A sustainability framework based on threats, consequences, and solutions (TCS) for managing watershed commons

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Community-Based Resource Management
• Socio-Ecological Systems

Background:

• Sustainable management of common pool resources necessitates local knowledge and active participation.
• The interaction between communities and their local commons is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
• Assessing threats, consequences, and solutions (TCS) in relation to socioeconomic and landscape factors is vital for building resilient commons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a framework for managing common pool resources based on community perceptions of threats, consequences, and solutions (TCS).
• To investigate how socioeconomic and landscape factors influence community perceptions of natural resource status and management strategies.
• To enhance the resilience of local commons by integrating community-based knowledge into resource management.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 224 community members and stakeholders in Honduras's Lake Yojoa watershed.
• Ordinal logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing community perceptions of local commons.
• Community perceptions of land use and climate change impacts on natural resources were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Distance to the lake, landcover composition, slope, occupation, age, and the significance of tourism were significant factors influencing community perceptions of TCS.
• Community engagement in identifying TCS is critical for improving the resilience of local commons.
• Socioeconomic and landscape variables significantly shape how communities perceive and interact with their environment.

Conclusions:

• Community involvement in understanding and addressing threats, consequences, and solutions is paramount for the sustainable management of common pool resources.
• Integrating local knowledge with scientific data can lead to more effective strategies for enhancing the resilience of natural resources.
• The developed TCS framework provides a valuable tool for participatory resource management and conservation efforts.