Natural resource decisions require consideration at many levels, ranging from how one invertebrate will be affected by a nearby road, to how an entire watershed will be transformed by a massive clearcut. Considerations reach farther than just the local ecological community-human communities, economies, and future impacts on the communities and economies must also be considered. Integral to decision-making is having the correct information, which best comes from effective communication. Because scientific results are frequently used in natural resource decision-making, communicating science effectively is particularly important. In the context of natural resource decision-making, this study examines how Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) scientists in the Pacific Northwest view communication actions for disseminating scientific research results. Secondary survey data were used with over 150 surveys returned for an 82% response rate. Perspectives on the importance of communication were analyzed with data illustrating socio-demographic information and theoretical scientific attitudes. The results support the proposition that many scientists find more participatory, holistic communication actions involving the extended peer community to be very important. Certain variables, including age, theoretical attitude, and organization of employment, significantly affect the degree of importance reported by the scientists and can be used to predict responses for specific areas of communication. / Graduation date: 2004

Wildlife management in Moryambique has had a troubled history. The end of civil war and installment of a democratic Government provided opportunity to redefine policy and implementation of conservation. Weakened by civil strife and with wildlife decimated in many areas, Government sought approaches to conservation that would promote participation by investors and civil society, particularly rural communities. The intention is to acknowledge the rights of rural people to resources and the benefits that can accrue from their use. Partnerships are seen as a way in which Government can bring the required financial and human resources to bear whilst at the same time engendering positive attitudes to conservation in general, and to policy in particular. The purpose of this research is to examine, using two case study conservation areas, the consequences of Government's attempts to implement its policy. The philosophical basis for the research is that policy reform and implementation should be envisaged as a complex system comprising many interactions and that when this complexity is not acknowledged and addressed systemically, it predisposes the process of policy reform and implementation to failure. A principal cause of failure is considered to be that assumptions are not made explicit and this results in development and application of an approach that does not accord with reality. Further, because of the networked nature of the system, failure at one point can be magnified as its consequences are propagated through the system. A conceptual framework for policy reform and implementation is developed. This exposes some critical assumptions about Government's capacity to implement policy and the ways in which implementation is experienced by stakeholders, especially local communities. Context is provided by tracing the evolution of approaches to conservation in Moryambique from the pre-colonial era to the present. The findings are that Government does not have the capacity to implement its conservation policy and this is shown to have serious implications for how local people perceive and respond to Government approaches to conservation. Causal factors are analysed and assessed. It is concluded that the process of policy reform and implementation is complex but that a systems approach provides a simple and easily comprehended way in which this complexity can be interpreted and taken into account with potentially very significant benefits. Perceptions are shown to be a powerful determinant of response to policy reform and implementation. As these are commonly a basis for destructive tensions between parties, it is suggested that research directed at defining the principles that should underpin management of perceptions and tensions should be encouraged. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programmes are implemented to ensure sustainable use and protection of the environment through appropriate capacity enhancement and empowerment mechanisms. CBNRM is an approach that has multiple objectives, such as enhancing the capacity, of communities to manage resources sustainably, and creating employment opportunities to enhance livelihoods of the communities. CBNRM programmes are implemented in South Africa by different government departments and organisations to achieve these objectives. Despite such interventions, communities often display insufficient knowledge and capacity necessary for effective participation in addressing natural resource management issues. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of a CBNRM programme on the capacity of the KwaPitela community to manage natural resources for sustainable use. To address the main objective of this study, three sub-objectives were identified: firstly, to determine the community members’ ability to apply skills and knowledge in the management of natural resources for sustainable use; secondly to determine the community’s ability to participate with different stakeholders in the management of natural resources; and thirdly determine the community’s ability to make decisions about the management of natural resources for sustainable use. A basic qualitative research design was used and data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Selected documents were analysed to confirm specific aspects of the qualitative data. The participants of this study were the KwaPitela development committee, members of the community, and stakeholders mandated to equip the KwaPitela community in CBNRM competencies. Regarding the first sub-objective it was evident that the development committee can apply planning, networking, and leadership skills as a result of the CBNRM programme. The development committee and members involved in the harvesting of natural resources displayed knowledge related to invasive alien species, legislative processes, and the importance of natural resources as an essential for their livelihood. These skills and knowledge were, however, not applied by the community members who were not involved in natural resource management and leadership processes. The development committee and members of the community are still in need of further skills and knowledge, for example entrepreneurship skills and knowledge on how to sustain projects, in order to successfully implement the land use management plan, as developed during the CBNRM programme. Meeting the second sub-objective, it was evident that the development committee had the capability to facilitate participation with stakeholders, but the development committee felt that they were not getting enough support from the stakeholders. In assessing the third subobjective, it became evident that the development committee was able to make well - informed decisions in natural resource management, but they lacked the ability to influence and implement the decisions taken. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

