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Kallis, G., Videira, N., Antunes, P., Pereira, A. G., Spash, C. L., Coccossis, H. et al. (2006) Finding 1

Watershed management participatory methods include, scenario workshops (develops ideas and actions based on visioning processes), mediated modeling (problem definition, conceptualization, specification, and policy analysis), and social multicriteria evaluation (compliments decision-making processes with social science techniques including institutional analysis, interviews,questionnaires, obeservation, polls, and focus groups). Scenario workshops and mediated modeling are well-suited to the early stages of the planning process (problem solving and identification of goals and alternatives) and good at educating participants and building capacity, but not as effective at resolving long-standing conflicts and achieving consensus.  Social multicriteria evaluation is better able to address the evaluation of alternatives, reveal trade-offs, and aid convergence between divergent stakeholder’s views; however, implementation is heavily reliant on experts, and allows for less participation and deliberation than scenario workshops or mediated modeling  in the goal-setting stage.  A hybrid of participatory methods may be the best approach. Continue reading →

Kong, S. L. (2006) Finding 1

Community-based extension and education contribute to successful community-based natural resource management among Cambodia fisheries.  The approach emphasized:

  • raising understanding among fishermen about the underlying principles of participatory democracy, ecological principles and regulatory principles of co-management;
  • nurturing, enhancing, and empowering local organizations (through participatory decision-making);
  • assisting in democratizing fishery governance at the community level to fine-tune management strategies for addressing the concerns of disadvantaged fishermen.

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Koontz, T. M., & Johnson, E. M. (2004) Finding 1

In facilitating development of a watershed group, encourage participation from a balance of public versus private sector stakeholders. More balanced (mixed public/private) groups are more likely to be engaged in planning and research, group development and maintenance, and watershed restoration and protection, than are citizen-based groups. Citizen-based groups may be more likely than mixed groups to achieve government pressure as a primary accomplishment. Continue reading →

Koontz, T. M., & Johnson, E. M. (2004) Finding 2

Focus on a contextual approach to prescribing widespread stakeholder involvement in collaborative environmental management. Prescriptions calling for broad community participation in all cases are unwise; recognize which objectives are likely to be met by broader participation, and which are not. Continue reading →

Koontz, T. M., & Johnson, E. M. (2004) Finding 3

In facilitating development of a watershed group, consider these potential indicators of success:

  • Group development and maintenance (e.g., start group, get funds) *Education and outreach (e.g., educational programs, canoe floats)
  • Increased public awareness (e.g., websites, media attention)
  • Networking (e.g., information sharing, development of partnerships)
  • Plan development (e.g., watershed plan, action plan, strategic plan)
  • Policy changes (e.g., change zoning or regulations, block permits)
  • Government pressure (e.g., lobbying, petitioning)
  • Land acquisition (e.g., purchased land or easements in the watershed)
  • Restoration (e.g., remediation, restoration activities and results)
  • Research (e.g., inventory, monitoring)
  • Identifying and prioritizing issues
  • Preservation designation (e.g., stream designated as a heritage resource)
  • Changes in land use practices

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