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chapter 18 Conflict Resolution RECOGNIZING AND MANAGING DISCORD IN RESOURCE PROTECTION Gregory A. Giusti Editors’ note: This chapter represents the only contribution from an author who has not worked directly in Costa Rica. The topic presented here pertains to collaboration, which is of great importance in implementing any conservation project. As editors , we wanted to include a model for collaboration that could be used universally in cases in which there was sufficient societal infrastructure. Greg Giusti’s model fits our need perfectly. It is based on years of work as a practicing cooperative extension specialist and collaboration moderator for the University of California. There can be no greater accomplishment for a resource professional than to bring together a divergent group of individuals and interests to forge a comprehensive plan for biological conservation. Inherent in this proclamation is the recognition that multiple variables of economic, environmental, and social prejudices will play a role in the dynamics of any group brought together to develop such a plan. Individuals participating in such a discussion will undoubtedly bring with them biased points of view to suit their particular needs and may have little or no regard for opposing perspectives. In order for a resource professional to assist in resolving resource management conflicts he or she must (1) recognize that such myopic viewpoints exist and (2) develop a process that enables a wide-ranging discussion allowing inclusion of multiple viewpoints (Lee 1991). Schindler and Cheek (1999) expand on Lee’s approach by identifying six criteria important to the success of citizen-agency interactions. They suggest that the process is most effective when (1) it is open and inclusive; (2) it is built on skilled leadership and interactive forums; (3) it includes innovative and flexible methods; (4) involvement is early and continuous; (5) efforts result in action; and (6) the process seeks to build trust among participants . Simply stated, resource professionals must recognize and accept that natural resource conflict resolution is an exercise in social tutelage, 237 directing and motivating participants in a process of progressive instruction with the ultimate goal of actions that lead to resource conservation. This chapter provides guidance for those who have been trained in the art and science of biology (or some other scientific discipline) but have never been taught how to deliver their disciplinary expertise to a generally naive citizenry. This new style of resource management (Wondolleck and Yaffee 2000) has important implications for both resource sustainability and professional credibility (see also chapter 20). PEOPLE AND NATURE: MAKING THE CONNECTION Most practicing biologists are aware that the primary cause for the loss of biological diversity throughout the world is the alteration of habitats through a variety of human-induced land-use practices (Soulé 1995; USGS 2001). Unfortunately , in today’s tumultuous world, few people have the luxury to contemplate abstract and complex theories of biological diversity, ecosystem integrity, or the relationship between Homo sapiens and their natural environment. Yet there are those who have repeatedly warned of the consequences of ignoring the protection of the natural systems and the potential impact on human societies (Erlich 1986). Fortunately, if people (and communities) are provided with the information , and if they make the effort, they can begin to understand the basic tenets of evolution, ecological structures, and biological relationships— ecological principles that are the result of millions of years of environmental factors. In order to direct efforts aimed at developing programs that promote sustainable environments, people must be provided with an opportunity to understand how these environments function and recognize how humanity plays an integral part in altering the natural workings of ecological systems. A necessary and important step in establishing a process of helping people assimilate the connection between environmental degradation and human effects is creating a forum that provides the time people need to receive, consider, and discuss complex biological concepts and ecological relationships (Giusti et al. 1991). Even then, conflict between divergent viewpoints may remain poignant and perhaps bitter. The realization that broad public participation and community involvement are needed in conservation planning is becoming more accepted even by institutions that have historically been reluctant to involve external participation in planning exercises, such as the United States Forest Service. It is important to remember that many of these institutions were not necessarily designed to consider community issues or cooperative landowner programs when developing regional conservation plans. To help address some of the institutional limitations to community resource conflict resolution, the 1993 report...

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