A Five-Step Stakeholder Communication Plan for More Effective Natural Resource Management

Effectively communicating with diverse groups involved in environmental management is critical to facilitating successful projects. This five-step communication plan is designed to enable resource managers and extension professionals to successfully engage their stakeholders. This plan, which uses oyster reef management as an example, was informed by two primary sources: an expert meeting with stakeholder leaders and coastal res- idents and a review of relevant literature. By incorporating stakeholder input throughout the planning and imple- mentation of natural resource management projects, new and innovative ideas emerge, and relationships between stakeholders, managers, and extension agents are strengthened.

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A second-take on the role of science: the case for applying public administration theory to natural resource management

Sustainable Earth ◽

10.1186/s42055-019-0018-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Philippa M. Brock ◽

Daniel K. Y. Tan

Keyword(s):

Resource Management ◽

Public Administration ◽

Natural Resource Management ◽

Natural Resource ◽

Hybrid Approach ◽

Current Theory ◽

Agricultural Science ◽

Theory And Practice ◽

Management Theory ◽

Resource Managers

Abstract Background Natural resource management theory has been informed by disciplines such as ecology, agricultural science, economics and engineering; but much less so by the literature of planning and public administration. This paper demonstrates that applying an incremental view to what is traditionally seen as a rational-comprehensive discipline provides insights into resource management theory and practice, including adaptive management. Results We show how current theory and practice in natural resource management are not aligned to the degree that is routinely presumed. In particular, the prevailing focus on optimality creates conflicts, especially during democratic decision-making, whereas adopting a participatory-incremental hybrid approach should provide a superior solution, which is discussed here in the context of Life Cycle Assessment by resource managers. Conclusion Resource management tends to be both incremental and participatory; and whilst decisions are strongly informed by science, on reflection, the process of formulating decisions is rarely rational-comprehensive. We suggest greater retrospective analysis of resource management decisions at a theoretical level. This may result in adoption of a theoretical framework which better supports practice, a reduction in tensions between those trained in the arts and sciences; and more ‘freedom’ in practice, through a softening of the focus on optimality.

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Adaptive Management: Popular but Difficult to Implement

Conceptual Innovation in Environmental Policy ◽

10.7551/mitpress/9780262036580.003.0007 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Judith A. Layzer ◽

Alexis Schulman

Keyword(s):

Resource Management ◽

Natural Resources ◽

Adaptive Management ◽

Natural Resource Management ◽

Natural Resource ◽

Real World ◽

Management Practice ◽

Implementation Challenges ◽

Resource Managers ◽

Natural Resource Managers

Popularized by scientists in the 1970s, adaptive management is an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach to managing landscapes and natural resources. Despite its broad appeal many critics complain that adaptive management rarely works in practice as prescribed in theory. This chapter traces the history and evolution of the concept and assess its implementation challenges. One reason adaptive management has not always delivered on its promise to make natural resource management more “rational” is that in the real world of policymaking scientists and natural resource managers must contend with advocates that have conflicting values and goals. Scientists and managers also operate in the context of institutions that create particular constraints and opportunities, and are generally inflexible and resistant to change. In recognition of these sociopolitical realities, the focus of much adaptive management practice and scholarship has shifted to governance, particularly collaboration with stakeholders, transformation of the institutions responsible for management, and the process of social learning.

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