Community-based environmental management groups and the dynamic nature of success

Abstract

Community-based environmental management (CBEM) groups are increasingly being advocated as appropriate approaches to addressing local environmental problems in New Zealand. However, there is a lack of recognition and understanding of the nature of success of these groups.

This study investigates success from the perspectives of political science; sociology and social psychology; and environmental management. Theories of public participation and democracy; organisation and management; group development, dynamics and processes; communication; and Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) are used to develop a model that explains the dynamic nature of success.

The model identifies relationships and interactions between factors for success, combining the concepts of group development, organisation and structure, IEM, and partnership approaches to environmental management. It also identifies the relative importance of factors for success according to the stages of development, reflecting the dynamic nature of success. A preliminary assessment of the model in a case study recognised the identification of relationships, interactions, and relative importance of success factors as the strengths of the model. Recommendations are made regarding improvements of the model, research into the role and specific needs of CBEM groups, into the political and economic conditions for CBEM groups, and development of facilitation guidelines for agencies.