Managing natural resources together: The role of social capital in the co-management process.

摘要

The limitations of traditional institutional arrangements and innovative approaches regarding natural resource management are queried within this paper. Focus rests upon organizational capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of institutions for sustainable resource management (Mitchell, 1989; 1997; Maser, 1997). Theoretical and practical perspectives encompass this search. Concomitant are changes in government systems and a prevailing interest in governance at various levels. The thematic concept of co-management resonates in new institutional discussions.; A host of contemporary issues enhance the complexity of managing river corridors in Southern Ontario. The associated property rights linked with river corridors results in a mixed common-property ownership regime. Increased privatization often limits or precludes access and other uses of these resources.; This research specifically investigates development, form(s), and functioning of social capital in co-management from an emergent inter-organizational perspective. River corridors in Southern Ontario, as modified common property resources, provide the context for the research.; An action research approach is employed in three case studies. Data is collected primarily through field research techniques including interviews, direct observations, and participant observations. Qualitative analysis and interpretation proceeds through iterative cycles of coding and explanation building.; Results include an overview detailing timelines in which elements of the case study protocol were followed, a narrative conveying the meaning of information collected through field research procedures, and discussion of the results pertaining to the research questions. Analysis and synthesis across the cases focuses on determining variability.; Explanation building proposes a model of social capital in the co-management process. Within the initial inchoate stage of the model each actor has some amount of social capital. The formulation stage involves face-to-face interactions among the actors which influences their social capital. Once sufficient social capital is developed, the actors cross to the conjoint stage, characterized by shared implementation and learning.; Research investigating the emergence of co-management makes important contributions to theory and practice. These contributions are summarized and final reflections are offered in the form of recommendations to theory, methods, practice, and, policy. This compendium highlights the need to continue research in the realm of co-management with emphasis upon social relationships.