the main factors influencing farmers’ willingness to participate. Binary logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistics were employed in tandem with thematic analysis to analyze the data. The global review represented 57 FFOs distributed globally across 20 countries, which were manifested as associations, cooperatives, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. Research in FFOs has gained scholarly traction in the last three decades, emphasizing the emerging trend of smallholders managing forest farm forestry plots across the tropics. The review revealed three categories of FFOs, depending on the extent of the organization’s product portfolio, the value addition captured at the organizational level, and the linkages to market channels. The empirical findings revealed that southern Ethiopia and southern Tanzania had contrasting regulatory framework for the establishment of FFOs. Given the existing foreign donor program targeted at smallholders in Tanzania, institutional and financial start-up support exist. In both cases, farmers were able to envisage an FFO business model that would allow product and process upgrading of wood value chains. The FFO was perceived differently across the two cases. The Ethiopian case study referred to it as a tree marketing cooperative, which shall facilitate the production of members’ woodlots and the commercialization of wood products of members and non-members alike at a timber yard in a nearby urban area. The Tanzanian case study termed it as a tree growers’ association, which shall facilitate the production of members’ wood and non-wood products, and the commercialization of members’ sawn timber to existing traders. Achieving functional upgrading would necessitate concerted efforts by various governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. The household interviews revealed that 74% (n = 185) and 90% (n = 190) of smallholders would be willing to participate in an FFO in the Ethiopian and Tanzanian case, respectively. In Ethiopia, farmers perceived it as a collective wood marketing enterprise. A relatively small group size with substantial monetary contribution characterize farmers’ preferences to undertake a joint business on wood marketing. In Tanzania, the perception of a tree growers’ association centered on social learning elements to improve wood production and find alternative buyers, while regulating fire incidences. In both cases, the significant factors influencing farmers’ willingness to participate were (1) household socio-economic characteristics, e.g. household head’s age group or household size; and (2) experiences with tree growing activities, e.g. price satisfaction in the last sales or difficulty in market access. The synthesis permitted the derivation of the following conceptual assertion: that FFOs have the potential in upgrading the wood value chains, as long as farmers can envision a business model of an FFO that accommodates the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to participate. Overall, the study demonstrates the changing narratives of farmers’ organizations in the study countries and contributes to the commons-cooperative alliance theory – the integration of collective action and cooperative management. Furthermore, the key findings provide the groundwork to springboard future research avenues, specifically to test the derived assumptions, and recommendations for policy and development.
... The cross-scale interplay approach emphasises the interconnectedness of environment and institutions, addressing global collective challenges arising from anthropogenic climate change (Beck 1992;Berkes 2009;De Swaan 1988;Klinke and Renn 2002;Renn 2008;Renn and Schweizer 2009). This strategy is pivotal for robust risk governance model construction, particularly in the intricate Amazon context (Cash et al. 2006;Fleischhauer, Grieving, and Wanczura 2006;Young 2002Young , 2000Young , 2006. ...
... In this study, the researcher adopted the framework that integrates multiple perspectives to examine community perspectives on forest conservation and livelihoods in a rural setting. Drawing on social-ecological systems theory (Berkes, 2009), we recognize the interconnectedness of human communities and natural environments, emphasizing the dynamic interactions and feedback loops between social and ecological systems. By applying the principles of conservation psychology (Clayton & Myers, 2015), we delve into the psychological factors and socio-cultural processes that shape community attitudes and behaviors towards forest conservation. ...
Amidst nature's enchanting embrace, forests stand as revered guardians, safeguarding biodiversity and nurturing rural livelihoods. In this journey, a qualitative study takes flight, exploring the cherished perspectives of the community within Iligan City's rustic expanse in Iligan City, Philippines. Its purpose? To unveil the intricate dance between forest conservation efforts and local livelihood strategies, weaving a tapestry of understanding. Through heartfelt conversations and keen observations, a diverse ensemble of 30 participants shares their wisdom, as thematic analysis reveals its breathtaking hues. In this symphony of voices, the community's resounding admiration for forest conservation emerges, painting a vivid portrait of its ecological significance and cultural splendor. As the canvas unfolds, the participants unfurl the whispered secrets of forest benefits-the gentle preservation of water resources and the enchanting pathways to ecotourism. Yet, amidst this beauty, they tenderly acknowledge the delicate trade-offs, where access to resources finds limitations. And so, the forest emerges as a steadfast companion in their livelihood odyssey, bestowing subsistence resources, opportunities for fruitful endeavors, and a profound sense of cultural heritage. These heartfelt discoveries beckon us to embrace the wisdom of the community, intertwining local perspectives into the fabric of forest conservation strategies, and championing participatory approaches that resonate with shared hopes and dreams. This study bestows upon us precious insights, illuminating the path towards sustainable forest management-a harmonious union where conservation goals and the vibrant tapestry of local livelihood needs dance hand in hand. Overall, locals must heed the profound symphony woven by forests and livelihood, as policymakers and practitioners craft a future where nature's melodies echo in the hearts of all who call the forest their home.
... Muchos de estos arreglos se enmarcan dentro de iniciativas de cogestión entre pueblos indígenas y el Gobierno nacional, donde se comparten poder y responsabilidades para la gestión de un territorio en particular (Berkes, 2009). En el caso de Colombia, los traslapes entre territorios colectivos y áreas protegidas han dado el espacio para el desarrollo de modelos de cogestión que le han permitido a Colombia convertirse en uno de los países más avanzados en materia de reconocimiento de los derechos interculturales (Premauer y Berkes, 2015). ...
... The Sockeye Program's approach to capacity bridging shares similarities with social learning, which is a key component of adaptive co-management (Armitage et al. 2007, Berkes 2009). By emphasizing the reconciliation of diverse perspectives from groups with unique institutional cultures and worldviews, the Program aligns closely with the tenets of social learning (Berkes et al. 2003, Armitage et al. 2008, Reed et al. 2010). ...
