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Understanding land and resources management planning processes in British Columbia : a qualitative approach

University of British Columbia

The introduction of public participation into land and resource management planning processes in British Columbia is portentous in terms of its scope and involvement. This program, known as the Provincial Land Use Strategy, is based on the concept of consensus or shared decision-making. This planning approach has required a major commitment of time and use of resources, not only by the provincial government but also by the individuals involved in these processes. Yet, at the same time, it has been a tremendous challenge and struggle, and many questions still remain unanswered. This research seeks to explore and understand people's views in public participation and land and resource management planning processes through their own unique experiences and associations. It is hoped that this research can lead to a better understanding of the way these planning processes appear to these people, and through that insight, lead to improvements in practice. This research uses alternative dispute resolution theory, conflict resolution, and human dimensions research (HDR) frameworks as an analytical model. This study utilises a qualitative case study approach, in-depth interviewing, a rigorous approach to data collection and analysis, and appropriate verification procedures (Creswell 1998). Qualitative analysis of the data revealed three overarching themes reflecting important issues or concerns to participants: legitimacy, efficacy, and efficiency. These themes were identified as essential planning components that contribute to either the promotion or preclusion of these planning processes. The recognition of these themes and the factors that comprise them elucidates the complexities of the concerns and issues of participants regarding land and resource management planning processes in British Columbia. It provides a comprehensiveness not identified in other studies and highlights categories of concern that need to be probed and examined further. Finally these cntena presents an alternative measure to some of the traditional approaches used to evaluate similar public dispute processes.

Thesis/Dissertation

application/pdf

2009-06-16

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/9228

Resource Management and Environmental Studies

University of British Columbia

UBCV

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