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.