... Anpassung und Transformation sind somit auch wesentlich für die Aufrechterhaltung der Resilienz (Folke et al. 2010). Eine Stärkung der Resilienz kann beispielsweise durch adaptive Governance (Berkes 2009) und durch Schaffung und Verbesserung von Kapazitäten zur Selbstorganisation, des Sozialkapitals, der Anpassungsfähigkeit und der Handlungsfähigkeit (Agency) (Cinner und Barnes 2019) unterstützt werden. Dorado (2005) unterscheidet beispielsweise routinemäßiges und strategisches Handeln. ...
Zusammenfassung
Das Kilombero Tal in Tansania ist eines der größten saisonalen Feuchtgebiete Ostafrikas mit großem landwirtschaftlichem Potenzial. Aktuell dominiert der kleinbäuerliche Regenfeld-Reisanbau, es gibt jedoch schon seit Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts noch nicht umgesetzte Pläne zur Intensivierung der Landwirtschaft. Angesichts sich verändernder hydro-klimatischer Risiken und zunehmender sozioökonomischer Dynamiken stellt sich die Frage nach der Resilienz dieser Mensch-Umwelt-Interaktionen. Dabei geht es um eine nachhaltige Balance zwischen menschlichen Bedürfnissen und der Integrität der Ökosysteme. Eine sozial-ökologische Forschungsperspektive kann hierbei die Wechselwirkungen zwischen den sozialen und biophysikalischen Teilsystemen sowie das Handeln der in die Biosphäre eingebetteten Akteure in den Vordergrund rücken und die verschiedenen Teilsysteme auf verschiedenen räumlichen, zeitlichen und institutionellen Ebenen untersuchen. Die Auswirkungen von Landnutzungsvisionen auf bestehende Landnutzungsmuster und die Rolle der Umweltwahrnehmung werden untersucht, ebenso wie die Perspektiven unterschiedlicher Akteure und deren Einfluss auf Entscheidungs- und Handlungsspielräume. Der Beitrag diskutiert, wie Landnutzungsvisionen räumliche Realitäten schaffen und welche Anpassungsstrategien aus welchen Gründen gewählt werden.
... By promoting exchange between farmers and government agencies, NGOs, and companies, MSPs can help harmonise and clarify institutional policies (Johansson et al., 2013). In this way, MSPs act as bridging spaces (Berkes, 2009;Hahn et al., 2006). This is particularly important for smallholder farmers, who often receive conflicting messages from institutional actors (Mwase et al., 2015;Wortmann et al., 2020). ...
Research on knowledge exchange in multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) within smallholder farmer settings has primarily focused on adaptive designs and increased innovation rates. This paper addresses a knowledge gap by providing insights into the limited understanding of how knowledge sharing in MSPs can be inclusive of smallholder farmers’ knowledge. It shares experiences with a farmer-centred approach to learning and knowledge-sharing with smallholder farmers in Ghana and places this iteratively developed approach within a theoretical perspective. We relate the farmer-centred approach to five design principles inspired by human-centred design rules and inclusive development dimensions. Findings from observations, interviews, and focus group discussions illustrate how the farmer-centred approach creates multifunctional spaces for peer-to-peer learning, interaction with institutional actors, and network building (design principle 1). Prior farmer-centred research ensured that themes addressed were relevant to participant farmers and brought their innovations ‘from below’ to the table (design principles 2 and 3). A majority representation of farmers, facilitation by local researchers, and organising platform meetings at the district level created a safe space for farmers to share their knowledge and feel included and empowered (design principle 4). Several local institutional actors took ownership of the platform principles, which created opportunities for their manifestation in future collaborations with farmers (design principle 5). However, challenges remain in engaging crucial actors from higher scale levels and reducing donor dependency. The design principles presented in this paper contribute to the genuine inclusion of farmers’ knowledge and innovations. We recommend government agencies at the national and district levels incorporate these design principles into their work plans and budgets and prioritise farmers’ knowledge and innovation capacity for inclusive learning and knowledge co-creation.
... This perspective expands the analysis of fisheries to incorporate their social drivers, such as fishermen's incentives and government policies, as well as their ecosystem context (Leslie et al. 2015). It informs this analysis of Maine's comanaged fisheries, which focuses on the importance of fine-scale information in understanding the interaction of humans and the natural system. 2 In a range of forms, comanagement has a long history in fisheries (Berkes 2009); it is recognized as improving FISHERIES COMANAGEMENT fisheries outcomes (Smallhorn-West et al. 2022) and increasing fisheries' resilience (McCay et al. 2014). Comanagement is not a panacea for sustaining fisheries. ...
... Un sisteMa d e inforMación geográfica d e participación pública (sigpp) e n e l pa r q U e n at U r a l d e l delta d e l ebro (españa) la asociación, el manejo colaborativo, el manejo comunitario, el manejo adaptativo y el co-manejo (Clement et al., 2016;De Matteis et al., 2021). Aunque cada una de estas formas de define por características propias, todas tienen en común un componente social elevado, una voluntad para resolver conflictos de manera inclusiva, y un interés por los actores locales (Berkes, 2009). ...
This paper describes a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) aimed at management in the Ebro Delta Natural Park (Spain). This exercise is made up by an online questionnaire, and it was designed considering scientific and technical questions that emerged from meetings with park managers. Users were asked about landscape perception and landscape experience, about facilities and services, and about outdoor activities, and they were asked to provide georeferenced answers on an online map.. 209 valid questionnaires and 4,467 georeferenced opinions were collected. This input translated into management improvements such as signs erection, and cleanliness of spots perceived dirty. Managers rated the GISPP exercise positively because it provided georeferenced evidences that facilitated agreement between the agents in charge of management.