This dissertation seeks to expose through a systemic approach the complexity and centrality of governance in community-based natural resource management (CBNRM). This is premised on the hypothesis that an appreciation of this complexity and of drawing analytic distinctions between governance and management is necessary for successful interventions. The study adopts community-based environmental governance (CBEG) as the core heuristic variable in a conceptual framework for analysing CBNRM. The application of this framework generates empirical evidence concerning CBNRM processes adopted in the Kafue Flats socio-biophysical system. It is illustrated that CBNRM processes are established and implemented in a complex context. It is observed that social actors on the Kafue Flats usually do not constructively understand and appreciate this complexity. Several examples are demonstrated in which the thinking and actions of these actors reflect a limited conceptual framework of systems thinking and the inherent complexity in CBNRM. It is illustrated that these actors do not appreciate that CBNRM is a significant component of the governance of natural resource utilisation. This lack of appreciation is essentially identified as a contributing factor to poor performance. Ultimately, CBNRM processes are not only about sustainable use of natural resources; but also the nature and quality of relationships amongst social actors in CBEG. By drawing attention to these relationships, this study broadens our understanding of what goes into CBNRM processes. The implications of ignoring these relationships can be detrimental to the success of CBNRM. Accordingly, the establishment of productive CBNRM systems depends on how firmly CBEG issues and concerns are incorporated into CBNRM analyses and operations. Evidently, CBNRM cannot be pragmatically pursued in rigid socio-biophysical settings. It requires systemic and structural changes in the socio-political, economic and cultural mechanisms of CBEG. Thus, all cooperating partners, governments included, should accept that CBEG and CBNRM are inseparable. This understanding necessitates them to spearhead CBEG capacity building schemes at international, national and local levels. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

This thesis is a critical examination of the history of philosophies governing public education in the United States. The first half, chapters one through six, outlines American conceptions of the role of the school in relation to the state and to democracy. The second half is an account of critical progressive philosophies that have challenged the American status-quo since the independence. The main argument that I propose here is that the creation of an education system in America has followed the philosophies of federalism and private democracy. These philosophies are economically centered and define the citizen in economic terms. Progressive educators have long questioned this definition and seek to redefine citizenship to describe participatory democracy, and communication based on experience and an ethic of care.

