Networks and Institutions in Natural Resource Management

Managing natural resources sustainably is a complex task that demands the involvement of many different stakeholders. Network arrangements are increasingly used to try and achieve such sustainable management. This book assesses the practice of such networks using original research into case studies of landscape, habitat and water management from England, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Zimbabwe. Informed by institutionalist theory, the case studies explore the role of social capital and institutional capacity in successful networking. They demonstrate the importance of policy champions and of developing a common problem framework, often based on a common knowledge base. Norms of mutuality and reciprocity together with trust are shown to play a major role in implementing jointly developed strategies for managing natural resources. While highlighting the potential of networks, the research also identifies the limitations of such arrangements, suggesting a continuing need for national frameworks to provide financial incentives and regulate local action. This original and up-to-date research will appeal to scholars as well as undergraduates, graduates and practitioners interested in geography, environmental studies, planning studies and environmental politics.