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Abstract

Thomas, T., C. Gunden and A. Gadzey. 2009. Approaches for solving environmental conservation problems involving multiple stakeholders. JEMREST 6:00-00

10.4029/2009jemrest6no112

We propose an integrated model for formulating solutions to complex environmental conservation problems. Developing solutions to such problems requires the collective action of many diverse stakeholders. Although science plays a vital and indispensable role by telling us what is, it is human agents applying their values and judgment who decide how scientific data is applied to address environmental conservation problems. Deciding on a course of action is not always easy, even in the face of strong scientific evidence, because, invariably, there are a myriad of competing views from a diverse set of stakeholders which must be reconciled if the most feasible solution is to be developed and implemented. If one responsibility of planners and policy makers is to ensure that policy reflects stakeholder values in order to have stakeholder support, the question then is: how are diverse views reconciled and integrated to produce a feasible solution in a timely and cost efficient manner that are morally and politically acceptable? We have therefore synthesized information from current approaches to participatory decision-making and our own research data to propose a possible integrated model for formulating sustainable conservation solutions to complex environmental problems.