Thesis (MScFor (Forest and Wood Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / jfl2010 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The past forest management strategies in Zambia did not allow participation of local communities in the management of Forest Reserves and sharing of benefits. The Zambia forest sector was reviewed between 1987 and 1997 culminating into the National Forestry Policy of 1998 and Forests Act of 1999, which provided for joint or participatory forestry management and share of derived benefits. In 2000, the Forestry Department initiated a pilot project to develop and implement JFM. This study was conducted in Dambwa JFM area in Livingstone to evaluate local people’s participation in JFM; perceptions on the effect of JFM on local livelihoods; and the impact of JFM on forest condition. The study was conducted through the use of household questionnaires, interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, field observation, and vegetation assessment. The results showed that more than half (68%) of the respondents were aware of JFM and almost the same number (64%) participated in JFM project. Participation of men in JFM activities was higher than women, although more women attended meetings than men. The results further showed that local management structures existed at district, forest area and village levels for coordination of JFM activities. Forest User Groups (FUGs) were also established in the area. The prominent FUG was the Mungongo oil pressing and was the only FUG functional at the time of the study. Forest Management Committee, Village Resources Management Committee and FUG members were found to be more involved in JFM activities than other members of the local community. Only a small number (8%) of local people reported improvement in household socio-economic conditions after the introduction of JFM, while the majority (79%) perceived the Forestry Department to be the major beneficiary in the JFM. The study revealed that there was a loss of enthusiasm in JFM among local people largely due to the absence of economic benefits and limited decision-making powers. However, the relationship between local people and Forestry Department was reported to have improved. The overall forest stocking was found to be low (219 SPH) with nearly all (90%) of the stems below 30 cm DBH, including the selected valuable tree species of Baikiaea plurijuga, Pterocarpus angolensis, Guibourtia coleosperma, Afzelia quanzensis and Colophospermum mopane. This implies that the forest area was previously overexploited rendering it uneconomical for commercial exploitation to provide benefits to local people on sustainable basis. However, the results showed a lot of saplings (10,000 SPH) in the Forest Reserve signifying adequate regeneration, including that of the valuable species, except for Afzelia quanzensis and Guibourtia coleosperma. The abundant natural regeneration implies that there was adequate forest protection and management following the introduction of JFM, which enhances regeneration. It is recommended that the Forestry Department should continue with public awareness on JFM to increase understanding and stakeholders’ involvement. The Forests Act of 1999 should be commenced and amended to support full implementation of JFM. The value of the forest also needs to be enhanced to increase benefit for local people and long-term conservation.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:25:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-04-11Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:26:18Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 toledo_ra_me_arafcl.pdf: 3826288 bytes, checksum: 570e3b0c2d2771b73e2970f4f8184fb1 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Durante quase 20 anos (1982-2000) a administração local conheceu com perfis conservadores na formulação e implementação de políticas públicas em Araraquara. Nas eleições de 2000 essa elite política não se acordou possibilitando a ascensão do atual Prefeito Edson Antônio da Silva, o Edinho do PT. O rompimento dessa elite política nas eleições de 2000 criou um cenário positivo para a implementação de projetos de gestão cidadã das políticas públicas, assim como a constituição de conselhos municipais com foco na sustentabilibade ampliada. Referimo-nos ao projeto da sociedade civil organizada chamado Agenda 21 Local, e a reativação/implementação de dois conselhos municipais, o Conselho de Política Urbana e Ambiental, COMPUA responsável pelo Plano Diretor, e o Conselho Municipal de Defesa do Meio Ambiente, COMDEMA respon'savel pelo Código Municipal de Gestão Ambiental. Torna-se fundamental, entretanto, analisar o papel destes fóruns: se são verdadeiros fóruns onde as decisões são diretamente compartilhadas ou dito de outra forma, se existe realmente o que chamamos de partilha do poder. Pretendemos também analisar a atuação da ONG Araraquara Viva enquanto pomotora do projeto Agenda 21Local - trazendo para a discussão no minicípio o conceito de sutentabilidade na formulação e implementação de políticas públicas -, e seu processo de incorporação ao Plano Diretor de Araraquara. Para analisarmos esse processo conduzimos uma pesquisa pautada em procedimentos de análise de documentos, artigos publicados nos jornais locais, decretos emitidos pelo Poder Público, Projetos de Leis, entrevistas com os principais atores políticos e lideranças envolvidas no processo no período de 2001-2004, bem como bibliografia de apoio. / During almost 20 years (1982-2000) the local administration knew Mayors with profiles conservaties in the formularization and implementation of public politics in Araraquara. In the elections of 2000 this elite politics it was not waked up making possible the ascension of current Mayor Edson Antonio da Silva, the Edinho of the PT. The disruption of this elite politics in the 2000 elections created a positive scene for the implementation of management projects citizen of the public politics, as well as the constituon of city councils with focus in the extended sustentabilidade. We mention the project of the organized civil society called Agenda 21 Place, and the reativação/implementação of two city councils, the Advice of Urban and Ambient Politics, responsible COMPUA for the Managing Plan, and the City council of Defense of the Environment, responsible COMDEMA to for the Municipal Code of Ambient Management. One becomes basic, however, to analyze the paper of these fóruns: if they are true fóruns where the decisions directly are shared or said, if really exists what we call allotment of the power. We also intend to analyse the performance of the ONG promotional Araraquara-Viva while of the project Agenda 21 Local - bringing for the quarrel in the city the concept of sustentabiblidade in the formularization and implementation of public politics -, and its process of incorporation to the Managing Plan od Araraquara. To analyze this process we will go we lead a research pautada in procedures of document analusis, articles published in local periodicals, decrees emitted for the Public Power, Projects of Law, involved interviews with the main actors politicians and leaderships in the process in the period of 2001-2004, as well as support bibliography.

