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FORUM: Bioregional Conflict Resolution: Rebuilding Community in Watershed Planning and Organizing
1Ocean and Coastal Policy Center, Building 445, Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
Environmental Management
|May 26, 1999
Summary
Watershed planning faces deep value-based conflicts beyond economic versus ecosystem interests. Successful long-term watershed management requires rebuilding community infrastructure to support social and bioregional networks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecosystem Management
- Conflict Resolution
Background:
- Watershed-based planning is crucial for integrated ecosystem management.
- Collaborative processes are central to watershed management.
- Managers face complex conflicts beyond economic vs. ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize value-based conflicts in watershed planning.
- To identify strategies for successful long-term watershed management.
Main Methods:
- Survey of watershed organization members.
- Analysis of value-based conflicts.
Main Results:
- Watershed managers encounter deep value-based conflicts.
- Collaborative decision-making is important but insufficient alone.
Conclusions:
- Successful watershed planning needs strong community-based infrastructure.
- Rebuilding social and bioregional networks is key for long-term success.