... Siguiendo a Berkes (2009), podríamos decir que, para el G1, el CoM es entendido como un proceso orientado a resolver problemas locales y a mejorar su situación económica. Estos líderes tienen experiencia en la negociación con empresas extractivas instaladas en el sector, con resultados concretos para sus comunidades (pavimentación de carreteras rurales, desarrollo de infraestructura, instalación de servicios básicos, entre otros). ...
Comanagement of protected areas (PA) has been proposed as a mechanism to resolve various conservation conflicts, including the overlap of PAs on ancestral territories. However, different global experiences show that it does not necessarily lead to greater environmental justice (EJ) for indigenous peoples. Because of that, it is necessary to understand factors that contextualize comanagement, and how different actors involved expect it to promote EJ in conservation territories.
Using a qualitative approach and emergent design, this thesis addresses the case of Villarrica National Park (VNP) in Chile, a PA created in Mapuche ancestral territory where the government has shown interest in developing a comanagement model. The EJ discourses and practices deployed by Mapuche territorial organizations surrounding the PA were analyzed, regarding potential comanagement and its conservationist governance. At the same time, the sociohistorical context in which such discourses and practices have occurred was analyzed. The results suggest that the VNP has been configured in a process of territorial reorganization, characterized by a dynamic of State and Mapuche de/re-territorialization, which configures a multiterritoriality of the protection actor. There are different conceptions about what is fair in park conservation and co-management; not only between the State and organizations, but also at the intra-community level. This affects Mapuche positions regarding to State participation in that scenario. Also, it was possible to identify a majority questioning of the State de/re-territorialization PA project and the historical and current consequences suffered in their ways of life and identity.
It is concluded that there is a conservation conflict due to the VNP territorialization and the persistent fortress-type management model. Current conservation management and administration reinscribes neoliberal and multiculturalist modes in the park governance, maintaining the colonial legacy in its management. In doing so, it reproduces environmental injustices that maintain mutual distrust and lack of institutional legitimacy. To overcome this conflict and advance in the fulfillment of the commitments acquired by Chile with the indigenous peoples at the international level, it seems necessary to transcend the cultural recognition given to the Mapuche people in the governance of the park. Furthermore, it is required to promote, from an intercultural perspective, politicized spaces of binding participation that opening internal and external discussion of structural aspects, territorial rights and claims, material and immaterial comanagement benefits and the different visions that exist regarding the PA conservation. Finally, it is key to understand if comanagement is the best mechanism to advance indigenous self-determination and the protection of the Peweñentu.
The study reviews institutional arrangements developed under the ONMS for three west coast national marine sanctuary sites – the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The study first described the ecology and the diverse Chumash cultures of the bioregion. The study then includes a review of the Management Plans for these sites. The study provides a characterization of the primary management program and priority actions of each designated sanctuary with two primary themes: 1) the relevance of these programmatic activities with respect to the role of the Tribes in planning and decision-making, and 2) the potential role of the Chumash in collaborative co-management the proposed CHNMS. The paper’s final section describes a potential role of a proposed non-profit organization, the Chumash Heritage Foundation, to assist the Tribes in the co-management effort with the CHNMS.
Global environmental and social change are pushing wildfire activity and impact beyond known trajectories. Here, we conducted a targeted review to distill five wildfire challenges that we argue form opportunities for their governance (research aim 1). We exemplified our arguments by drawing from the case of Cyprus (research aim 2), a small island country in the south-east European Mediterranean Basin at risk of extreme wildfire impact. Findings indicate that burning for social and ecological resource benefits, innovative management paradigms and anticipatory governance systems offer actionable solutions to the wildfire paradox and the limits of suppression. Local adaptive institutions and a reconceptualisation of wildfire as a risk and process beyond technocratic interpretations are necessary to account for broader social conditions shaping wildfire regimes and community impact. Governance systems that accommodate collective action have proven suitable to address multiple wildfire complexities linked with different socio-economic systems and values. A systematic literature review, policy review, and qualitative data collection on wildfire management in Cyprus track back to the initial framing. Our case study offers insights for tackling wildfires with actionable steps through overarching governance systems, and illustrates the potential for change in thinking of and acting on wildfire in flammable landscapes globally.
This narrative review critically assesses the implementation and purported success of co‐management in forest management in Bangladesh. Co‐management has gained global popularity, celebrated for its participatory approach to natural resource conflict resolution, yet critiqued for potential design flaws, susceptibility to elite capture, and perpetuating power imbalances in predominantly top‐down management cultures. Despite two decades of application and reports of positive outcomes in managing forest protected areas of Bangladesh, concerns persist regarding the authenticity of its success and sustainability, particularly in terms of power dynamics and effective community participation in decision‐making processes. The review delves into these aspects, revealing instances where successes might be superficial, overlooking the underlying issues of power disparity among stakeholders. It highlights the crucial role of enhancing social capital within co‐management frameworks to foster institutionalization and sustainability. Recommendations include advancing robust collaboration and communication, alongside the adoption of adaptive management practices to navigate the complex interplay of natural, social, and institutional challenges.
Water is human life's most important natural gift to achieve health and wealth. The study attempts to trace the rural community‐based best practices to achieve water harvesting through an explanatory research and survey method. The study realized that there are various practices for water conservation in rural communities, especially in hilly regions, which enjoy numerous benefits. India has community‐based practices, including Artificial Lakes, Pani‐kheti, Kuhls, and a bamboo‐based drip irrigation system. In this study, data were collected through a questionnaire, and the benefits of community‐based water management in Dang, a district of Gujrat, India, were assessed. The case studies have revealed how water problems have been solved through community participation. It can be seen from Dang's case studies, which are also in line with the reviews of related literature, that his efforts have only had some success. The rural people, predominantly tribal, are facing a resource crunch and water crisis, and through community partnership, they can achieve desirable outcomes with the government's support. The study found that rural people have achieved cost efficiency and revenue benefits from cooperative strategies.