Orientador: Maria Teresa Miceli Kerbauy / Banca: Darlene A. Ferreira de Oliveira / Banca: Norma Felicidade Lopes da Silva Valencio / Resumo: Durante quase 20 anos (1982-2000) a administração local conheceu com perfis conservadores na formulação e implementação de políticas públicas em Araraquara. Nas eleições de 2000 essa elite política não se acordou possibilitando a ascensão do atual Prefeito Edson Antônio da Silva, o Edinho do PT. O rompimento dessa elite política nas eleições de 2000 criou um cenário positivo para a implementação de projetos de gestão cidadã das políticas públicas, assim como a constituição de conselhos municipais com foco na sustentabilibade ampliada. Referimo-nos ao projeto da sociedade civil organizada chamado Agenda 21 Local, e a reativação/implementação de dois conselhos municipais, o Conselho de Política Urbana e Ambiental, COMPUA responsável pelo Plano Diretor, e o Conselho Municipal de Defesa do Meio Ambiente, COMDEMA respon'savel pelo Código Municipal de Gestão Ambiental. Torna-se fundamental, entretanto, analisar o papel destes fóruns: se são verdadeiros fóruns onde as decisões são diretamente compartilhadas ou dito de outra forma, se existe realmente o que chamamos de partilha do poder. Pretendemos também analisar a atuação da ONG Araraquara Viva enquanto pomotora do projeto Agenda 21Local - trazendo para a discussão no minicípio o conceito de sutentabilidade na formulação e implementação de políticas públicas -, e seu processo de incorporação ao Plano Diretor de Araraquara. Para analisarmos esse processo conduzimos uma pesquisa pautada em procedimentos de análise de documentos, artigos publicados nos jornais locais, decretos emitidos pelo Poder Público, Projetos de Leis, entrevistas com os principais atores políticos e lideranças envolvidas no processo no período de 2001-2004, bem como bibliografia de apoio. / Abstract: During almost 20 years (1982-2000) the local administration knew Mayors with profiles conservaties in the formularization and implementation of public politics in Araraquara. In the elections of 2000 this elite politics it was not waked up making possible the ascension of current Mayor Edson Antonio da Silva, the Edinho of the PT. The disruption of this elite politics in the 2000 elections created a positive scene for the implementation of management projects citizen of the public politics, as well as the constituon of city councils with focus in the extended sustentabilidade. We mention the project of the organized civil society called Agenda 21 Place, and the reativação/implementação of two city councils, the Advice of Urban and Ambient Politics, responsible COMPUA for the Managing Plan, and the City council of Defense of the Environment, responsible COMDEMA to for the Municipal Code of Ambient Management. One becomes basic, however, to analyze the paper of these fóruns: if they are true fóruns where the decisions directly are shared or said, if really exists what we call allotment of the power. We also intend to analyse the performance of the ONG promotional Araraquara-Viva while of the project Agenda 21 Local - bringing for the quarrel in the city the concept of sustentabiblidade in the formularization and implementation of public politics -, and its process of incorporation to the Managing Plan od Araraquara. To analyze this process we will go we lead a research pautada in procedures of document analusis, articles published in local periodicals, decrees emitted for the Public Power, Projects of Law, involved interviews with the main actors politicians and leaderships in the process in the period of 2001-2004, as well as support bibliography. / Mestre

No description available.

The study was conducted in the Amazizi Traditional Administrative Council Area, in the Obonjaneni community, which is the closest community to the Royal Natal Park, KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of the research was to evaluate how trust-based relationships can affect the ability of protected area managers to meet the objective of biodiversity conservation. The objectives of the study involved determining the nature and basis of the current relationship between communities and park authorities in the Royal Natal Park; determining the resilience of their relationship and commenting on how these relationships might be better developed. Data collection was undertaken using focus groups from the community; key informant interviews with Park authorities (represented by the Officer in Charge), the Community Conservation Officer, and the Tribal Authority (represented by the inkosi). Three dimensions of trust, adapted from Grunig and Hon (1999), were used as a conceptual framework in investigating the extent to which trust can be assessed in the case study. The dimensions of trust are: integrity, competence, and dependability. The researcher found that there is no forum for the exchange of ideas where the Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW) authority can act to address community concerns and facilitate the formulation of greater levels of trust. Several issues came up during data collection which showed that all the three dimensions of trust were under serious threat. There was inadequate communication amongst all the parties involved. Misunderstanding and the lack of adequate communication are key threats to trust between these parties. Findings draw attention to deficiencies in the competence and dependability of all parties and in the ability to develop and maintain trust-based relationships. In order to develop a better relationship between the community of Obonjaneni and the Royal Natal Park authorities, it is recommended that the Park involves the community members of Obonjaneni, who are the interested and affected party, in decision-making processes that directly affect them. This entails the formation of a forum for the exchange of ideas and one where the EKZNW authority can act to address community concerns – and where the community can voice its concerns. Furthermore, success in meeting the main objective of the park, that of biodiversity conservation; requires recognition among all stakeholders that the Park alone cannot solve poverty and underdevelopment in the surrounding areas. Other Government Departments also need to be involved in poverty reduction. The Park also needs to continue to play its role of providing resources and improving the communication with surrounding communities: these are critical areas of competency of the park authorities. Communities, because they have different levels of understanding and capacity, need to be helped to understand issues of conservation. Sharing the same set of values, which in this case is biodiversity conservation, may be successful if people, despite issues of poverty, are made to understand the critical importance of such a conservation ethic. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.