Evaluating collaborative planning methods supporting programme-based planning in natural resource management.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Planning
• Natural Resource Management
• Collaborative Decision-Making

Background:

• Programme-based Planning of Natural Resources (PBPNR) addresses complex land use, environmental, and forest management issues.
• Effective PBPNR integrates environmental, technological, economic, and socio-political factors, requiring collaboration and learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze 43 collaborative planning methods for their applicability within the PBPNR framework.
• To develop and present an approach for screening methods based on key criteria for planning phases.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative assessment and peer review of 43 collaborative planning methods.
• Screening applicability based on criteria for problem identification, modelling, and solving phases.
• Cluster analysis to evaluate methods based on their capabilities.

Main Results:

• Most methods effectively handle qualitative data, enhance transparency, capture stakeholder preferences, and yield understandable results.
• Many methods lack features for managing uncertainty and stimulating creativity or innovation.
• Method applicability varies across planning phases, with 'Planning for Real,' 'Open Space,' and 'A'WOT' showing broad promise.

Conclusions:

• PBPNR requires collaborative methods that address its multifaceted challenges.
• A systematic screening approach is valuable for selecting appropriate planning tools.
• Specific methods like 'Planning for Real,' 'Open Space,' and 'A'WOT' are recommended for diverse PBPNR applications.