Participatory co-learning for human–wildlife coexistence: Reflections on a novel program applying systems thinking, nonviolent communication, and learning-based approaches

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

As wildlife habitats become increasingly fragmented, sharing landscapes with wildlife is becoming difficult and complex. Because stakeholders with diverging interests struggle to collaborate to manage human–wildlife interactions, new approaches are needed. Here we reflect on a novel participatory learning program we implemented with farmers in communal conservancies in the Zambezi region of Namibia. The 9 week program aimed to understand why human–wildlife conflict remained a challenge. We combined three theoretical framings in the program design—systems thinking, nonviolent communication, and learning based approaches. We summarize key outcomes of each session and reflect on the overall program. We found a synergistic effect of the three framings and concluded that our integrated program had been a useful collaborative learning tool to understand the human–wildlife governance system, identify interventions, empower communities, and build capacity for collaboration to improve human wellbeing and human–wildlife interactions. Drawing on our experience, we make suggestions for how the program could be adapted for similar or other environmental problems elsewhere.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAmbio
Volume53
Issue number10
Pages (from-to)1479-1491
Number of pages13
ISSN0044-7447
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10.2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

    Research areas

  • Collaborative governance, Human–wildlife conflict and coexistence, Learning-based approach in natural resource management, Nonviolent communication, Systems thinking, Wildlife governance
  • Environmental Governance
  • Environmental planning