Document(s) 17 de 18

IDRC, P. Bennett.

In this handbook, we have presented you with a very comprehensive and detailed reference on 'a' process for community-based co-management. It is a 'generic' process not 'the' process. As is hopefully clear at this point, there is no 'the' process since each situation where co-management may be used will be different. How co-management is undertaken in South Africa is different than in Belize and in the Philippines. There is a range of activities and methods that can be used in planning and implementing a co-management programme. This handbook is meant to stimulate thought and action. The handbook provides ideas, methods, techniques, activities, checklists, examples, questions and indicators for planning and implementation. It is meant to serve as a source of information for the practical planning and implementation of a co-management programme.

The user should become familiar with the complete process as presented in this handbook, think about the situation where co-management will be considered for use, and adapt the co-management process to the situation or community.

As presented in this handbook, there are a great many activities involved in undertaking a co-management programme. Some or all of the activities and methods may be relevant. It can be intimidating and overwhelming to think about what to do and where to start. After reviewing this handbook, you might say to yourself that you or your organization cannot possibly do all this. It would take too much money and time and effort. You don't have to do it all or do it all at once. If you do, you might possibly fail. It is best to start simple and keep it simple. Assess where the community is in the process and what needs to be done first – identify the problem and issues? Organize the fishing community? Empower the fishers with environmental education? Set priorities and move forward. Use the resources which are available to you.

The concept of community-based co-management has gained acceptance among governments, development agencies and development practitioners as an alternative fisheries management strategy to the top-down, centralized government approach to fisheries management. However, co-management may not be an appropriate alternative management strategy for every community or area. Centralized management may be more appropriate to the community or area. The development of co-management is neither automatic nor simple, nor is its sustainability guaranteed. Co-management does show promise for addressing many of the requirements for sustainability, equity and efficiency in fisheries and coastal resources management.

As presented in the final paragraphs of the book Managing Small-scale Fisheries: Alternative Directions and Methods (Berkes et al., 2001):

The reality is that we have to do something. Most small-scale fisheries and fishers around the world are in crisis. Since the current management approaches are not effective, trying something new may be better than maintaining the status quo.

What do you have to do? You will have to learn and think about these new concepts and techniques. Yes, it will take some work. It will involve study and discussion with others. As difficult as it may be, you will have to put aside your biases, whatever they may be about: the behaviour of fishers, the behaviour of managers, scientific superiority, the corruption of government. If we are to succeed, we must open our minds and refresh our thinking. This sounds transcendental; new directions often are. But what choice do we have? The future of our marine and coastal resources is at stake. People's lives and futures are at stake. You can make a difference!

Document(s) 17 de 18