Human Dimensions Of Community-Based Conservation Of Endangered Sea Turtles On Shell Beach, Guyana Research Paper
In this report I investigate Human Dimension aspects of community-based sea turtle
conservation on Shell Beach, Guyana with special emphasis on stakeholder conflicts.
Based on personal observations, literature review, personal comments and unpublished
data I identified the project conditions as being characteristic of a wicked problem.
Further analysis revealed 5 key conflict situations (traditional subsistence use of sea
turtles vs. conservation, local fishing and farming vs. sea turtle conservation, poaching,
stakeholder interests and conflicts, alternative income development) arising from
different values, beliefs and attitudes among stakeholders. I found the current
management approach to be in a transition stage from Scenario Planning towards
Adaptive Management. I discuss technological, cognitive and structural fixes as
responses to the existing conflicts. Four aspects (clarification of management structure
and stakeholder roles, permanent presence of PAC representative, improving
community support for turtle conservation and building of national and international
awareness) which should be addressed with priority and recommended measures to be
taken are suggested
Area of interest: Guyana
Year: 2014