Report And Case Studies

Author: Ann Koontz and Bhishma Subedi
Publisher: SRDIS
Language: English
Date of Publication: February, 1998
Number of Pages: N/A
Price: Free

This case has provided us with several key lessons, most of which we feel are applicable to the majority of groups interested in community based resource management.

1. An area cannot be too far degraded or too pristine for a combined enterprise/conservation project to be effective. If an area is too pristine, it is difficult to get people to realize the importance of conservation; too degraded and restoration work must be done before enterprise activities can be initiated.
2. The economic activity should be the entry point with the communities. While biological monitoring and conservation education must also be initiated from the start, economic benefits win the trust and respect of community members and get them interested in resource management issues faster.
3. International NGOs such as ANSAB and ATI have a catalytic role to play in community based resource management, but local and national level institutions need to be integrated into the process from the start for long-term sustainability of the activities and replication.
4. Forums that bring together the government, NGOs, private sector, community groups, and research institutions are essential to open dialogue and effective feedback on policy implementation strategies.
5. Last but not least, communities must have economic control of the resources. Tenure alone is not sufficient. Communities must also have access to technical, management, and marketing expertise to effectively manage their natural resources.