Community-based natural resource management

Definition

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is an approach that empowers local communities to manage and utilize natural resources sustainably. This strategy emphasizes the role of local people in decision-making processes, ensuring that their knowledge and practices are integrated into resource management, which can lead to more effective conservation and equitable use of resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CBNRM helps to enhance local livelihoods by allowing communities to benefit directly from the sustainable use of their natural resources.
2. This approach encourages biodiversity conservation as local communities become stewards of their environments, using traditional knowledge and practices.
3. CBNRM can reduce conflict over resources by involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.
4. It has been successfully implemented in various regions worldwide, addressing issues such as deforestation, overfishing, and land degradation.
5. Community empowerment through CBNRM leads to increased resilience against environmental changes by promoting adaptive management strategies.

Review Questions

• How does community-based natural resource management empower local communities in decision-making processes?
  • Community-based natural resource management empowers local communities by actively involving them in decision-making regarding the use and conservation of their natural resources. This participation ensures that the knowledge, values, and needs of local people are considered, leading to more relevant and effective resource management strategies. By giving communities ownership over these resources, they are more likely to engage in sustainable practices and take responsibility for maintaining their environment.
• Discuss the impact of community-based natural resource management on biodiversity conservation efforts.
  • Community-based natural resource management has a significant positive impact on biodiversity conservation by integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation practices. Local communities often have a deep understanding of their ecosystems and can effectively manage resources in a way that maintains biodiversity. By involving these communities in conservation efforts, CBNRM fosters stewardship and encourages sustainable practices that protect habitats and species while also meeting community needs.
• Evaluate the long-term sustainability of community-based natural resource management compared to traditional top-down resource management approaches.
  • The long-term sustainability of community-based natural resource management is often greater than that of traditional top-down approaches due to its inclusive nature and emphasis on local engagement. Unlike top-down models that can overlook local conditions and knowledge, CBNRM aligns resource management with the realities and needs of communities. This increases compliance and investment in sustainable practices among locals. Furthermore, by fostering relationships between stakeholders, CBNRM helps build social capital and resilience against external pressures, leading to more sustainable outcomes over time.

Related terms

Sustainable Development: A development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.

Participatory Governance: A governance model that encourages the involvement of various stakeholders, particularly local communities, in decision-making processes regarding resource management.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services that contribute to human well-being.