Collaboration in Guatemalan protected area management: Building understanding and capacity of co -management organizations in Regional Municipal Protected Area of Zunil.

摘要

The increasing number of co-management arrangements in the administration of protected areas around the world, and the new challenges co-managers face due to these arrangements have brought to the forefront the need to understand and strengthen capacities of the parties involved in co-management. This research focuses on building in-depth understanding about co-management from the perspectives of international experts and individuals and groups who are engaged in co-management at the Regional Municipal Protected Area of Zunil, Guatemala. This understanding emerged from the researcher's interpretation of information provided by international, co-management experts, direct involvement with an ongoing, place-based co-management situation, and the active involvement of co-participants. Capacity was enhanced among co-management organizations, managers, and other parties engaged in the research by creating a shared understanding of co-management via participatory action research (PAR). Additionally, PAR was used to adapt to the particular needs of the co-participants. This methodology in conjunction with Situated Learning Theory also served the purpose of guiding the monitoring of changes that occurred in interactions, organizational preparedness, and collaboration among co-management organizations. The study included three components: component 1 entailed the identification of themes to include in capacity building programs for co-management, using the Delphi technique; component 2 consisted of understanding the organizational context, definitions of co-management, gaining entry, and providing equitable voice to the different social players in Zunil; and component 3 involved the delivery and evaluation of activities to support capacity building efforts for Zunil's co-management. This study is already providing insights to other emerging co-management efforts in Guatemala.