Evaluating adaptive co-management as conservation conflict resolution: Learning from seals and salmon

Area of Science:

• Social-ecological systems analysis
• Conservation conflict resolution
• Adaptive co-management (ACM)

Background:

• Complex social-ecological problems often involve entrenched stakeholder conflicts.
• Adaptive co-management (ACM) integrates learning, knowledge generation, and power-sharing.
• ACM offers a potential framework for resolving conservation disputes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ACM as a conflict resolution mechanism.
• To analyze the evolution and success factors of ACM over 10 years.
• To identify challenges and propose solutions for sustaining ACM.

Main Methods:

• Case study evaluation of ACM in Scotland's seal and salmon fishery conflict.
• Stakeholder interviews conducted in 2011 to characterize ACM's evolution.
• Application of established evaluation approaches from social-ecological systems literature.

Main Results:

• ACM successfully resolved a long-standing conflict, driven by shifts in environmental variables and external shocks.
• Three evolutionary phases observed: leadership emergence, policy windows, and partnership building.
• Government power and stakeholder willingness were critical; however, 'stakeholder apathy' now threatens resilience.

Conclusions:

• Government support is crucial for ACM effectiveness in conservation conflict.
• Sustaining ACM requires addressing declining engagement and leadership.
• Long-term government resourcing and alternative financing are vital for enduring conflict resolution.