Indigenous knowledge is considered the invaluable treasure of any particular community. It refers to unique traditional knowledge within a specific geographic area that facilitates indigenous cultural development. Sustainable development is an economically viable, environmentally, and socially beneficial process that balances the present and future communities' needs, for which preservation, promotion, and transmission are the primary requisites. The present study focuses on the Kurmi Mahatos, and their reliance on the traditional methods of using plant and animal species for medical assistance. Indigenous peoples and their knowledge are considered the guardians of the earth, as their conventional practices of medical assistance focus on managing natural resources to the fullest. Their knowledge represents a collection of cultural wisdom for natural resource management, along with the incorporation of caring and respect. Conserving their knowledge of medicinal plants and animals is vital to sustainable development. The S–W–O–C index highlights the chances between resistance and potentiality of this traditional practice.
The Australian government's response to the Millennium Drought (1997–2010) has been met with praise and contestation. While proponents saw the response as timely and crucial, critics claimed it was characterized by government overreach and mismanagement. Five months of field research in farm communities in the Murray Darling Basin (MDB) identified two dominant discourses: administrative rationalism and a local community-based discourse I have termed community-centrism. Administrative rationalism reflects the value of scientific inquiry in service to the state and is the dominant research-based problem-solving model used by water and natural resource agencies (Dryzek in The politics of the earth: environmental discourses, Oxford University Press, 2013; Colloff and Pittock in Aust J Water Resour, 23(2):88–98, 2019). Community-centrism was identified through discussions with farmers and represents a bottom-up approach to environmental planning and management that seeks to incorporate local knowledge, planning, and direct participation. This investigation reveals how discourses define problems and policy choices. While market-based government interventions were likely necessary to address the crisis in the MDB, community-centred responses could have enhanced the government’s capacity to respond to problems. This paper argues that the long-term sustainability of water management in the Basin will require a reorientation on the part of farmers, academics, and governments to develop a community-centred approach to water policies impacting agriculture.
In this fact sheet, we summarize the factors that facilitate participation and the development and successful implementation of projects incorporating shared management of natural resources and also the factors that limit or hinder participation and implementation. This analysis is based on the findings of a literature review of case studies implemented in 35 countries.
Purpose: The aim of this research is to identify problems and evaluate the effectiveness of institutions in irrigation management in the Bena region, as well as understand the impact on farmers. This research also aims to provide comprehensive information about institutional governance and behavior of the government, private sector and community in irrigation management, as well as identifying strategies to increase the effectiveness of water management in the future. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework for this research includes the following concepts: clean water crisis, the link between water availability and food security, governance paradigms, the concept of sustainable development, the role of irrigation management institutions, institutional challenges, conflict and inefficiency in the allocation of water resources, and principles -environmental principles. This theoretical framework helps analyze water management problems in the Bena irrigation area and develop recommendations to improve the effectiveness of water management in the future. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was carried out using the descriptive analysis method, namely, by displaying or explaining clearly and in detail the conditions and realities in the region's irrigation management institutions. Results: The results of the research show that there is no synergy between primary, secondary, and tertiary channels, increasing irrigation water conflicts, implementation of planting procedures without paying attention to water management conditions, construction results are not followed by asset management due to lack of budget allocation, and the empowerment, strengthening and participation of institutional water user farmer associations (P3A) has not been optimal so that the capacity of local governments, especially districts, in managing Bena water resources and irrigation is not optimal. Therefore, it is recommended that in the institutional context of irrigation management, each party involved must complement each other's work culture framework so that no one party dominates the running of the water governance. It is strong enough to replace the hierarchy. Research, practical and social implications: The implications of this research include: providing an analytical model of water governance, identification of water governance challenges, recommendations for the adoption of customary water management practices, emphasis on stakeholder involvement in policy making, cultural adaptation and integration, and increased communication and collaboration. It provides a platform for researchers and policymakers to improve the effectiveness of water governance, while strengthening community engagement and paying attention to local cultural values. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in the application of a new water governance analysis model, identification of specific challenges in water governance, recommendations for adopting indigenous water management practices, emphasis on stakeholder engagement, cultural adaptation, and improved communication and collaboration. It makes an important contribution to enriching understanding of water governance and offers practical guidance for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of water management at the local level.
This study explores the diverse strategies employed by communities worldwide to adapt to climate change, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable social development. In the face of escalating climate-related challenges, understanding community-level responses is crucial for developing effective adaptation policies. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative case studies, to capture a comprehensive picture of adaptation practices. The findings reveal a range of adaptive strategies, from traditional knowledge-based approaches to innovative technological solutions, highlighting the importance of local context in shaping these responses. The study also examines the interplay between environmental, economic, and social factors in determining the effectiveness of adaptation strategies. Key themes include community resilience, participatory governance, and the integration of local and scientific knowledge. The results underscore the need for policy frameworks that support community-led initiatives and foster collaboration between various stakeholders. This research contributes to the broader discourse on climate change adaptation by providing insights into the practical, on-the-ground actions taken by communities and their implications for sustainable development. The study advocates for a more inclusive and holistic approach to climate change adaptation, one that recognizes and leverages the unique strengths and perspectives of local communities.
The transformation of sustainable management and governance for a natural resource can be organized as social learning involving all types of social workers like experts, political leaders, scientist, and local actors and their corresponding scientific and nonscientific knowledge require all new spaces of communicative share sustainable natural resource make novel demand on governance arrangement governance make some principle for diverse contexts and they are availability for sustainable natural resource. The principle can be directly used to design government institutions that are legitimate and transparent, inclusive and fair. The main areas highlight a natural resource that ensures sustainable development. Perspective on the rules and perspectives of our society to promote sustainable development and Environmental Protection. The environmental impact of the assessment system planes with human activities and preventing damage to the environment. This paper analysis of analyzes the sustainable management and governance of natural resources. It provides raw materials and space for social production but serves the needs of human life. It recognizes in that people and their livelihoods rely on the health production of our landscape and play critical roles in maintaining their wealth and productivity. For improving natural resources, securing rights, and sharing power and responsibility for understanding, accessing, and improving natural resource governments including all sharing power and responsibilities. To understand accessing improving natural resources government the realize that values and conserve nature. The extent to which the sustainable management of natural resources is being achieved Looking at human management and environment, land use, population, and waste management resource efficiency.
