Adapting participatory processes to fine-tune conservation approaches in multiactor decision settings

Area of Science:

• Conservation Science
• Institutional Economics
• Environmental Management

Background:

• Conservation decisions occur in complex, uncertain environments with diverse stakeholders.
• Existing conservation literature underutilizes insights from institutional economic theories.
• Understanding stakeholder values and power dynamics is crucial for effective conservation action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To devise a framework for conservation scientists and practitioners to navigate multiactor decision-making settings.
• To apply insights from institutional economics, specifically economies of worth, to conservation challenges.
• To help conservation professionals adapt strategies based on the specific features of decision-making contexts.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework based on institutional economic theories, particularly economies of worth.
• Classified types of values and interactions among stakeholders in conservation projects.
• Identified 6 types of agreements and disagreements (harmony, arrangement, compromise, locked-in) based on value alignment and convergence potential.
• Formulated key questions and identified participatory processes to adapt conservation strategies.

Main Results:

• The framework helps categorize stakeholder interactions in conservation settings.
• Distinguishes between disagreements on values versus their application.
• Identifies conditions for convergence toward common values among actors.
• Provides guidance on adapting strategies to specific disagreement types.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework enhances the ability of conservation professionals to address complex multiactor dynamics.
• Integrating institutional economics offers valuable tools for understanding and managing conservation conflicts.
• Adaptive strategies informed by stakeholder value analysis are essential for successful conservation outcomes.