To address problems characterized by high degrees of ecological and social complexity, uncertainty and indeterminacy, as well as conflicts over values and interests; and to generate positive change in dynamic social-ecological systems, consider applying social learning approaches, i.e., adaptive and participatory approaches that facilitate learning by the individuals and social organizations involved in resource and environmental governance. Social learning takes place within collaborative management strategies and may focus on building assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, adapting, communicating, and understanding skills; using management interventions as learning platforms, enabled by active community facilitation, conflict resolution, negotiated settlements, mutual learning, convergence of goals, monitoring, and concerted action; or generally relate to interacting and overlapping processes: participation, negotiation, integration, systems orientation, and reflection. Continue reading →
Theme: Public Participation
How participation in environmental decision-making contributes to measurable change
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Ghanbarpour, M. R., Hipel, K. W., & Abbaspour, K. C. (2005) Finding 1
Apply group decision analysis (including needs and opportunities of stakeholders) in the long-term watershed planning process. Steps include: develop an understanding of watershed issues, problems, constraints and capabilities; consult about management strategies and alternatives; and prioritize strategies and alternatives. Continue reading →
Henriksen, H. J., Rasmussen, P., Brandt, G., Von Buelow, D., & Jensen, F. V. (2007) Finding 1
The use of Bayesian Belief Network decision support systems for groundwater management requires full involvement of stake holders during the inplementation phase. Bayesian Belief Network decision support systems organise the body of knowledge in any given area by mapping out cause-and-effect relationships among key variables and encoding them with numbers that represent the extent to which one variable is likely to affect another. Continue reading →
Hibbard, M., & Lurie, S. (2006) Finding 1
Support watershed councils in promoting civic engagement through:
- building relationships between watershed councils and land owners and with other organizations;
- bring residents into the decision-making, planning, and implementation process:
- promote resident identity with their watershed and how watershed projects can build community capacity for problem-solving (repetoire of strategies, collaboration with other partners, etc.);
- provide information for residents about particular issues.
Caruso, B. S. (2006) Finding 2
Enhance stakeholder interest in restoration efforts by:
- Increasing use of GPS and GIS for mapping, storage, analysis and presentation of spatial information, both internally and to stakeholders.
Caruso, B. S. (2006) Finding 1
Enhance stakeholder interest in restoration efforts by:
- Expanding program goals to include additional physical restoration approaches to improve habitat or recreational enhancement as a component of community education and involvement.
Langston, A. (2004) Finding 2
Support watershed planning groups with assistance from agencies. Continue reading →
Clark, B. T., Burkardt, N., & King, M. D. (2005) Finding 2
Assess patterns or organizational similarities that may facilitate the linkage among organizations to coordinate their actions at the river basin or ecosystem scale. Continue reading →
Clark, B. T., Burkardt, N., & King, M. D. (2005) Finding 1
Assess watershed organizations to channel future research and to better approximate the organizational dynamics, issue concerns, and information needs unique to the organization. Continue reading →
Dakins, M. E., Long, J. D., & Hart, M. (2005) Finding 3
Emphasize effective leadership when encouraging or facilitating watershed group formation. Watershed groups rate leadership as more important to effective group formation than support factors such as staff assistance or financial support.