This study is about the deforestation and its ecological implications in the selected region of Malakand Division, Pakistan, once called the densely forest area. The locality is currently facing threats from anthropogenic activities. The study is explorative in nature aiming at bridging the available knowledge gap and to inform evidence-based conservation initiatives in the region for policy makers. Spatial and temporal dynamics of deforestation are investigated, alongside direct and indirect impacts on plant and animal species. The methodological framework involves GIS analysis, field surveys, and community engagement. Initial findings reveal a commendable community awareness of deforestation, with diverse perspectives on causes and specific affected areas. Recommendations advocate enhanced monitoring, community involvement, and policy reforms. The study emphasizes the urgency of sustainable conservation strategies in preserving Malakand's biodiversity.
Wetlands provide ecosystem services such as flood protection, improved water quality, and wildlife habitat, but are under attack in urban land-use conflicts in the Global South. This article presents two cases of local wetlands governance conflicts in Colombia (Humedal la Conejera, Bogotá, Cundinamarca) and Argentina (Laguna de Rocha, Esteban Echeverría, Gran Buenos Aires) to illustrate divergent pathways toward improved environmental governance via citizen pressures: the collaborative method (Bogotá) and the adversarial method (Buenos Aires). While existing scholarship on citizen-led regulation stresses the importance of collaboration between community organizations and the state, this article argues that adversarial tactics are also a key component of environmental governance. In both cases, citizen-led pressures led to increased enforcement of regulatory measures to restore wetlands and gain protected-area status. Citizen-led governance involved adversarial strategies such as marches, litigation, and shaming and blaming in the media, as well as collaborative strategies such as creating broad-based educational forums, working inside city government, and partnering directly with public institutions to set new policies. Against the backdrop of extensive collusion between elected officials and land developers, citizen-led subnational environmental governance has become the regulatory regime of last resort in urban Latin America.
Conclusions drawn from the body of co-management research generally agree that cultural diversity can enhance the pool of human resources from which management decisions are drawn. Based on the belief that group heterogeneity will generate a diverse set of problem-based solutions, co-management is being heralded as an emergent intellectual tradition to guide the stewardship of natural resources. However, research has yet to show under what conditions and at what cultural consequence indigenous representatives are able to express themselves. Nor has it been shown how cultural biases, including perceptions of the 'other,'influence group behavior. Based on research involving the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation (Yukon Territory), this paper explores whether cultural differences either enhance or hinder the working-group effectiveness of resource co-management boards established under Canada's comprehensive land claims process. In doing so, we identify some of the 'hidden' conflicts that can occur when culturally diverse groups, with fundamentally different value systems and colonial histories, enter into a coordinated resource management process.
The US Man and the Biosphere High Latitude Ecosystems Directorate compared two carbou management systems in Alaska and Canada. We examined the relationship between user involvement in management and management effectiveness. Measures of management effectiveness included: knowledge of the management system, agreement on acceptable harvest and herd monitoring practices, shared beliefs and perceptions on caribou population changes, perceptions of communications between management boards and caribou users, and expectations for cooperation of users with management actions. Our hypothesis was that the involvement of Canadian users in a joint management board would produce greater cooperation and agreement than the Alaskan hierarchical system. We conducted a census of government managers, and did surveys based on probability samples of approximately 200 traditional users in both countries. We found: (1) under a joint management board, government managers are more senstive and responsive to user concerns; and contrary to expectations, (2) direct user involvement in a joint management board does not increase the likelihood that users at the village level will cooperate with management actions. User-manager boards do not appear to be a substitute for a frequent and continued presence of biologists in traditional user communities when it comes to establishing trust in management information and supporting traditional community-based decision making.
We provide a synthesis of the papers in the Special Issue, the Communities Ecosystems and Livelihoods component of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), and other recent publications on the adaptive capacity of communities and their role in ecosystem management. Communities adapt because they face enormous challenges due to policies, conflicts, demographic factors, ecological change, and changes in their livelihood options, but the appropriateness of their responses varies. Based on our synthesis, three broad categories of adaptive communities are identified. "Powerless spectator" communities have a low adaptive capacity and weak capacity to govern, do not have financial or technological options, and lack natural resources, skills, institutions, and networks. "Coping actor" communities have the capacity to adapt, but are not managing social-ecological systems. They lack the capacity for governance because of lack of leadership, of vision, and of motivation, and their responses are typically short term. "Adaptive manager" communities have both adaptive capacity and governance capacity to sustain and internalize this adaptation. They invest in the long-term management of ecosystem services. Such communities are not only aware of the threats, but also take appropriate action for long-term sustainability. Adaptive co-management becomes possible through leadership and vision, the formation of knowledge networks, the existence or development of polycentric institutions, the establishment and maintenance of links between culture and management, the existence of enabling policies, and high levels of motivation in all role players. Adaptive co-managers are empowered, but empowerment is a consequence of the capacity for governance and the capacity to adapt, rather than a starting point. Communities that are able to enhance their adaptive capacity can deal with challenges such as conflicts, make difficult trade-offs between their short- and long-term well-being, and implement rules for ecosystem management. This improves the capacity of the ecosystem to continue providing services.
