Achieving Consensus on Management Negotiations
Once the key management objectives have been set and stakeholders identified, an implementation plan with specific actions, responsibilities, schedule and management prescriptions is required. This will require compromise if consensus and acceptance is to be achieved. One should bear the following points in mind.
Remember the big picture
What is the overall objective? If it is the planting of new woodlands or control of invasive scrub, do these have to be in particular places or is there some flexibility? If the regeneration of a particular habitat is the objective, try to be flexible with stocking levels so they fit in with the farming calendar.
Does supplementary feeding need to be prohibited or are there areas of the common where the damage would be minimal? Can controversial recreational activities take place at specific times of the year with advance warning or under licence?
Tip: Allow those who will be undertaking the work to have an input. Involvement is the key to ownership of the process and the outcome. Ensure stakeholders’ views are listened to and that they have a chance to listen to others views so that they understand for themselves that there may be multiple valid but differing perspectives.
Avoid rushing outcomes.
One common complaint with management plans is that they try to do too much too quickly. Vegetation mosaics have built up over long periods and do not respond quickly to change. Also drastic changes in management can bring unintended consequences and be difficult to reverse. Does it matter if it takes an extra 2-5 years to achieve the intended outcome? Apply sensible targets for indicators of success.
Acknowledge aversion to change
Humans find change unsettling and can be threatened by change imposed from outside. Where farming and tourism businesses are affected, the financial implications will be important. Many businesses are marginal, their staff have specific skills and cannot afford to take risks with new ventures. Objectors to change also come from the wider user community. For instance, people become used to walking their dogs in particular places - they may even have bought their house because of the proximity of the common and will not welcome scrub clearance, new fences or the introduction of cattle.
Money is important
Where money is to be divided among a group of commoners, encourage the individuals to look at whether the deal is good for their business rather than being too concerned about what their neighbour will receive. Most schemes have winners and losers and most individuals will favour a scheme that gives them maximum financial advantage. A trusted advisor can be key to encouraging a belief that the deal is fair.
Tip: Try to maintain flexibility particularly when the proposal involves risks to small businesses. Look at whether a pilot scheme and/or regular reviews are possible.
Complete consensus cannot always be reached, even with careful negotiation, due to the variety of interests in common land. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to negotiate a compromise. Click below for more information about this.