Robust judgement elicitation techniques to cope with conservation conflicts

While the central role of local communities in understanding and managing conservation conflicts is by now widely known, and supported by ample evidence, many conservation scientists still struggle to perform a robust... [ view full abstract ]

While the central role of local communities in understanding and managing conservation conflicts is by now widely known, and supported by ample evidence, many conservation scientists still struggle to perform a robust selection, application and analysis of qualitative social science techniques. This contribution focuses on a range of judgement elicitation techniques that can used in managing conservation conflicts. Based on two case studies -one in Galapagos, Ecuador, and one in Uganda- we present a reflection on the solidity of the arguments and the background needed to apply Q methodology and Nominal Group Technique (NGT) in the field. The lessons drawn from these cases will inform the choice of the appropriate mix of methods best suited to integrate the knowledge, perceptions and concerns of different groups of stakeholders involved in –the management and mitigation of- conservation conflicts.