TY - JOUR

T1 - Navigating tensions in inclusive conservation

T2 - Learning from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands

AU - Ulug, Ciska

AU - Cebrián-Piqueras, Miguel A.

AU - Metzger, Marc

AU - Raymond, Christopher M.

AU - Verburg, Peter H.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors

PY - 2024/1/1

Y1 - 2024/1/1

N2 - Inclusive conservation is promoted as a means to integrate stakeholders in nature, conservation. Despite several studies recognizing that inclusive conservation of protected areas may be challenging and requires explicitly addressing potential tensions between stakeholders, little research has unpacked how these tensions manifest in specific contexts. This paper aims to explore possible approaches for navigating tensions to improve the facilitation of an inclusive conservation approach in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands. We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with stakeholders such as public and private landowners and, municipal and provincial governments in the national park. Results reveal a longer history of collaboration which still fails to address the root of the tensions. The experiences show that compromising or consensus building amongst stakeholders alone is not sufficient for achieving inclusive conservation. Guidance and clear goals set by policy, as well as sufficient investments in capacity and trust building are recommended to avoid inaction. Furthermore, we found that tensions are inextricably linked to different dimensions of power, such as discursive and structural power. While considering power in inclusive conservation can provide a realistic perspective we also, acknowledge that equalizing power is not the silver bullet underpinning this conservation approach.

AB - Inclusive conservation is promoted as a means to integrate stakeholders in nature, conservation. Despite several studies recognizing that inclusive conservation of protected areas may be challenging and requires explicitly addressing potential tensions between stakeholders, little research has unpacked how these tensions manifest in specific contexts. This paper aims to explore possible approaches for navigating tensions to improve the facilitation of an inclusive conservation approach in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands. We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with stakeholders such as public and private landowners and, municipal and provincial governments in the national park. Results reveal a longer history of collaboration which still fails to address the root of the tensions. The experiences show that compromising or consensus building amongst stakeholders alone is not sufficient for achieving inclusive conservation. Guidance and clear goals set by policy, as well as sufficient investments in capacity and trust building are recommended to avoid inaction. Furthermore, we found that tensions are inextricably linked to different dimensions of power, such as discursive and structural power. While considering power in inclusive conservation can provide a realistic perspective we also, acknowledge that equalizing power is not the silver bullet underpinning this conservation approach.

KW - Inclusive conservation

KW - Nature conservation

KW - Power

KW - Protected area management

KW - The, Netherlands

KW - Environmental planning

KW - Ecosystems Research

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85174938632&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.envsci.2023.103620

DO - 10.1016/j.envsci.2023.103620

M3 - Journal articles

AN - SCOPUS:85174938632

VL - 151

JO - Environmental Science and Policy

JF - Environmental Science and Policy

SN - 1462-9011

M1 - 103620

ER -