The literature on ecosystem management and assessment is increasingly focusing on social capacity to enhance ecosystem resilience. Organizational flexibility, participatory approaches to learning, and knowledge generation for responding adequately to environmental change have been highlighted but not critically assessed. The small, flexible municipal organization, Ecomuseum Kristianstads Vattenrike (EKV) in southern Sweden, has identified win-win situations and gained broad support and legitimacy for ecosystem management among a diversity of actors in the region. Navigating the existing legal-political framework, EKV has built a loose social network of local stewards and key persons from organizations at municipal and higher societal levels. As a 'bridging organization', EKV has created arenas for trust-building, knowledge generation, collabo-rative learning, preference formation, and conflicts solving among actors in relation to specific environmental issues. Ad hoc projects are developed as issues arise by mobilizing individuals from the social network. Our results suggest that the EKV approach to adaptive comanagement has enhanced the social capacity to respond to unpredictable change and developed a trajectory towards resilience of a desirable social-ecological system.
The Complex Forest systematically examines the theory, processes, and early outcomes of a research and management approach called adaptive collaborative management (ACM). An alternative to positivist approaches to development and conservation that assume predictability in forest management, ACM acknowledges the complexity and unpredictability inherent in any forest community and the importance of developing solutions together with the forest peoples whose lives will be most affected by the outcomes. Building on earlier work that established the importance of flexible, collaborative approaches to sustainable forest management, The Complex Forest describes the work of ACM practitioners facing a broad range of challenges in diverse settings and attempts to identify the conditions under which ACM is most effective. Case studies of ACM in 33 forest sites in 11 countries together with Colfer's systematic comparison of results at each site indicate that human and institutional capabilities have been strengthened. In Zimbabwe, for example, the number of women involved in decisionmaking soared. In Nepal, community members detected and sanctioned dishonest community elites. In Cameroon and Bolivia, learning programs resulted in better conflict management. These are early results, but a wide range of recent research supports Colfer's belief that these new capabilities will eventually contribute to higher incomes and to sustainable improvements in the health of forests and forest peoples. The Complex Forest reinforces calls for change in the way we plan conservation and development programs, away from command-and-control approaches, toward ones that require bureaucratic flexibility and responsiveness, as well as greater local participation in setting priorities and problem solving.
As Folke et al. (2002, 437) write: "The goal of sustainable development is to create and maintain prosperous social, economic, and ecological sys- tems." These systems are intimately linked; however, our study of them is often discrete. We might study the ecology of a region with a model that largely ignores human impact on the ecosystem. We might study the peo- ple of the same system without recognizing the impact that the ecosystem can have on their interactions. When interlinked systems are studied in a discrete way, important dynamics, driving forces, and interactions that help explain the system may be overlooked. Understanding these complex sys- tems requires combining the knowledge and perspectives from many dif- ferent ways of knowing (Lubchenco 1998).
Interest in traditional ecological knowledge among resource managers and scientists in northern Canada and Alaska is growing (Urquhart 1998; Eamer 2000). This increased interest has led to more and more requirements for its use in many management, planning, and assessment processes (Berkes 1998;
The importance of learning in natural resource management (NRM) is being recognized by an increasing number of scholars and practitioners. A learning approach to NRM applies principles and theories of adult, organizational and social learning, and is underpinned by three core elements: systems thinking, negotiation, and reflection. By combining learning theories with concepts from adaptive management, comanagement, and participatory resource management, this article explores how the explicit inclusion of learning principles and processes can strengthen community-based natural resource management. Case studies from the South Pacific are used to draw out lessons for the wider application of learning approaches to NRM.
Relations between external researchers and indigenous communities have been increasingly strained by differences in understanding and in expectation about the relevance of research. In the field of resource management, the potential for conflict over research is increased by the politics surrounding control over the resource management decision making processes. In this article, we propose the creation of dialogic networks that engage researchers and indigenous people as collaborators in a process of knowledge production. Such an applied research process can produce context-specific knowledge networks that support management and planning decisions by indigenous people; these networks we refer to as place-based learning communities. We present a researcher's perspective on this approach through our experience with the Shoal Lake Resource Institute of Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation located in northwestern Ontario.
In contrast with previous view, which placed the State as a central element for economic development and progressive social changes, the current literature on development now advocates the role of civil society and community participation and tends to assume that decentralization has generic benefits for sustained improvements of the living standards of people. The most common argument is that decentralization is by definition a mechanism of 'inclusion' and 'empowerment'. In this paper, the authors review experiences of decentralization in common pool resources (CPR) AQ1 through the specific example of artisanal fisheries. Using case studies of community-based or co-management programmes in small-scale fisheries in West Africa and Asia, the authors show that the relation between decentralization and poverty reduction in CPR-dependent communities may not be as systematic as it is usually presupposed by donor agencies, practitioners or even academics. The analysis of some recent case studies even suggest that these CPR decentralization reforms might have further marginalized the indigenous communities that they were initially expected to 'empower'. On the basis of these empirical observations, the author then highlights why decentralization within the context of CPR is not about changes in the relationships between local users and natural resources but changes in the (power) relationship between these users and the local institutions that govern access rights and the use of these natural resources. In particular, these examples raise the question of the potential role of local traditional institutions and their contribution to rural poverty alleviation through their involvement in decentralization and community-empowerment reforms.
Adaptive management has become increasingly common where natural resource managers face complex and uncertain conditions. The collaboration required among managers and others to do adaptive management, however, is not always easy to achieve. We describe efforts to work with villagers and government officials in Malinau, East Kalimantan Indonesia, where a weak, uncertain institutional setting and complex shifting political landscape made formal cooperation among these groups for forest management problematic. Through successive trials, the team learned instead to work with and enhance a "spontaneous order" of cooperation using four tactics: (1) continuous physical presence, (2) regular contact with the people who advised and were close to major decision makers, (3) maintenance of multiple programs to fit the needs of different interest groups, and (4) hyperflexibility in resource allocation and schedules.
