Social dynamics and trade-off in biodiversity conflicts: building on common ground

Biodiversity conflict is defined as a conflict that emerges when the interests of two or more parties towards some aspect of biodiversity are competing, and when at least one of the parties is perceived to assert its interest... [ view full abstract ]

Biodiversity conflict is defined as a conflict that emerges when the interests of two or more parties towards some aspect of biodiversity are competing, and when at least one of the parties is perceived to assert its interest at the expense of another party. Our research aims to investigate social dynamics and potential common ground with regard to environmental issues, thus using an interdisciplinary and yet practical approach. To address the social and environmental interactions across different groups of actors, we studied a conflict surrounding human-jaguar coexistence in the Calakmul region, Mexico. Twenty-four interviews were carried out with local representatives to identify their main concerns regarding the environment in the region. Searching for common ground within a broader context is important since multiple and overlapping issues may be articulated as causes for concern in relation to beliefs or triggering actions that may generate conflict. A common ground approach also permits an understanding of how actors are able to modify their perceptions or actions to engage in collaboration in relation to different issues. Our analysis suggests that actor interplays are dynamic, and the level of common ground will vary among issues and across individuals and groups of actors. In Calakmul, interest in alternative sustainable activities creates greater common ground around which trust could be built and future collaborations developed. More controversial issues, like the management of impacts from wildlife such as the jaguar, were met with limited agreement; for these, resolution should be addressed over a long-term. Furthermore, the positions taken by actors reveal potential trade-offs for conflict resolution throughout other biodiversity conflicts in the area. A capacity building programme for veterinary skills to reduce numbers of cattle lost to disease, created by conservation organisations in exchange for a guarantee for jaguar protection could raise rancher tolerance toward this species. Whilst previous studies have focused on antagonism between actors, concentrating on the social dynamics and emphasising common ground around different issues helps us understand shared values and possible mutually agreeable actions. This approach facilitates the search for new solutions to conflict resolution, and favours integrated environmental management.