Effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms in natural resource management in Ontario
Abstract
For a variety of reasons, the number and complexity of natural resource management
conflicts in Ontario is increasing rapidly. To evaluate the premise that existing natural
resource management planning processes are ineffective in preventing and/or resolving
natural resource use and management disputes, fifteen cases of natural resource conflict
prevention/resolution processes in Ontario were studied. The public
consultation/participation guidelines outlined in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Timber
Management Planning Manual for Crown Lands in Ontario (OMNR 1986a) were used as one
of the cases and as a benchmark for the comparison of other cases. Based on the analyses,
characteristics, pros, cons and effectiveness of each prevention/resolution process studied
were described. Conclusions support the premise and suggest that effective conflict
prevention/resolution processes must have the ability to be modified to accommodate unique
conflict characteristics such as type and source of conflict. Processes which allow for
varying levels of public participation and consultation tend to be most adaptable to necessary
modifications.
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- Retrospective theses [1604]