"We analyze the emergence of an adaptive co-management system for wetland landscape governance in southern Sweden, a process where unconnected management by several actors in the landscape was mobilized, renewed, and reconfigured into ecosystem management within about a decade. Our analysis highlights the social mechanisms behind the transformation toward ecosystem management. The self-organizing process was triggered by perceived threats among members of various local stewardship associations and local government to the area's cultural and ecological values. These threats challenged the development of ecosystem services in the area. We show how one individual, a key leader, played an instrumental role in directing change and transforming governance. The transformation involved three phases: 1) preparing the system for change, 2) seizing a window of opportunity, and 3) building social-ecological resilience of the new desired state. This local policy entrepreneur initiated trust-building dialogue, mobilized social networks with actors across scales, and started processes for coordinating people, information flows and ongoing activities, and for compiling and generating knowledge, understanding, and management practices of ecosystem dynamics. Understanding, collaborative learning, and creating public awareness were part of the process. A comprehensive framework was developed with a shared vision and goals that presented conservation as development, turned problems into possibilities, and contributed to a shift in perception among key actors regarding the values of the wetland landscape. A window of opportunity at the political level opened, which made it possible to transform the governance system toward a trajectory of ecosystem management. The transformation involved establishing a new municipal organization, the Ecomuseum Kristianstads Vattenrike (EKV). This flexible organization serves as a bridge between local actors and governmental bodies and is essential to the adaptive governance of the wetland landscape. It is also critical in navigating the larger sociopolitical and economic environment for resilience of the new social-ecological system. We conclude that social transformation is essential to move from a less desired trajectory to one where the capacity to manage ecosystems sustainably for human well-being is strengthened. Adaptability among actors is needed to reinforce and sustain the desired social-ecological state and make it resilient to future change and unpredictable events."
Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is a rural development paradigm that combines biological conservation
and sustainable use of natural resources. In southern Africa, CBNRM has contributed to the wellbeing of human communities
and to the conservation of elephants and other threatened species. Success in this arena requires the establishment of a respectful
partnership between villagers and scientists that draws upon their complementary knowledge and skills.
Conditions important for the success of co-management have repeatedly been identified, but their relative influence has not been quantitatively evaluated. To investigate the implementation of co-management in 11 subsistence fisheries within seven rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, perceptions of the responsible authorities and the fishing communities were surveyed. Of 16 conditions often considered important for the success of co-management, only nine were correlated with perceived success, the most strongly correlated being (1) benefits of co-management must exceed costs of participation, (2) training and empowerment, and (3) existence of a long-term ‘champion’ to drive the process. The perceptions of the authorities concurred with those of the communities with regards to the attainment of conditions, but views on the success of co-management differed significantly owing to disagreements that were specific to three particular fisheries. Both groups agreed that co-management is a viable improvement on top-down authoritarian imposition of regulations. However, it takes time to become effective; perceived success was directly correlated with how long individual programmes had been operating. Failure to devolve power from national government to local institutions, and delays in awarding subsistence permits, remain the major stumbling blocks to full realization of co-management.
Acknowledgements: The Borderlands Co-op is, above all else, a collaborative effort. I would like to acknowledge the many organizations and individuals who have worked on all aspects of the program since 1994. In particular I acknowledge the long-term dedication of, the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope), the Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Yukon Government, the University of Alaska, and Environment Canada, as well as others contributing funding, in-kind support, information and interpretation assistance. Most importantly, this program could not exist without the support and input from the local resource councils and committees, the community monitors, board members, elders and local experts from the communities of the Arctic Borderlands.
We explore the social dimension that enables adaptive ecosystem-based management. The review concentrates on experiences of adaptive governance of social-ecological systems during periods of abrupt change (crisis) and investigates social sources of renewal and reorganization. Such governance connects individuals, organi-zations, agencies, and institutions at multiple organizational levels. Key persons provide leadership, trust, vision, meaning, and they help transform management organizations toward a learning environment. Adaptive governance systems often self-organize as social networks with teams and actor groups that draw on various knowledge systems and experiences for the development of a common understanding and policies. The emergence of "bridging organizations" seem to lower the costs of collaboration and conflict resolution, and enabling legislation and governmental policies can support self-organization while framing creativity for adaptive comanagement efforts. A re-silient social-ecological system may make use of crisis as an opportunity to transform into a more desired state.
Adaptive management has become increasingly common where natural resource managers face complex and uncertain conditions. The collaboration required among managers and others to do adaptive management, however, is not always easy to achieve. We describe efforts to work with villagers and government officials in Malinau, East Kalimantan Indonesia, where a weak, uncertain institutional setting and complex shifting political landscape made formal cooperation among these groups for forest management problematic. Through successive trials, the team learned instead to work with and enhance a "spontaneous order" of cooperation using four tactics: (1) continuous physical presence, (2) regular contact with the people who advised and were close to major decision makers, (3) maintenance of multiple programs to fit the needs of different interest groups, and (4) hyperflexibility in resource allocation and schedules.
Northern Canada has seen the emergence of various forms of resource co-management agreements over the last decades. Co-management arrangements either result from land-claim agreements between First Nations/Inuit, or crises (real or perceived) regarding a particular resource. Co-management organizations consisting of Indigenous and government representatives often claim to base their natural resource management decision-making on both biological resource science and the represented Indigenous peoples' knowledge. This paper examines the actual ability of Canadian natural resource co-management boards to learn from the Indigenous Knowledge of represented First Nations communities. It will explore how the epistemological frameworks and employment structures within which co-management boards in Canada operate, shape the boards relationship to Indigenous knowledge. In particular the paper will examine the effect of power on the position of Indigenous Knowledge vis-a-vis biological resource science in the Canadian co-management arena.
Schizophrenia continues to have a poorer prognosis than other affective disorders. Optimal long-term treatment offers the opportunity to optimise the long-term prognosis with the aim to minimise the number of relapses and reduce the residual symptoms. Atypical neuroleptics have various advantages over the classical neuroleptics. The first depot formulation of an atypical neuroleptic appears to represent a further step forward to improve the possibilities of long-term treatment of schizophrenia.
