Adapting prospective structural analysis to strengthen sustainable management and capacity building in community-based natural resource management contexts

DELGADO-SERRANO, MARÍA DEL MAR; VANWILDEMEERSCH, PIETER; LONDON, SILVIA; ORTIZ-GUERRERO, CÉSAR; ESCALANTE SEMERENA, ROBERTO; ROJAS, MARA

ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY

RESILIENCE ALLIANCE

Año: 2016 vol. 21

1708-3087

Local communities collectively managing common pool resources can play an important role in sustainable management, but they often lack the skills and context-specific tools required for such management. The complex dynamics of social-ecological systems (SES), the need for management capacities, and communities? limited empowerment and participation skills present challenges for community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) strategies. We analyzed the applicability of prospective structural analysis (PSA), a strategic foresight tool, to support decision making and to foster sustainable management and capacity building in CBNRM contexts and the modifications necessary to use the tool in such contexts. By testing PSA in three SES in Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina, we gathered information regarding the potential of this tool and its adaptation requirements. The results suggest that the tool can be adapted to these contexts and contribute to fostering sustainable management and capacity building. It helped identify the systems? dynamics, thus increasing the communities? knowledge about their SES and informing the decision-making process. Additionally, it drove a learning process that both fostered empowerment and built participation skills. The process demanded both time and effort, and required external monitoring and facilitation, but community members could be trained to master it. Thus, we suggest that the PSA technique has the potential to strengthen CBNRM and that other initiatives could use it, but they must be aware of these requirements.(Thompson Scienfic (ISI) Expanded Science Citation Index; PAIS, CSA, DOAJ, entre otros. Factores de impacto: SJR: 1.93, H Index: 45, ISI 2010 impact factor: 3.310, 5 year impact factor: 4.644).