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

摘要: By linking iterative learning and knowledge generation with power-sharing, adaptive co-management (ACM) provides a potential solution to resolving complex social-ecological problems. In this paper we evaluate ACM as mechanism for conservation conflict using case study in Scotland, where seal salmon fishery stakeholders have opposing entrenched objectives. emerged 2002, successfully long-standing conflict. Applying evaluation approaches from the literature, 2011 interviewed characterise evolution of ACM, factors associated its success over 10 years. common other cases, triggers process were shifts slow variables controlling system (seal abundance, public perceptions shooting), exogenous shocks (changes legal mandates, disease outbreak). Also typical three phases evident: emerging local leadership preparing change, policy window opportunity, stakeholder partnerships building resilience system. Parameters maintaining mechanisms structures, power held by government, willingness all reach compromise experiment an alternative governance approach. Results highlighted critical role government support conflict, which may constrain extent stakeholder-driven ACM. The also demonstrated how, following perceived success, trajectory has shifted ‘stakeholder apathy’ phase, declining leadership, exchange, engagement, resilience. We discuss remedial actions required revive process, importance long term resourcing financing schemes successful resolution. Based on results present generic indicator framework participatory method longitudinal applied