The term ‘fisheries co-management’ has now been so broadly used in applied settings and in social science that it risks losing important aspects of its original thrust. In addition, as social science thinking about management in general has evolved over the last two decades, we have all refined and enriched the way we see this concept. For the concept to remain useful, I argue that it should become more specific and complex instead of more general and generic. In the discussion below I attempt to reevaluate, and reorganize a few key dimensions of this term into a form that is more theoretically useful for dealing with complexity. I use the evolution of my own research and thinking on fisheries co-management over the last 15 years as a means of attempting to hone and revitalize the term. Also, in dialogue with colleagues, I suggest key alternative perspectives about what meaning we should assign the phrase.
Prologue Part I. Practice: Introduction I 1. Meaning 2. Community 3. Learning 4. Boundary 5. Locality Coda I. Knowing in practice Part II. Identity: Introduction II 6. Identity in practice 7. Participation and non-participation 8. Modes of belonging 9. Identification and negotiability Coda II. Learning communities Conclusion: Introduction III 10. Learning architectures 11. Organizations 12. Education Epilogue.
Co-management, i.e. the democratic participation of user-groups in regulatory decision-making, is expected to improve the legitimacy of fisheries management schemes. This, again, is assumed to result in a higher degree of fishers’ compliance. But what if co-management fails to produce this outcome? Legitimacy should not be anticipated regardless of institutional design of co-management. This paper critically examines the meaning of legitimacy and which institutional designs of fisheries management regimes are conducive to legitimacy.
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10287
Based on an ongoing qualitative case study in Costa Rica, this article presents the participatory work that the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is doing with farmers to protect watersheds from erosion and contamination. Specifically, it includes a description of ICE's Watershed Management Agricultural Programme and how farmers participate in it and a qualitative analysis of the kind of learning that participants are experiencing. ICE uses collaborative and hands-on activities to raise awareness and promote alternative environmentally sustainable farming practices and technologies. These activities result in instrumental and communicative learning as found in transformative learning theory. The instrumental learning that occurs includes acquiring skills and information, determining cause–effect relationships, and task-oriented problem solving. The communicative learning that occurs includes understanding values, concepts, and others' points of view. In conclusion, the learning that occurred resulted in transformations in the conditions of life that promoted sustainability.
The concept of ‘governance’ has become a central catchword across the social and political sciences. In Governing and Governance, Jan Kooiman revisits and develops his seminal work in the field to map and demonstrate the utility of a sociopolitical perspective to our understanding of contemporary forms of governing, governance and governability. A central underlying theme of the book is the notion of governance as a process of interaction between different societal and political actors and the growing interdependencies between the two as modern societies become ever more complex, dynamic and diverse. Drawing upon a wide range of interdisciplinary insights, the book advances a comprehensive conceptual framework that seeks to capture the different elements, modes and orders of governing and governance. A series of useful distinctions are employed, for example, between self, ‘co’, and hierarchical modes, and between first, second, or meta orders to illustrate the many different structures and levels of modern governance today. Theoretically rich and illuminating, Governing and Governance will be essential reading for all students and academics across the social and political sciences, public management and public administration.
On the Tohono O'odham (TO) Nation, an American Indian nation in southern Arizona, where local institutions and community norms govern management of communal rangelands, government interventions in rangeland management have historically overlooked social aspects of management and consequently met with little success. Similarly, past research on the TO Nation has fueled resentment due to a lack of local collaboration. Participatory research offers one way to create power-sharing relationships between researchers and communities and to develop locally appropriate resource management strategies. In partnership with local groups on the TO Nation, we used participatory research to develop, implement, and evaluate a rangeland ecology and management curriculum. The participatory curriculum development and research processes led to increased social capital among participants, creation and adoption of a locally tailored curriculum, and institutionalization of participatory approaches within tribal organizations, demonstrating high levels of quality and validity according to emerging post-positivist criteria for evaluating qualitative research.
Employing case study data, the authors contend that the active and substantial involvement of the fishermen represented by the fishermen's cooperative association forms the core of Japanese fisheries management, supported by the government's national, prefectural, and municipal heavy financial subsidy and technical assistance. Moreover, the continued existence of the system is largely attributed to the fishermen's conflict avoidance, their compliance behavior, and their cultural values. The future of the cooperative and the community as a whole is, however, threatened by the problems of declining population and successorship, which will affect their already poor economic performance unless the government continues to provide support.
Although there are a number of distinct audiences (for example students, hunter and trapper organisations, and co-management agencies) for traditional environmental knowledge, little work has been done in analysing how indigenous knowledge can be best communicated to these different groups. Using examples mainly from northern Canada and Alaska, we explore the challenge of collecting and communicating different kinds of traditional environmental knowledge; the media types or communication modes that can be used; and the appropriateness of these kinds of media for communicating with different audiences. A range of communication options is available, including direct interaction with knowledge holders, use of print media, maps, DVD/video, audio, CD ROM, and websites. These options permit a mix-and-match to find the best fit between kinds of knowledge, the intended audience, and the media type used. This paper does not propose to replace traditional methods of communication with technology. Rather, we examine how technology can serve community and other needs. No single option emerges as a clear best choice for communicating indigenous knowledge. Nevertheless, various media types offer avenues through which northern people can meet their educational, cultural, and political needs, and build cross-cultural understanding.
As an approach to mediating human–environment interactions, the co-management of natural resources influences a diverse array of geographic endeavors. This article chronicles the development of the concept from its historical roots to the more recent past, where it has gained prominence as a tenable solution in situations of competing property claims and as a model of environmental governance. In surveying more that 15 years of experience with co-management, we draw attention to several points of contention or debate, including concerns about power-sharing and representation in co-management arrangements, and the imprecise use of the term. Despite these tensions, the concept of co-management continues to evolve and is attracting increasing attention. In probing the frontier of this subject, we highlight theoretical developments, evaluative challenges, cultural and ethical sensitivities, and the need to embrace uncertainty and complexity through adaptation and learning. Concluding reflections recognize the multifaceted nature of co-management, potential benefits, and importance to geographers.