Natural resources

Is it possible to go beyond what the State declares to be the best way to manage natural resources? If yes, how? This publication attempst to answer these questions, by providing a practical manual for project officers, community members, government staff, NGO staff and others interested in participatory approaches to managing natural resources. It offers guidelines, checklists, concepts, ideas and a range of methods and tools to facilitate a co-management process.

This document is the product of extensive consultation between EC policy advisers and task managers dealing with biodiversity and the environment, and those working on natural resource and non-natural resource issues. The important issue of integrating biodiversity into development cooperation policy and practice is addressed. It highlights the need to realise biodiversity's full potential to support development while addressing the direct and underlying causes of its loss.